Lasercut:- curve resolution

[KPBadger]

Hello again

Another question concerning Lasercut 5.1 which someone might have a better understanding......

When vector cutting curves, text, etc the X and Y steps are sometimes rather noticable.
i realise that i own a cheaper machine using stepper motors so some degree of 'step' will be evident in the output -

is there a setting somewhere to adjust the step resolution, or change how the software translates curve to steps?

(lasercut 5.1 , MPC6515 )



thanks for any insight.
regards
KPB

[KPBadger]

again , my apologies if this has subject has been previously flogged to death....

[kewlkiwi]

Originally Posted by KPBadger When vector cutting curves, text, etc the X and Y steps are sometimes rather noticable.

In version 5.0 there's an icon that looks like ~ which calls up a "Smooth options" menu. Here you can specify the level (1 to 3).

Help file says:
This tool can smooth curves. This can improve the cutting speed. Select the graphics you want, and click this button.
There are 3 options. Compared with “One Level” and “Two Level”, “Three Level” is smoother. But the distortion is bigger than the others."

'Have no idea if it works or will do anything for your problem, but might be worth a look at - if 5.1 has it?

Bob

[KPBadger]

thanks Bob,


i wasnt aware of that command, though i think that is more like a drawing tool rather than output settings. worth fiddling with anyway.

i think the confusing thing is that when Lasercut refers to "curve" it seems to mean 'all' vector data, ie curves, splines, lines, polylines etc.

CURVE DISPERSE:-
(thanks G Weike Co. )
http://www.wklaser.com/UploadFiles/200752815130689.pdf
i think this is what im looking for here.

a photo of the stepper driver in the manual shows that hardware subdivision of step can be set with dip switches - and the corresponding pulse settings adjusted in lasercut....... though possibly it might not be wise to tamper with this even in the name of experiment? :O)
presumably the manufacturer of the machine would set the optimum in the factory?

thanks

KPB

[SkipW]

KPB,

Is it possible that your drawing is at fault? I mean are your curves actual arcs or are they short line segments? What drawing program are you using? I use Corel and haven't had any problems like you mention.

Maybe I'm all wet, I'm just trying to help by kicking some ideas around.

Edit: Had another thought... I'm not sure if you use CorelDraw, but if you do try "save as" Adobe Illustrator .ai and import that into LaserCut and see if that doesn't make a better cut on a curve.

Skip

[kewlkiwi]

Originally Posted by KPBadger ... that hardware subdivision of step can be set with dip switches - and the corresponding pulse settings adjusted in lasercut....... though possibly it might not be wise to tamper with this even in the name of experiment? :O)

Well, providing you document exactly what everything is set to now... then you can change it back after the experiments!

Bob

[KPBadger]

Skip,

most of my vector stuff is drawn in Autocad, via .dxf file.

some one else had suggested that the drawing data might be at fault, but i dont think this is the reason since even straight single-segment lines will display the symptom, when it is not parallel to the axis ( ie the motors are performing both X and Y steps )

i have tried to upload an image here to clarify exactly what im talking about.

the problem is worse at higher speeds, so maybe a mechanical issue is to blame such as or a slackness or play in the belt/drive somewhere.

youll note from the photo that the problem is minor - but frustrating all the same!


plenty things to try, and unfortunately havent had time to get near it the last few days.


thanks

[SkipW]

Here is an Adobe .ai file of a circle and an oval. If you get a chance sometime see if you can import these into LaserCut and cut them. This might tell you if it is your machine or the .dxf files causing you problems.

They are saved as Adobe ver. 7 that my LC 5.0 requires. If your LC 5.1 asks for a different version, just let me know and I'll provide them.

It looks to me like your laser is just duplicating the short line segments in your .dxf file.

Skip

[KPBadger]

apologies for the delay -


got to the bottom of it:-

nothing to do with the graphic file in this case, a circle presumably the same mathematical expression whether created in autocad, lasercut, illustrator etc

in the lasercut options box ( file menu, options ) the is a setting " curve disperse " - the choice of jargon maybe doesnt make it immediately obvious what this setting does,

it was default set at 0.1 which produces slightly stepped curves.
changed to 10 and circle cuts like a polygon.
set to 0.01 and behold.... a perfect circle!

of course you have to download to cfg file to the machine each time this setting is adjusted.


all the best

KPB

[kewlkiwi]

Originally Posted by KPBadger ...in the lasercut options box ( file menu, options ) the is a setting " curve disperse " - the choice of jargon maybe doesnt make it immediately obvious what this setting does...

Well done on finding that! One more knowledge item to file away.

Re the 'jargon', you can change the "Curve disperse" to something more suitable in the 'language.ini' file in your lasercut folder.
It's item 483 (in the 5.0 version of LC), they are not in numerical order though.

While you're in there, you may wish to also change #176, 177, 178, 179 to your personal/company info - and correct that annoying 'Rotal' and lots of other chinglish errors!

Bob

[KPBadger]

Bob

thanks for the tip - wasnt aware you could customise the software in this way.

still havent sussed the smooth level command you mentioned before. though i conclude that it affects the input geometry rather than the mechanical output.

some of the chinglish is rather charming though, you can see how the errors come about and usually you can understand how it has been mistranslated by taking parts of chinese words individually and translating literally. one of my personal favourites is a rabbit laser ( i think it was rabbit ) setup manual video which suggests cleaning mirrors with a 'tampon'....

im just really glad that i dont have to translate manuals into chinese for a living!
there would be some vrey confused chinese people!

cheers
kpb