I built a CNC a year ago and am planning on a laser cutter. From most plans or builds I don’t see the incorporated use of a latching circuit/contactor setup. Is it recommended for laser cutters? The premise seems to be the same to easily cut mains power to drivers and laser - or to prevent something unexpected if power is lost and subsequently returned. Thanks for any help or advice
yes, we call it an emergency stop and it is a switch that must cut power to the laser and motor PSU. on my machine I use a 'missile switch' (-: missile switch - Google Search
Most hobbyist machines doesn't bother with it, but nothing stopping you from adding whatever you like. At the minimum for a larger CO2 laser you want to monitor Coolant (flow and perhaps also temperature), and Door state (shut off when lid is opened). Both very simple to do, just a series loop of NC switches and NC flow sensor between WP and GND on the Laser PSU. No need to monitor endstops, Grbl with Soft limits will not send a crashing move, and with Hard Limits a runaway stop into the switches will shutoff the laser anyway.
