Help with laser

[davekenyon]

I've just sorted myself out with a laser that I can fit in the place of the spindle.

Can anybody offer me some advice on how to generate the g-code to 'burn' some simple patterns from an image?

For example, is there an easy way to burn a copy of the attached simple black and white image?

I could convert the image to vectors, create pockets for the dark areas, control the depth of burn via the feedrate, but surely there's a simpler method?!

Thanks

[Mike 1948]

I've just sorted myself out with a laser that I can fit in the place of the spindle.

Can anybody offer me some advice on how to generate the g-code to 'burn' some simple patterns from an image?

For example, is there an easy way to burn a copy of the attached simple black and white image?

I could convert the image to vectors, create pockets for the dark areas, control the depth of burn via the feedrate, but surely there's a simpler method?!

Thanks

I'm into plasma cutting but the idea is the same. you will have to convert to vectors, then output to DXF or other type of format that your cam package supports. I use Sheetcam, it generates G code for laser or plasma machines.

Nevermind, I was thinking you were cutting all the way through. Fairly simple though just highlight all the dark area vectors in Vectric at one time and then do your pocket routine.

Mike

[davekenyon]

Thanks Mike. I was hoping I could have got it working as easy as a printer but it looks like that's not to be!

Dave

[jeffery926]

I don't know if you figured this out or not, but here is a way I have done it using PhotoVcarve. Read this thread and it explains how. Vectric Forum • View topic - Can PhotoVcarve be used to Laser engrave on a CNC Router????