Chinese Laser Data Format and info.

[Chris J Anderson]

Hi to all and best wishes for the new year.

I have a chinese 300w fiber laser on the way and would like to know if any of the guru's on the forum can help me with the data format sent to the laser.
One thing is sure - the Chinese supplier cant.

1... What is the actual data format that rdworks uses when sending data to the laser ? Is it hgpl etc ?
2... Also, what is the standard data format that corel uses when sending data to an epilog co2. ?

I've done a bit of electronics design / software in a past life and wonder if an interface could be made to convert corel output to hpgl etc.

Also considering if I can improve the laser with gekko drive gear etc and using vcarve.
But with fiber metal cutting it appears lots of machines start the focus high, turn the laser on then lower the focus before starting the cut. This may be a preheat measure or something like that.

Any ideas, or links etc to further info would be very much appreciated.

Cheers to all,
Chris

[Bill George]

300 Watt Fiber? Why do you think the fiber uses RDWorks when the rest of us use EZcad?

[Scott Shepherd]

300 Watt Fiber? Why do you think the fiber uses RDWorks when the rest of us use EZcad?

It's probably not a Galvo, it's probably a 300W Gantry, used for cutting metal, etc. EZCad is for Galvo heads.

[Chris J Anderson]

Correct Scott.
Metal cutting only, gantry type.

[John Lifer]

Link to software, manuals and other stuff

http://en.rd-acs.com/down.aspx?TypeId=50074&FId=t14:50074:14

[Dave Sheldrake]

It's called piercing and is normal on a lot of lower powered fibres. They do indeed heat as they focus rather than spike firing like more powerful machines do after they focus

[Chris J Anderson]

Thanks John and Dave, much appreciated.

[Dave Sheldrake]

The data file for cutting is a series of vector locations BUT it is compiled by the software either on-the-fly or before it is sent to the machine. The exact data format is VERY hard to get hold of and includes at least basic obfuscation methods :( Cards that appear to be very different are often only variations on a theme.

[John Lifer]

I'm definitely not a computer guru, but Rdworks saves a file in one format that is editable but it sends the machine a file that is in another format that the program can't even open back up and edit or use. Don't think they want to let anyone have a part of their system :)

[Bill George]

If all he is going to do is cut with it, then the stepper motors can be driven by any standard stepper driver and the control can be Mach 3 or a Arduino controller. The laser firing is another issue and I am sure its special. The people doing CNC Plasma cutting tables might have the answer. Of course the big question, Why would you want to change out the controls?

[Rodne Gold]

When I inquired about a 500w fibre cutter , I was sent software and it was not RDcam..the program it comes with is Cypcut or au3tech SC1000 ( or EU3 tech SC1000)
I checked out the Cypcut but not the other
http://www.sfcnclaser.com/Article/CypCutLaserCuttingCo_1.html

[Chris J Anderson]

Hi Bill,
I guess what I am wishing to do is output directly from corel to the machine if that were possible.

Exporting from corel to say rdworks is ok as well if need be.

In corel i can use my leadin / leadout cutting ecut macros.

I understand i can use mach3 as i have a small cnc router, i'm running vectric vcarve into mach3.

Thanks for all replies.

Rodney I was told by my supplier that i would get rdcam.

I'm probably best thinking about this once i have the machine.
If I can import easily into their software then its not such an issue.
I do want to use corel though.

Cheers to all.

[Rodne Gold]

You can import what you have done in Corel to RDCAM via plt or dxf or ai whatever ..you dont always get what you expect tho.
The holy grail re chinese laser software is a WYSIWYG corel driver...and it isnt happening.
Are you aiming to try engraving with it?
What thickness and type of metal are you cutting?

[Chris J Anderson]

Hi Rodney.
Cutting up to 2mm stainless steel. Mostly 1.2mm.
Also Brass and aluminium if it does a nice job, mostly stainless.

Not planning on engraving with it but will see how that goes. Am a newbie with fiber.

Cheers,
Chris