Benbox Laser Machines/CO2 Lasers/3D Printers

So I posted this data elsewhere but wanted to put it in here to show differences in the software settings.

I ran 28 burns yesterday with various settings and compiled the results in a PDF document that is 6 pages long, that has to be split into 2 separate file in order to attach. With that said, I am attaching the file I used (Box and Cubes - Shaded) and data file 1 of 2 to this post with file 2 of 2 going on the next post.

Let me know if there are questions or requests for certain settings.


Data File 1 of 2

I get a little confused on some basic terminology and figured it would be good to have a common understanding: 

Updated March 31 @ 10:17

• Arduino - the organization that produces the official hardware (not the laser controller board) https://www.arduino.cc/
• Arduino IDE - the software used to program the Arduino hardware
• Arduino Nano - one of the Arduino products (which uses an ATmega328P microcontroller)
• Bootloader - a small program on the Arduino Nano which allows the Arduino IDE to load sketches (programs). It is not required.
• CAD - Computer-Aided Design. CAD software for mechanical design to depict the objects of traditional drafting. There is 2D and 3D design CAD software available. CAD is used to make your drawings and is the first step in the production run
• CAM - Computer-Aided Manufacturing. CAM is the use of software to control machine tools (such as laser machines, 3D printers, Milling and Lathe machines) in the manufacturing of parts. It is the second step in the production run
• Controller Board - the laser control board made by Elek Maker that houses the drivers, Nano and other circuits (see diagram)
• Firmware - the compiled software that is loaded to the Arduino Nano (the same as the hex file)
• Flashing - means installing/loading the hex file into the Nano microprocessor chip
• GCode - a language used for CNC machines (the instructions sent to Grbl that control the machine)
• GRBL - the software that runs on the Arduino Nano to run the laser
• .hex - the compiled software that can be loaded on the Nano
  
• Nano - see Arduino Nano above
• PWM - Pulse Width Modulation (a method to get varying power from a laser diode, by quickly switching it on/off)
• Serial Terminal - A program which allows you to send/receive data to the serial port (eg. HyperTerminal, Termite, RealTerm, Grbl Controller ...etc)
• Sketches - Arduino IDE calls programs you write, sketches. These are compiled and uploaded to the Nano. Grbl is a sketch, although a complex one and can be edited and uploaded using the Arduino IDE, or compiled to a .hex and loaded using AVRDude (or XLoader which is an interface to it).
  
• FTDI - Future Technology Devices International, commonly known by its abbreviation FTDI, is a Scottish privately held semiconductor device company, specializing in Universal Serial Bus (USB) technology. It develops, manufactures, and supports devices and their related software drivers for converting RS-232 or TTL serial transmissions to USB signals.
  

Please post if there is anything else that needs explaining.

Hi all, I just wanted to introduce myself as I know I will be asking for assistance and trying to give help as much as I can.  I purchased a 2.5W laser from Gearbest http://www.gearbest.com/3d-printers-3d-printer-kits/pp_290386.html][url]http://www.gearbest.com/3d-printers-3d-printer-kits/pp_290386.html[/url]

I am trying to get it put together based off of photos from their website, but I am definitely having a go at taking it apart because I should have put my stop blocks on first, or the crossmembers, etc...... I am tempted to put together an assembly thread, not sure how well that would work as they are all different.

Anyways, there is a controller software on their website that I am downloading now.  It is called Eleks Laser.rar not quite sure how I am going to open it on my MAC, but may end up having a go at it on my desktop.  Ultimately I want to find a cheap laptop to act as a permanent controller.

Thanks for reading

Perry