Adding the Laser as a tool in Vcarve

In order to use the Next Wave CNC laser accessories, they will need to be added as a tool into Vcarve/Aspire. With the recent launch by Vectric of the "Laser Module" add-on, there are two methods for creating the Laser Engraver as a tool. The first method in this article will utilize the settings of an endmill bit and can be used for Vcarve/Aspire version 10.5 to version 7.0. The second method will use the Laser Cutter tool type recently added to Vcarve/Aspire 11+ with the "Laser Module" add-on.

The Laser Picture toolpath of Vectric's "Laser Module" add-on is not compatible with our lasers and CNC machines.

If you are unsure if you have Vectric's "Laser Module" add-on, open Vcarve/Aspire and create a new project and check under Toolpath operations for the Laser Cut and Fill toolpath and the Laser Picture toolpath. 

 To add the laser as a tool to the Vcarve/Aspire Tool Database follow these steps:

1) Open Vcarve/Aspire and create a new project.
2) Select Toolpaths at the top.
3) Click Tool Database
4) Select the Plus button in the bottom left corner to add a tool to the database.
5) Select the End Mill from the Tool Type drop-down
6) Change the name to "Laser Engraver"
7) Set the Diameter (D) to 0.01"
8) Select Create Settings
9) Enter the following Settings: 20W Laser: Pass Depth: 0.01" Stepover: 0.01" / 100% Spindle Speed: 250 (50%) Feed Rate: 100 inches/minute Plunge Rate: 100 inches/minute 7W Laser: Pass Depth: 0.01" Stepover: 0.01" / 100% Spindle Speed: 500 (50%) Feed Rate: 100 inches/minute Plunge Rate: 100 inches/minute 2W Laser: Pass Depth: 0.01" Stepover: 0.01" / 100% Spindle Speed: 1000 (100%) Feed Rate: 50 inches/minute Plunge Rate: 100 inches/minute
10) Select Apply then OK.

Laser Module Add-on

To add the laser as a tool to the Vcarve/Aspire Tool Database with the "Laser Module" follow these steps:

The Laser Picture toolpath of Vectric's "Laser Module" add-on is not compatible with our lasers and CNC machines.

1) Open Vcarve/Aspire and create a new project.
2) Select Toolpaths at the top.
3) Click Tool Database
4) Select the Plus button in the bottom left corner to add a tool to the database.
5) The name will change based on the variables entered in the next steps.
6) Select the Laser Cutter from the Tool Type drop-down
7) Select Create Settings
8) Enter the following Settings: 20W Laser: Max. Power: 20 Kerf: 0.01 No. Passes: 1 Power: 25% Move Speed: 100 inches/minute Maximum Burn Rate: 100 inches/minute 7W Laser: Max. Power: 7 Kerf: 0.01 No. Passes: 1 Power: 50% Move Speed: 100 inches/minute Maximum Burn Rate: 100 inches/minute 2W Laser: Max. Power: 2 Kerf: 0.01 No. Passes: 1 Power: 100% Move Speed: 100 inches/minute Maximum Burn Rate: 50 inches/minute
9) Select Apply then OK.