T2Laser Software

[Zax]

First some background:
I purchased a Banggood A3 2500mW laser for engraving and quickly realized the Benbox software had some limitations. I decided Grbl was the way to go, and started testing alternative software. The only one that came close to doing what I wanted was PicLaser, but the pro version with their sender program is over $100 and it's user interface could use some work (my opinion).

So, now what?
Well, I'm no programmer but I know enough to be dangerous so I started writing my own software.

The result... T2Laser!

(I am attaching a pdf showing some of the features and screens)

[bansil]

IN

I am curious! and can not be influenced by other programs (because I do not know how to use them) 

Let me know if you need help from the guy holding the ladder 

[Administrator]

@Zax -- it looks like you've already done a lot of work on T2 and it looks really terrific!!! Please let us know when the trial version is ready to download and try out.

Thanks for your efforts!!!

[Zax]

Latest released version: https://t2laser.blob.core.windows.net/install/setup.exe

You can also get it from my website or the popular download sites:
http://download.cnet.com/T2Laser/3000-2130_4-76476538.html
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Multimedia/Graphic/Graphic-Editors/T2Laser.shtml
http://t2laser.software.informer.com/

The XP version is here:
http://benboxlaser.us/index.php/topic,859.msg10320.html#msg10320

-Zax.

[Zax]

I just tested it using the "LaserInk by nickw89509" branch of Grbl and found it is significantly slower than the J-Tech branch.

A job consisting of ~4000 lines which was estimated to take 1 minute and 30 seconds took over 10 minutes. I will do some more testing and see if it's the firmware or something with feed rates.

- Zax.

[Administrator]

Hmmm interesting...other than the speed issue, is there much difference between Nick's Grbl and the J-Tech Grbl?

Maybe I should flash the J-Tech Grbl?

[Zax]

Hmmm interesting...other than the speed issue, is there much difference between Nick's Grbl and the J-Tech Grbl?

I hadn't tried that branch before so can't comment, it seems to work basically the same in my very limited testing.

[kkberg]

Hello,
I made a setup for my friend in Austria with GRBL 0.9j and T2Laser. Axis are moving manually and laser can be switched on and off.
If I start a gcode Programm axis are moving to home position and then everything stops. We use the Demo version. Any ideas?

Thanks Klaus

[Zax]

Hallo Klaus,

Grbl 0.9j does not support laser machines. It will only work for basic cutting.

If your friend wants to do engraving I suggest using J-Tech firmware, http://benboxlaser.us/index.php?topic=50.0 which is a modified branch for laser machines.

- Zax.

[kkberg]

Thank you Zax, good to know. I can make an own test when I get my controller.

[Zax]

Updated original post with the latest version:

http://benboxlaser.us/index.php?topic=41.msg272#msg272

- Zax.

[kkberg]

You've been very busy Zax.
I've seen that you already implemented my Z-axis suggestion.
I made a simulation with EdingCNC.

Thank you very much, great stuff.

Klaus

[Zax]

Wow. That looks really good.

- Zax.

[Administrator]

You've been very busy Zax.
I've seen that you already implemented my Z-axis suggestion.
I made a simulation with EdingCNC.

Thank you very much, great stuff.

Klaus

Tell us about EdingCNC...is it a stand alone CAM solution for our lasers? What is the price?

[kkberg]

Hello,

EdingCNC www.EdingCNC.com is a controller for CNC-router which includes also the needed software. A CAM-part is implemented, but I use VcarvePro8 to generate G-Code. VcarvePro8 is the Little brother of Vetric Aspire. There are different controllers available for 3 or more axis. It supports also 3D Printers. Maybe that it's usefull even for lasers, which I didn't see up to now. In my case I only used it to preview the option, Zax implemented in T2Laser, which works properly for me. I had the idea to make G-Code even for a router when it is possible to generate different power Settings with the S-value in T2Laser. Program asks for max Z-depth and the S-value is used to generate a calculated Z-depth for my router. Zax implemented this in T2Laser and I loaded the G-Code into EdingCNC and simulated it for my router. Costs for my version, including hardware, is 350€. Hopefully this makes it more clear.

Klaus
PS: I just saw that Eding also supports laser cutting, but I think it's for more industrial usage. I'll try to get more Information.
Here you find my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=plustronblue most is in German language.
I like to tinker arround with little machines .