workflow with LaserCad software

[andyseubert]

I have been working with lasercad for a couple of months now and am finding a few questions..

What is an average workflow?
I use autocad or illustrator to produce a dxf or image file then open lasercad and import it for engraving and cutting.

Is it possible to have two or more lasercad files open at a time? I have not figured out how - the software does not want to run two instances of itself and within the program no concept of multiple files exists..
This would be my first requested feature - multiple files open at a time. I would like to have one open that is running on the machine ready for tweaking while at the same time preparing another file for burning on the laser..

Second, it would be nice if there were keyboard shortcuts within lasercad for "downloading" the file to the lasercutter.

Thanks for any adivce!

[Axeman]

That's how my workflow usually goes...

If AI doesn't give a decent DXF for Lasercad, then I drop it into Corel then convert. Then I there is 100% clean conversion for...I don't know what reason

[andyseubert]

Thanks,

I have been trying to make drawings with both bitmaps and vector cut paths in them , and it seems that the only way to get the drawings into lasercad is by opening them in coreldraw then sending them to the laser with that macro..

[Guldberg]

DXF's from illustrator always works if you do the following:

Release clipping mask
Release compound path
Ungroup all

Some of the above sometimes have to be done several times

[baccus61]

When you dump your file to the DSP it saves it in it's internal memory and then while that file is processing you can go back into Corel (or whatever you use) and continue working on your next file.
Is that what you mean?
I don't seem to get why you would want to work on 2 files at once in LaserCad while the machine is working. You just do it in your drawing software that has many, many more functions than LaserCad.

[Tech_Marco]

Most folks confused and believe that LaserCad (other like LaserCut, LaserDraw, PHcad. or whatever...) is a Cad software or a drawing program. Actually it is a "Control" application. It control how a laser machine to run for cutting & engraving. The built-in drawing features is very limited and only capable to handle simple drawing task. To do complicate art work, one must use AutoCad, CorelDraw, Ai or other Cad system. Then import it to the LaserCad and it will convert the graphic to DSP reconize languag and driving the laser machine. I been telling folks many times, don't use LaserCad for drawing or deisgning art work but use 3rd party software. It is better, faster, and those drawing applications comes with more features. Let the LaserCad to do power control, speed control, and layer control.

I've been discussed with the programmer about this issue and we agreed that may be it is better to 'remove' the drawing feature from the LaserCad and let be a control platform soley to avoid the confuse. But since a lot of work and time invested, Li decided to keep it there


Marco

[andyseubert]

Most folks confused and believe that LaserCad (other like LaserCut, LaserDraw, PHcad. or whatever...) is a Cad software or a drawing program. Actually it is a "Control" application. It control how a laser machine to run for cutting & engraving. The built-in drawing features is very limited and only capable to handle simple drawing task. To do complicate art work, one must use AutoCad, CorelDraw, Ai or other Cad system. Then import it to the LaserCad and it will convert the graphic to DSP reconize languag and driving the laser machine. I been telling folks many times, don't use LaserCad for drawing or deisgning art work but use 3rd party software. It is better, faster, and those drawing applications comes with more features. Let the LaserCad to do power control, speed control, and layer control.

I've been discussed with the programmer about this issue and we agreed that may be it is better to 'remove' the drawing feature from the LaserCad and let be a control platform soley to avoid the confuse. But since a lot of work and time invested, Li decided to keep it there


Marco

So it maybe should be called LaserCAM instead. I have been trying to use it like that, so I will try not to expect too much.

[Tech_Marco]

Hey it souns good to me
Let me talk to Li see if it want to name it that way

Thanks
Marco

[Redgee]

is ist possible to start the laser job without the downloading process? it would be a nice feature, because i´m using my ipad and a vnc connection to adjust and correct some things, while i´m standing nearby my laser.
My computer is in the office in the second floor, while my laser stands downstairs in the basement.

It´s difficult to make the download process, because of, the download window is in the middle of the screen and the rest on the right side....
So if its to difficult for mister Lee, perhaps it would be possible to set the position of the settings and download window to the right under or better IN the control panel?


i hope my english is understandable....

best regards

red gee
from Germany

[waltfl]

Hi red gee
I am not quite sure I understand you right. you need to download the file first to the machine what means there is nothing you can do on this file until the download is finished . any change in the file except the setting for the machine will take effect until a new download to the machine.
this sayd it does not matter where the download window is.
greetings
waltfl

is ist possible to start the laser job without the downloading process? it would be a nice feature, because i´m using my ipad and a vnc connection to adjust and correct some things, while i´m standing nearby my laser.
My computer is in the office in the second floor, while my laser stands downstairs in the basement.

It´s difficult to make the download process, because of, the download window is in the middle of the screen and the rest on the right side....
So if its to difficult for mister Lee, perhaps it would be possible to set the position of the settings and download window to the right under or better IN the control panel?


i hope my english is understandable....

best regards

red gee
from Germany

[Redgee]

so i try to explain it . The download process is split in two steps . First pressing upload button then in the dialog window download button. Why can the second button not be stored in the control panel to easily download the laser file. When you need to change settings, or want to save it on stick or format the memory of the laser you can press an other button. I don't like dialog windows, power settings and action buttons in the main window are more comfortable and quicker to use .

I've had another laser software and controller before and there where all settings often used located in the main window!

[waltfl]

Hi redgee
I realy don't know if you talk the same system?
if you use the AW608 DSP and the lasercad v. 6.81 software then you do the following steps:
1. from your design software ( CorelDraw or something like this) you use the macro for lasercad
2. the lasercad opens with the design in it
3. you use color to mark different for engraving and cutting
4. then you double click on engraving or cutting and set the parameter for speed , power and in engraving the scan gap
5, click download and here you can select how many times the work should be done.
6. then on the machine display you hit start
that's the way how it is .
it would be nice if you tell us what other program you are talking
greetings
waltfl

quote="Redgee"]

so i try to explain it . The download process is split in two steps . First pressing upload button then in the dialog window download button. Why can the second button not be stored in the control panel to easily download the laser file. When you need to change settings, or want to save it on stick or format the memory of the laser you can press an other button. I don't like dialog windows, power settings and action buttons in the main window are more comfortable and quicker to use .

I've had another laser software and controller before and there where all settings often used located in the main window![/quote]