Stepper stop and run in the firing points when engraving an image instead of continuos run

Murugesh · May 19, 2023, 12:34pm

Im using GRBL in ESP32 with FluidNC firmware.
Everything works fine but while engraving,

In other laser engraving videos, the X axis run continuously end to end and only laser seems to be triggered. but in my case at each point to be burnt, the stepper stop and fires.

JohnJohn · May 21, 2023, 4:19am

Please upload the current version of config.h for your FluidNC firmware, a small LightBurn project that demonstrates this behavior (the smaller the better), and the GCode generated by LightBurn for the small project (click File - click Save GCode).

The files should upload by using drag and drop (into the reply box) or with the Upload button (up arrow - rectangle box icon) in the middle of the top of the reply editor. If the permissions interfere, please change the file extension to .txt and retry.

Spindle drivers and carving programs may come to a full stop after traversing to begin a plunge operation. If you imported GCode from another generator it may have saved z moves which could appear as full stops as your controller counts them out.

Thanks!

Murugesh · May 29, 2023, 4:57am

Thanks for the reply john.
In Light Burn, we have 3 options of GRBL.
Among them, I was trying, GRBL-M3 (1.1e or earlier) was not having the functionality of Dynamic Laser Power Mode.

Now i tried with GRBL (1.1f or later). it works fine now.
below links are the ones i refered.

github.com

gnea/grbl/blob/master/doc/markdown/laser_mode.md

## Grbl v1.1 Laser Mode

**_DISCLAIMER: Lasers are extremely dangerous devices. They can instantly cause fires and permanently damage your vision. Please read and understand all related documentation for your laser prior to using it. The Grbl project is not resposible for any damage or issues the firmware may cause, as defined by its GPL license._**

----

Outlined in this document is how Grbl alters its running conditions for the new laser mode to provide both improved performance and attempting to enforce some basic user safety precautions.

## Laser Mode Overview

The main difference between default Grbl operation and the laser mode is how the spindle/laser output is controlled with motions involved. Every time a spindle state `M3 M4 M5` or spindle speed `Sxxx` is altered, Grbl would come to a stop, allow the spindle to change, and then continue. This is the normal operating procedure for a milling machine spindle. It needs time to change speeds. 

However, if a laser starts and stops like this for every spindle change, this leads to scorching and uneven cutting/engraving! Grbl's new laser mode prevents unnecessary stops whenever possible and adds a new dynamic laser power mode that automagically scales power based on current speed related to programmed rate. So, you can get super clean and crisp results, even on a low-acceleration machine!

Enabling or disabling Grbl's laser mode is easy. Just alter the **$32** Grbl setting. 
- **To Enable**: Send Grbl a `$32=1` command. 
- **To Disable:** Send Grbl a `$32=0` command.

**WARNING:** If you switch back from laser mode to a spindle for milling, you **MUST** disable laser mode by sending Grbl a `$32=0` command. Milling operations require the spindle to get up to the right rpm to cut correctly and to be **safe**, helping to prevent a tool from breaking and flinging metal shards everywhere. With laser mode disabled, Grbl will briefly pause upon any spindle speed or state change to give the spindle a chance to get up to speed before continuing.

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JohnJohn · May 29, 2023, 10:37pm

I’m glad you’ve got it sorted.

If you used one of the standard config files offered by FluidNC for your controller I’d be grateful if you’d share a link.

Thanks!

Murugesh · May 30, 2023, 1:34am

Hi John,
Ofcourse I tried using the standard config file for FluidNC but in that I need some additional configurations related to homing and laser functionality.
So I discussed with FluidNC developers in discord and got them sorted from fluidNC side aswel.

here you can find the standard configs.

Among the list, I took [3axis_v4.yaml] file as reference and modified it to the below.
Laserx.txt (2.0 KB)

Just a note config files are always .yaml so you gona use my config, please rename the extension to .yaml instead of .txt

Thanks!

system · June 29, 2023, 1:34am

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