CNC Laser - Open-source tech stack for public library CO2 laser

Lasers
1

Hello -

Looking for recommendations for open-source CO2 laser design / controller tech stack.

Mission context
I’ve got an upcoming mission where I’ll be etching a logo (provided by client as PDF) onto 50 oak cutting boards.

At my lab, I have a CNC router, but not a laser, so I’m planning to use a CO2 laser at a public library.

Since I am not familiar with the computer tools available at the library makerspace, I’m trying to prepare in advance. The last time I used a publicly available laser, the design/control software was crummy manufacturer-provided, poorly translated software. Fortunately, I had my Macbook laptop with me - I installed a trial of Lightburn, plugged into the laser, and was able to get work done. On this mission, I’d like to use an open-source tech stack - driven practically that my Lightburn demo has probably expired, and philosophically I’d like to invest in open tooling.

What tools would you suggest for the mission?

Tool stack
Here’s what I’m thinking - need some help to fill in the blanks:

  • Computer: MacBook / MacOS (or, if I’m unable to connect my computer to the laser, my guess is that they are running Windows)
  • 2D Design (PDF–>SVG): Inkscape
  • Laser design (similar to Lightburn): ?
    • I’m aware of Kiri:Moto, having used it for my CNC router
    • Can FreeCAD / CAM do it? - been trying to get more experience with it, but unsure if it would be usable/appropriate for lasers
    • Heard of LaserWeb, haven’t used it (mostly due to installer friction, but it looks interesting)
    • K40 Whisperer?
    • Universal G-code Sender? I learned recently it has basic design functionality.

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Updates:

  • The design software they are using is RDWorks
  • The files it accepts are DXF, and they transfer it using USB drive

Thanks!

// Jonathan

2

Hi Johnatan,

Since the laser has a ruida controller from what I can see, you are very limited with options because of the communication protocol Ruida uses, DSP.

From what I know there is nothing except RDworks and Lightburn that can run it directly over the USB.

There is MeerK40T that is an alternative to the K40 whisperer, with a lot more functions, and it has an INCOMPLETE device for ruida, so if you have a couple of hours to test the software on some scrap, maybe its worth a shot.

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Here is MeerK40T git page with instructions and downloads.

Other alternative would be to prepare everything in the design software and just transfer the files with a USB and run from the controller.

Hope I helped, good luck!

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3

Thank you @vukasin !

While at the library (BiblioLab :smiling_face_with_sunglasses:), I got to see their workflow. The laser itself is in a completely separate room than the computer - and they transfer the files using USB drive.

The workflow I observed was:
(1) Design on Adobe Illustrator, exporting as DXF
(2) Import into RDWorks, export as .RD
(3) Copy file to USB drive
(4) Walk over to laser room, Insert USB drive
(5) Use the laser’s onboard controller to load the file (setting orgin, etc)
(6) Run the job on the laser

If spent more time there, I’d probably bring my laptop over to the laser room to tighten the feedback loop. I often find myself doing measuring of the workpiece, adjusting origins, experimenting with power settings & speeds. I’d use Inkscape.

Thank you!
// JRO

4

Hi Johnatan,

Then the use of Inkscape seems as the best route :flexed_biceps:

Good luck with your projects!

5

Hi Johnatan,

I just got the confirmation from the devs of MeerK40T that Ruida control should work. Give it a try, if you run into any problems there is a discord sever link on GitHub where you can ask for help.

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