Right now I'm working on an extension for Inkscape to convert the image in B/W (with different algorithms) and to generate the G Code.
Some preview:

Example conversion:

 

Hi Robert,

Thank you for putting this awesome build up. I will be following it closely and changing a few things to suit my needs for my build. To that end, I was just wondering if it is possible at all to modify your driver board to allow it to drive a 1.5-2W laser?

 

My laser is operated with Mach3 software so the situation is slightly different.

It is usual practice, with lasers, to reduce the image depth to 1 bit then dither the image (various algorithms available) and then raster engrave the dot pattern. In recent years it has been demonstrated that an 8 bit image can be read and each of the 256 pixel values allocated a different laser power level. This will allow actual ‘shades of grey’ (as opposed to the illusion of shades) to be engraved.

With diode lasers it is the actual diode current which is varied according to the image pixel value. With my C02 laser I am varying the PRF (Pulse Repetition Frequency) in accordance with pixel value to obtain the same result.


Tweakie.

 

Right now !
http://www.openbuilds.com/threads/laser-engraver-control-board.373/#post-2179
The gcode file that i've posted isn't scaled (testing purpose) so i think its quite big (90x424mm)... i can try to resize it if you need

 

This may be a dumd qustion, but how do you get the drawings to print out full size?
Thanks

 

Is there a photo of the A4988 Step Stick some where?
Thanks

 

Great!!! Will you be able to reduce the gaps between rows?

Alex

 

"This may be a dumd qustion, but how do you get the drawings to print out full size?"
Thanks
I was talking abouth the parts for the Motor mount plate and the Gantry plate.
Thanks

 

A way to slice vectors.

http://3dtisk.weebly.com/1/post/2014/02/how-to-make-kind-of-raster-engraving.html

 

Nice
I haven't put any setup on the speed in that file, so it will run at the default speed
GRBL:
$4=500.000 (default feed, mm/min)
you can modify this parameter, or send a command like "G00 X 00 Y00 F value" [i don't knov if only "F value" can be sent]

 

Still wating on the full size drawings for the Motor mount plate and the Gantry plate

 

Will have to wait because I don't have any idea of how to do that.

 

Like yours, with thise Motors Neama 17 motors
eBay item number:
121158802114.
I have a 4x3 sheet of 1/8 aluminum I was thinking of making the Motor and Gantry mounts out of.
I don't see any thing for the Laser holder in the parts list.

 

How do you contack someone at OpenBuilds? Trying to fine out when they will get the out of stock parts in.

 

What length of the Low Profile Screws?
Thanks

 

Hi all,
Brand new to this site, and, wow am I impressed! Been looking at building a "tube and mirror" machine for a while, but after hearing all the stories about the Chinese tubes breaking or leaking gas, I kind of lost interest. Then I stumbled across this site. I have been staying up way too late every night since, reading everything I can. Robert, this build is exactly what I was looking for! Couple of noob questions. I know on the tube type, the focal length is critical, but I have not seen any mention of focal length for the diode type. Is it not as critical? Also, I want to use the laser for cutting foamboard, and some of the plans have lined that are only cut 50% through. Is there any way to adjust the power for the different areas or would I just run one job at full power for the cuts, dial it back, and run another job for the "scores"? Just curious. Keep up the fantastic work!