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 without the "Laser Module" add-on 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.
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 |  |
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6) Change the name to "Laser Engraver" |
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| 7) Set the Diameter (D) to 0.01" |  |
| 8) Select Create Settings | |
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9) Enter the following Settings: 7W Laser: Pass Depth: 0.01" Stepover: 0.01" / 100% Spindle Speed: 500 (50%) Feed Rate: 100 inches/minute Plunge Rate: 20 inches/minute
2W Laser: Pass Depth: 0.01" Stepover: 0.01" / 100% Spindle Speed: 1000 (100%) Feed Rate: 50 inches/minute Plunge Rate: 20 inches/minute
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| 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:
| 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 | |
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8) Enter the following Settings: 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
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| 9) Select Apply then OK. |
