I searched and maybe I missed it.
But is there a way or can we add a feature while where the file makes a noise at the computer it also sends a text to your phone to alert you that the file is done? Thanks in advance, if I missed this while searching, I do apologize.
I believe that option is not supported as you should pay attention to your laser.
One can not watch the machine at all times of everyday. But thank you for your reply.
As Enno writes, one of LightBurn’s basic principles is not to encourage the operation of lasers without supervision. The risk of fire is a concern as many experienced users will be able to confirm, myself included.
If you can’t afford to watch the machine while it’s running, or at least be present in the same room, then the machine should NOT be running. Unattended printers is one thing, but the operating principle of a laser is to burn stuff. It does not care whether that’s your workpiece, or your house.
As for requesting features, there’s a page dedicated to that, which you can find at the very top of the forums, or via this link: https://lightburn.fider.io/
(That said, this feature will most likely never be implemented. As it rightfully shouldn’t.)
No body said you had to stand there and watch it the entire time. But you should adjust your workload so you are never away more than a very brief time. I admit, I do not stop my laser to take a leak.
There’s a “pause” button for a reason.
“Surely that won’t happen to me”, as said by everyone who it ended up happening to.
I mean, you only need your seat belt when you’re in an accident, just like you only have to watch the laser if it’s actually catching fire, amiright?
Don’t get me wrong. The laser is in my house, so I do not take risky chances. Like how many have a fire extinguisher mounted on the laser enclosure, or even in the same room?
If you had a pot next to the laser then that would address both problems!
I was just thinking that I am doing other tasks, running other machines etc… I may not hear it end, but if i received notification, I may happen to check my phone in between cycle times…
But i can clearly see, that this is going nowhere at least amongst those whom have replied. My Tormach Cnc Mill sends me a text when a cycle is complete.
Cool! For $15,000 I will fix it so your laser does that too.
Where do I send the check.
I know what you mean and the others too. You will relatively easily implement a timer/alarm function on all machines, but just like when a hose leaks from your cooling system, the first seconds are the most important in an emerging fire. If you can prevent water from splashing into the electrical part of the machine or you can prevent the acrylic from really starting to burn, then you may be lucky to save the machine/workshop. I have tried both situations but was not in the washroom/toilet, but in the same room, fortunately.
That simply means your machine is always running unattended, until you just so happen to check your phone in between.
You’re not supposed to leave the machine unattended. And when you are doing other stuff in the same room, it’s still best to check on it often. Dislodged pieces can cause fires easily. BURNING STUFF WITH A LASER CAN CAUSE FIRES EASILY.
If your Tormach has a failure, you’ll most likely hear it, as you’re jamming pieces of metal together at high speeds/powers. And what’s the worst it can do, break a bit, wreck a collet?
If your laser has a failure, it will silently burn your machine down, along with the room it’s in.
Different failure modes, different ways to handle them. I’ll let my 3D printer run unattended. I will let a CNC run while in the general vicinity. I will pause my laser to go to the toilet.
Does this mean I should cancel my order?
That would be me …
As is mine… but thats not what I intended this post to be about.
True, but unfortunately, or fortunately, that is where it went. Hard to dodge the safety talk.
I’m sorry the replies here may be a bit on the abrasive side, but the intent is correct. We will not provide features that promote absentee operation of lasers. That sort of thing can and does start fires. We’ve seen it happen.
Fire. So much fire. A hiccup in sending gcode (such as running it via DNC) or any other glitch can cause the movement to stop, but the spindle to still run. Depending on the material and machine, can lead to fire.
I’ve had several myself at my job when training someone new. They get too complacent, or cocky, and walk off to do something else, run to the bathroom, etc. and leave the machine running. Come back to me dealing with a fire they caused.
Too slow feedrate, worn tool, or running a material that’s kinda sticky (i.e. pine core plywood with rosin in the ply) creates a lot of friction and with a vacuum table just draws in fresh air. You get fire really quickly.
Basically the rule should be any and all machinery should have some form of monitoring system on it at all times…
As far as an alert goes, setup an arduino or other project board with an SMS or email server and a button. Mount the button somewhere on the edge of the laser, and use the end gcode to gently tap said button with the laser head to have the system send an email when finished. Only to alert you, as some form of lead or supervisor if you’re not present. Someone else should be there available with the machine at all times.