Full Version: Laser marking application
From: guneet [#1]
17 Jan 2006
To: ALL
I am a software professional in Microsoft technologies. I need to develop a custom software for a laser marking machine. This machine is using Nd:YAG laser and a galvo with X Y mirrors to mark on an object.
Since I have no prior experience in this domain, I need some support from you guys. I have understood the technical details of how to control the X Y mirrors of the galvo by varying the analog voltage output. However, I have certain queries:
In order to mark any logo, how should I read the image? Should I use raster-scan techniques to read pixel information of each scan line and then mark it on the object?
Are there any components (ActiveX / OCX / .NET compatible) available that I can use for marking?
In broad terms, I am looking out for some understanding on the concepts/algorithms used for creating a laser marking software.
I am not even sure whether this is the right forum to put up such a query. My apologies if I have added a junk thread to your site.
Regards
Guneet
EDITED: 18 Jan 2006 by DGL
From: gt350ed [#2]
17 Jan 2006
To: ALL
From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#3]
17 Jan 2006
To: guneet [#1] 17 Jan 2006
For doing a picture look at it as a TV type scanning. As the beam flies, output the pixel data.
For vector it is completely different. You will need to know the acceleration of the galvos and adjust power for the exact speed of the mirror movement at that instant. If this is not done you will get a high power output as the mirror is accelerating, and a much lower power as it gets up to speed, effective power that is.
I am an engineer and a programmer, and that is one task that I would not like to take on. The people that do it effectively have my respect.
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#4]
18 Jan 2006
To: guneet [#1] 18 Jan 2006
The most knowledgeable person I know, in the area of Nd: YAG Galvo laser systems is Jim Earman of Jimani Inc., in Oxnard, CA
805.486.1399
From: laserman (MIKEMAC) [#5]
18 Jan 2006
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#4] 18 Jan 2006
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#6]
18 Jan 2006
To: laserman (MIKEMAC) [#5] 18 Jan 2006
Mike,
That's a question for Microsoft. But we can pose it to Guneet.
EDITED: 18 Jan 2006 by DGL
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#7]
18 Jan 2006
To: guneet [#1] 18 Jan 2006
Mike Mackenzie brings up the obvious question.
With existing sofware for Nd:YAG Galvo systems, what is it that you're looking to accomplish, that the current software is incapable of?
From: guneet [#8]
18 Jan 2006
To: ALL
Hi guys
First of all, thanks for the interest shown.
Well actually Mike and Stunt Engraver have a very valid point. I am myself not in the favor of "re-inventing the wheel".
That's why I would prefer to find out about any software components available that I can further program. So far I haven't been successful in finding any ActiveX components created for Nd:YAG machines.
Can you please name the "existing sofware for Nd:YAG Galvo systems" that are available? That will add a lot to my knowledge (and may also help me stop "re-invening the wheel"!!).
~Guneet
From: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#9]
18 Jan 2006
To: guneet [#8] 18 Jan 2006
guneet,
Alase has a great software. Check it out at http://www.alase.com/win_software/index.htm
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#10]
18 Jan 2006
To: guneet [#8] 18 Jan 2006
The company I mentioned earlier, Jimani Inc., worked closely with Cadlink, to create Jimani Vector Graphics (JVG), a program to create vector fills, to speed up the engraving process.
From: Pedaler (ROYBREWER) [#11]
18 Jan 2006
To: guneet [#1] 19 Jan 2006
You'll find the benchmark(?) software to run laser engravers at http://www.winmark.com/
Active X support allows running the laser through WinMark from applications like Access, Excel, CorelDRAW, etc.
Synrad is one of two major producers of laser tubes.
I think some interpreted your "MS technologies" to indicate that you worked for MS instead of what programmers understand that you use MS tools.
From: guneet [#12]
19 Jan 2006
To: ALL
Hi Roy
Thanx for the info about Winmark. I had already requested them for an evaluation copy but didn't get any update from them. Similarly the Alase guys also haven't responded. So I finally decided to post my query on this forum.
Yes maybe you're right about "MS Technologies" goof-up. Well, I wish I could work at Microsoft !!
By Microsoft technologies I meant that I use Microsoft tools to write software applications. Thats the reason I am looking out for Activex or .NET based components.
Anyways, you guys have been pretty co-operative. Thanx again...
Guneet