What controller to pick for a CO2 machine?

LightBurn Hardware Compatibility
1

hi all –
I finally managed to finish a DIY K40 build & the frame is large enough to accommodate a larger tube in the future.

I’m now looking for a proper controller – Ruida seems to be THE choice for CO2 lasers, and I’m just wondering about alternatives. Price is not the deciding factor. I’m mostly interested in a set-it-and-forget-it solution, but I’m familiar with GRBL and Arduino from other projects.

All that said, GRBL is out, the Mini Gerbil is out, as I will need Z capability and would eventually add a rotary unit. Cohesion and Super Gerbil bring me almost into Ruida territory price-wise… Which leaves me with Smoothie SKR 1.3 vs Ruida. What’s my best option here?

thanks
Markus

2

The Ruida is a DSP controller and the best if price is not an option. The Ruida takes advantage of everything LB has to offer. No fiddling with G-code

3

A fine alternative to a DSP that meets your requirements is the Cohesion controller:

4

Cheapest solution with same possibilities like Cohesian 3D would be the MKS SBase V1.3 by the use of GrbL LPC. You will have the possibility of having 4 axes (X,Y,Z, and rotary) and even have one on top. The main processer is a little bit slower than the Cohesian, but that doesn’t make any real difference.

I bought the last MKS SBase for roughly 23€ (USD 27)…
In my opinion the best price / performance option.

Nevertheless, if money is not the limiting factor, I would still (and did) go for a Ruida.

1 Like
5

thank you. I was thinking about this solution also. Processing power seems to be sufficient for my needs & I might just funnel the funds into a better cooling system and upgrade to a Ruida later.

8

question – who is the maker/seller of your board?
I read somewhere about issues with some boards not firing the laser due to voltage inconsistencies.
thanks!

9

This topic was automatically closed 30 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.