ran mtc… z read 2.0000’’
ran touch plate probe
moved bit down to the top of work surface… z read 0.0053’’
ran deploy laser… z moved to 5.3480… then laser deployed
this really isn’t making sense… here’s the laser deployment level when I run the gcode file i sent you
It’s irrelevant the Z height the laser moves to when it deploys… it always moves all the way up before it deploys so it doesn’t hit anything on the way down.
What I wanted you do here was jog your machine down in Z until the DRO reads Z zero after the laser has been deployed. Then I wanted you to put the 21mm block between the body and the material just like in the picture I’ve shared. Again, if the block fits nicely between the body of the laser and the material we know the height of your laser is calibrated correctly. Despite all of the work you have done here (which I really appreciate) we haven’t determined if your laser Z calibration is correct. This must be determined. Those troubleshooting steps need to be followed to definitively determine this.
Now, based on the image you shared it LOOKS like it’s burning at the correct height. Emphasis on “looks” we still need to determine if your laser height is correct. Please re-read the steps in the paragraph above and determine if that 21MM block fits.
Now, assuming that your Z offset is correct, now we’re looking at dirty lens or poor air assist. I know you said that the laser is brand new, but soot can get on the lens immediately if you don’t have proper air assist.
Now, I went back and looked through your pictures and I noticed something:
That’s your power level switch on your laser, it appears to NOT be switched properly. Here’s mine firmly switched to the “II” (full power) position
Are you sure you’re in full power mode?
Also, I see that clever smoke extractor stack you’ve got in there. Looks like it telescopes into that tube. ANY undo drag on the laser deploy can throw off the Z axis height, which I explained earlier is really critical to getting a good cut. I’d recommend removing that for the time being.
Lastly, once this is all sorted, if cutting plywood is is your goal you might want to consider a few things:
Consider doing a couple of passes. You can do them faster, but sometimes 2 passes at 2X the speed can be more effective (and take about the same amount of time)
Also since your laser beam is a cone shape you might want to consider zeroing your Z a little bit lower, so you get that focal point more in the middle of your plywood for the best cut.
These are tweaks you can make after we get you up and running at full power.
I did this, exactly as it was laid out. I don’t think my results are landing as intended…
ran mtc… z read 2.0000
ran touch plate probe
moved bit down to the top of work surface… z read 0.0053
ran deploy laser… z moved to 5.3480… then laser deployed
The laser deployed and was still nearly 6 inches above the workpiece. Does that make sense?
my unit’s switch for I to II power will not move father to the right. As previously asked, is a switch jam possible?
I’ll remove it, but there is zero drag.
Yes. Like any other tool change, after you change tools, you then move the tool to where you want. After you deploy the laser, you jog or G0 to Z0 (or whatever the Z value of your workpiece is) to position the laser for use.
Yes, but as I stated the height it’s at when it deploys is irrelevant, you need to move the laser down in Z while it’s deployed. Please carefully re-read every step I laid out:
If we can’t complete these troubleshooting steps exactly as laid out I can’t effectively help you.
Does it move left and right? If so, move it left, then move it right. You should feel a distinct click. It’s just a simple electrical switch, if you don’t check for debris in it.
Thank you
Please re-read my post and do those steps and report back
well then how do I get the help I need?
yes, it moves to the left. no, it will not move farther to the right. that is as far right as it goes. there are zero debris
thanks DJ
(post deleted by author)
DJs comment was helpful… When I toggle Z down to 0 after the laser has been deployed per your instructions the edge of the laser unit (metal box) sits perfectly on the 21mm calibration cube
Ok, as I suspected your Z offset is correct.
Ok, now we can dig into the next problem: Is this switch bad.
To troubeshoot the switch what I am going to have you do is this:
To to the UTILs menu and go to the diode laser utilites and do the laser XY offset calibration:
Go through the steps and when you get to the step that says the laser is about to fire put on your glasses and press cycle start to get the laser to fire. It should be firing pretty high up over your spoilboard. This is what we want.
Once it’s firing flip that swtich to the left and to the right. On your work surface you should see a big change in the brightness of the laser spot on the spoilboard. This will not be subtle.
At this point hit CYCLE STOP as you don’t need (or want) to continue with the XY calibration. We’re only using this to briefly test fire the laser.
If there is no change at all in brightness, contact support and reference this post. We will either need to warranty the laser out or repair the switch.
Ok, just did all this. There is a change in brightest, yet it seems quite small. I took a video, but this form won’t allow the .mov upload. I will email it to support@avidcnc.com. What’s next?
Did you send that email already? If you did I can check
Ok, that is working as expected. If there were zero change I would be concerned that the button was not working.