OK, you can use the Mach2 PWM spindle output to control the laser. If the spindle is turned on the PWM pulse width is set depending on the current pulley selected and the spindle speed selected. For instance if the pulley speed is set to 5000rpm and you specify 3000rpm spindle speed then the PWM would be 60%.
I believe Mach2 has a laser specific feature that turns down the power when the machine slows down for a corner. You will have to look in the manual to find out how to use it though.
If you don't mind setting the spindle speed(power) manually then you can use the plasma THC1 post. This post does not use the Z axis so it is ideal for your purposes. Before you run the code simply set the spindle speed(power) in Mach2. You can then run the code and it will cut at that power.
If this works and you want to be able to specify the power in SheetCam then let me know and I will see if I can tweak the post to suit.
Do you want to be able to take cuts at different depths in one go? If so I may be able to tweak a mill/router post to set the laser power dependent on the feed rate and selected cut depth. I will need to think on that one. Try the plasma post first and we can take it from there.  |