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Piranha Fx Laser Attachment
Using Laser Modules on the
CNC Shark HD4 or Piranha FX
This manual is written for consumers with basic working knowledge of VCarve
Please refer to VCarve training guides for additional information.
NOTE: If you plan to do a picture / photo rather than a vector you will want to use
our free Raster program available for download at
www.nextwaveautomation.com
September 2018
Laser Engraving Guide | 1
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Related Manuals for Next Wave Automation Shark HD4
Summary of Contents for Next Wave Automation Shark HD4
- Page 1 Piranha Fx Laser Attachment Using Laser Modules on the CNC Shark HD4 or Piranha FX This manual is written for consumers with basic working knowledge of VCarve Please refer to VCarve training guides for additional information. NOTE: If you plan to do a picture / photo rather than a vector you will want to use our free Raster program available for download at www.nextwaveautomation.com...
- Page 2 SAFETY: When operating the CNC laser attachment, you should always wear the red protective glasses supplied with the unit. The laser should be operated with extreme caution and avoid eye or skin exposure to direct laser light. OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO KNOW All lasers will emit smoke as they burn into the material, while the amount of the 2-watt version is minimal, the 4 and 7-Watt can be considerable.
- Page 3 Designing - Create or load the Vector file into V-Carve Material Setup and Home / Start Position (Safe Height) • Change BOTH Rapid Z Gaps above Material, Clearance (Z1) and Plunge (Z2), and the Home / Start Position for Z by typing in “.001” to prevent extra movement of the laser on the Z axis (up and down).
- Page 4 Highlight image and Select Quick Engrave from Toolpath Select Any Engraving Bit • Spindle Speed = Laser Power • Valid Values for Spindle Speed (ipm= inches per minute) for laser engraving purposes, are 1000 through 0. For full power type in “1000”. Zero means the laser is “off”. •...
- Page 5 Depth / Pressure Usage: • If you would like to see a preview of your laser engraving, then you must have a value greater than zero. We recommend typing in “.001” inches. Select Pattern Desired (Outline or Fill, Offset or Hatch) and Press Calculate: •...
- Page 6 Preview Engraving Toolpath: • For best viewing, select a Toolpath Color. The Toolpath Color can be changed by choosing one from the drop down. Installing the Laser Head • Make sure power is turned off to the entire CNC system. •...
- Page 7 • Connect laser head to laser hub CNC Shark HD4 Controller CNC Piranha FX Controller • Connect one end of the 20 pin ribbon cable into the hub the other into the controller. • Connect 12 V power laser supply to hub •...
- Page 8 • This will place the laser head’s white plastic shield about 0.100 inches above the target material creating the correct position for max focal power of the laser. • Zero all axis again • The system is now ready to run your program. •...
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Questions and answers
I have the 2watt laser that came with my SD120 CNC. I am finally getting ready to try it and the CNCSHark-HD4laser post processor is not listed for my machine and even after updating post processors, it's not on that list either.
You can find the CNCSHark-HD4 laser post processor by selecting it from the drop-down list in the software when setting up your laser toolpath. It appears as “CNCSHark-HD4laser (inch) (*.tap)” or “CNC Piranha-Laser.” For the most recent software, manuals, and drivers, visit the Next Wave Automation website.
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