/Inkscape_GRBL_FRC

Inkscape GRBL Feed Rate Control

Primary LanguagePython

Inkscape_GRBL_FRC

Inkscape GRBL Feed Rate Control

This project is based on the "Raster 2 Laser GCode generator" https://github.com/305engineering/Inkscape

Installing:

Simply copy all the files in the folder "Extensions" of Inkscape

  • Windows ) "C:<...>\Inkscape\share\extensions"

  • Linux ) "/usr/share/inkscape/extensions"

  • Mac ) "/Applications/Inkscape.app/Contents/Resources/extensions"

for unix (& mac maybe) change the permission on the file:

chmod 755 for all the *.py files

chmod 644 for all the *.inx files

Usage of "GRBL VFRC":

[Required file: png.py / grbl_vfrc.inx / grbl_vfrc.py / GREY_TEST.png]

  1. Resize the inkscape document to match the dimension of your working area on the laser cutter/engraver (Shift+Ctrl+D)
  2. Draw or import the image
  3. To run the extension go to: Extension > GRBL Laser > GRBL Laser Variable Feed Rate Control
  4. Play!

How To Set Laser Cut Values:

  1. Import GREY_TEST.png into InkScape as mentioned at Usage of "GRBL VFRC" (size 5 x 30mm)
  2. Set Gamma Correction Y=1
  3. Set Feed Rate for White to maximum Feed Rate of CNC Machine
  4. Set Feed Rate for Black to 1/4 of White Feed Rate of CNC Machine
  5. Set Laser Power to a value, e.g. 32.
  6. Hit Apply

Check the black, grey and white.

  • If White is a bit grey, lower the value of Laser Power until it is white.
  • If White is white (and other too) increase Laser Power until only white is just a bit grey, than lower the value until it is white.

Now Feed Rate for White and Laser Power are set.

If black is way too black (burned) increase the value of Feed Rate for Black until black is the kind of black you want. If black is too grey, lower the Feed Rate for Black until black is the kind of black you want.

Now the values are set to be able to print pictures. Be aware these settings are different for other type of materials. Better to write down these settings for a next time.

To increase sharpness, try Y=2 or Y=3.

Note I have created all the file except for png.py , see that file for details on the license