Firmware to drive X-Y galvanometer Hi all, I'm working on an SLA printer, using a laser diode instead of the DLP method that many are using for UV-curable resins. I'd ideally like to use an X-Y laser galvanometer for the setup, instead of putting the laser on a movable platform. With the correct optics, I can get dot sizes near the diffraction limit - even quadrupling that gives a dot size of around .05mm, and that will take ages to print with a mechanical bed, especially with a z-layer height of a similar size. Long story short - I'm a mechanical design engineer, and while I have a bit of background in electronics and coding, I am far more versed in the mechanical side of things. Standard laser galvos need to be driven by an analog signal, and most scanners I have found have controllers for this, but they accept input in ILDA/laser show formats, which I have no idea how to deal with. Essentially, g-code is vectors with speed information, so I am curious if there is either a way to drive laser scanners with an arduino/similar microcontroller, or convert g-code into a format that the existing scanner drivers can use? The other option I would have is to use a delta bot (rostock, cerberus, or one of those derivatives) since the laser diode itself is lightweight and delta bots tend to be much faster than a standard cartesian bot if they aren't too heavy. In this case, I wouldn't have the faintest clue where to start when trying to separate the Z commands out of the delta bot movements, and transfer those movements to a bed raising system. Any ideas? Thanks! https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,197775#msg-197775 Tue, 14 Apr 2026 02:51:02 -0400 Phorum 5.2.23 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,890624#msg-890624 Re: Firmware to drive X-Y galvanometer https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,890624#msg-890624 This topic had some really good conversations going, even if from 2013.
I have a 20kpps "laser show" Chinese laser galvo system. It has the ILDA interface. It also has the DMX interface.

Just from a complete idiot experimenting with this, and I have an Elegoo Mars 3 pro resin printer, I would think that the distance from the galvo mirrors to the bottom of the build plate would determine the build plate size.
So, the base of the laser galvo-based UV resin prnter, specifically, the distance from the output mirror to the bottom of the build-plate surface, would determine the build plate size. I can move my laser show RGB-White laser farther from the wall and the size of the displayed image grows.

Also, an FEP build/exsposure surface should still work as FEP passes the same 405nm light wavelength. So, instead of having 405nm LEDS exposing the resin through a monochrome LCD display "mask", we have a galvo-based 405nm laser beam pointing up into the same resin bath/build plate system with the same FEP film. The LCD mask is replaced by the LED galvo system to draw each layer. Because the 405 nm laser light is a higher power, it should need a smaller "Exposure time" so instead of low-power violet LEDS with a spread light source through an LCD mask, we have a high-power 405nm laser draw the layer via galvo mirrors... no lcd mask. So higher power light source and quicker layer build times? My question is how do we transfer GRBL commands to an ebay galvo laser system that is DAC controlled for the galvos and ttl controlled for the laser diode. All of this might have been explored on this thread, but the discussion is over my head. I am an electronics hardware person, not a coder type person.

Is there another thread where this idea has been advanced? A true DIY galvo-based laser-resin 3D printer? Lightburn software now supports Laser Galvo systems that accept GRBL commands. I'd like to use what I have to make one of these if someone reading this can point me to a thread with noob-easy instructions to try it out.]]> AB_Normal Controllers Mon, 26 Sep 2022 20:20:08 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,845066#msg-845066 Re: Firmware to drive X-Y galvanometer https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,845066#msg-845066
For another option you can look at BeamConstruct - read the "supported hardware"-side - [halaser.de]

There, at "generic / GCode-output": - "Outputs laser marking data as GCode (CNC) control commands"

This will not control galvos, but a "conventional" CNC-controller, capable to work with G-codes ...]]> VDX Controllers Mon, 21 Jan 2019 17:54:32 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,845056#msg-845056 Re: Firmware to drive X-Y galvanometer https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,845056#msg-845056
Quote
VDX
... I'm actually finishing the development of a XY-laserscanner -- based on an old dentalscanner, which I've completely disarmed, and then 'refurbished' with the parts and drivers for the XY-galvoscanner, drivers and power sources.

Attached are some images of the device without enclosure (and an image of an original dentalscanner) and some testing results with a 445nm-diode.

This diode is not meant to be used with the galvos (in this distances the spot is a line, not a dot!), only for visualising while developing.

In the next days I'll arm it with a fiber-laser, so it should be usefull to mark/engrave much more than paper ;)

And here a video of the part in 'action' - [vimeo.com]

Hello did you read g code how did you do it? Could you help me ? I really need to help. Thanks a lot]]> serkang Controllers Mon, 21 Jan 2019 13:50:58 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,752235#msg-752235 Re: Firmware to drive X-Y galvanometer https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,752235#msg-752235 VDX Controllers Tue, 28 Feb 2017 19:32:04 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,752210#msg-752210 Re: Firmware to drive X-Y galvanometer https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,752210#msg-752210
[attachment 91313 Galvo.jpg]]]> cozmicray Controllers Tue, 28 Feb 2017 17:28:38 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,711746#msg-711746 Re: Firmware to drive X-Y galvanometer https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,711746#msg-711746 VDX Controllers Tue, 04 Oct 2016 17:07:03 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,711725#msg-711725 Re: Firmware to drive X-Y galvanometer https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,711725#msg-711725 thx

-Sammy]]> Speatzle_ Controllers Tue, 04 Oct 2016 16:14:26 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,711719#msg-711719 Re: Firmware to drive X-Y galvanometer https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,711719#msg-711719
But the 6mm-mirrors were too small for my 50Watts-laser, so I changed them to 10mm, and later to 15mm, but too shot them in pieces ... so changed to servos and 45x40mm mirrors.

For the 405nm-diode the small mirrors are stable enough -- but for beter focus quality you could too change them for 12 to 15mm ...]]> VDX Controllers Tue, 04 Oct 2016 16:05:45 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,711702#msg-711702 Re: Firmware to drive X-Y galvanometer https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,711702#msg-711702 thx

-Sammy]]> Speatzle_ Controllers Tue, 04 Oct 2016 15:28:17 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,711405#msg-711405 Re: Firmware to drive X-Y galvanometer https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,711405#msg-711405
my BeamConstruct plugin was a bit special and not completed for "real use", so not simply adoptable to other systems.

Maybe the Helios DAC could be a better alternative - [pages.bitlasers.com]

The 405nm-diode could be good enough, reading the specs ...]]> VDX Controllers Mon, 03 Oct 2016 15:49:55 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,711277#msg-711277 Re: Firmware to drive X-Y galvanometer https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,711277#msg-711277 www.mylaserpage.de] : The kn25 The Litrack or The Raytrack 35+ . I think for controll i settelt on the Easylase LC USB (it woud be great if you coud upload the Beamconstruct Drivers for it ).
thx

-Sammy

Edit:
I want to use this Laser : http://www.kalecnc.com/index.php/product/405nm-600mw-uv-laser-module/ woud that work and if yes what kind of lense woud i need ? thx]]> Speatzle_ Controllers Mon, 03 Oct 2016 06:25:53 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,533541#msg-533541 Re: Firmware to drive X-Y galvanometer https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,533541#msg-533541
no, this was a 'private session' for my last employee and not finished completely, so status of a 'working prototype' ... and now collecting dust in my basement 8-)]]> VDX Controllers Fri, 17 Jul 2015 04:13:54 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,533467#msg-533467 Re: Firmware to drive X-Y galvanometer https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,533467#msg-533467
Adam]]> als1980 Controllers Thu, 16 Jul 2015 20:30:02 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,530829#msg-530829 Re: Firmware to drive X-Y galvanometer https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,530829#msg-530829
no, it was for the "Easylase LC USB" - [www.mylaserpage.de]

... and the SDK needed to program BeamConstruct-plugins is free, if used for non comercial projects ;)]]> VDX Controllers Thu, 09 Jul 2015 15:38:12 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,530797#msg-530797 Re: Firmware to drive X-Y galvanometer https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,530797#msg-530797 Thanks,
Adam



Quote
VDX
... the galvo-head is OK, but the mirrors are designed for CO2-laser wavelength -- which laser do you have?

You'll need a high-speed analogue driver with up to 16Bit resoultion, what's not possible with an Arduino ... I'm using a dedicated driver for ILDA lasershows, but you can find proper electronics for this scanners at the manufacturers site too.

My PC-software is BeamConstruct with a self-programmed driver (here you'll need a programming license for 500€) ... check, if you can find a driver already installed in BeamConstruct, this would be the best way ...
]]> als1980 Controllers Thu, 09 Jul 2015 14:03:37 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,493127#msg-493127 Re: Firmware to drive X-Y galvanometer https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,493127#msg-493127 Just to keep littering comments in all the threads I'm reading I had this idea:
To deal with different focus points maybe you could move the mirror while rotating it? So while you are rotating the mirror also moves closer to the laser in order to reduce the length of the beam. Of course the mirrors would have to be larger. Not sure if it can actually work, but maybe it's as simple as attacking the mirror on the outside of a drum. You would of course also have to adjust the coordinates in the firmware to deal with this "moving mirror".
EDIT: Upon further reflection (pun intended) this idea would never work! But moving the laser might.

After seeing the coils used on the peachy printer (and the link above) I wonder if it wouldn't actually be rather easy to build your own cheap open loop galvos.

Thanks for all the info in these threads!]]> Dejay Controllers Sun, 05 Apr 2015 12:38:58 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,453838#msg-453838 Re: Firmware to drive X-Y galvanometer https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,453838#msg-453838
First comefcial SLA machines used HeCd-gas-lasers with a really good beam quality and focus distances of up to 500mm, I'm getting big problems with 2W@445nm-diodes and 150mm 8-)]]> VDX Controllers Sun, 11 Jan 2015 14:44:01 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,453663#msg-453663 Re: Firmware to drive X-Y galvanometer https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,453663#msg-453663
Quote
geniouskotaro
hey vicktorrrr
cna i use 405nm 20mw blue laser [www.ebay.com]
at this? [www.ebay.com]
i'm going to use at sla printer, so is the laser strong enough to cure the uv resin using a fast galvo?]]> geniouskotaro Controllers Sun, 11 Jan 2015 07:37:10 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,453661#msg-453661 Re: Firmware to drive X-Y galvanometer https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,453661#msg-453661 cna i use 405nm 20mw blue laser [www.ebay.com]
at this? [www.ebay.com]]]> geniouskotaro Controllers Sun, 11 Jan 2015 07:31:11 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,453658#msg-453658 Re: Firmware to drive X-Y galvanometer https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,453658#msg-453658 geniouskotaro Controllers Sun, 11 Jan 2015 07:27:35 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,453502#msg-453502 Re: Firmware to drive X-Y galvanometer https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,453502#msg-453502
For using diode lasers with galvos you'll need proffessional beam-shaping equipment -- so better get a CO2-gas-laser or an older NdYAG or fiberlaser, if possible ...]]> VDX Controllers Sat, 10 Jan 2015 16:33:12 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,453402#msg-453402 Re: Firmware to drive X-Y galvanometer https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,453402#msg-453402 I'm finally trying to buy a galvo system.
so, can you help me please?

okay if you search"40kpps galvo" at ebay, some galvos are there which i'm trying to purhcase.
um... so please make me a list about the best one to the worst.
there are some requirements; above 25kpps(i would really like 35 or more)
and.... cheap. I just do not want to buy over 200 euro/// and please add the postage at the price.
oh! also which laser can i use? which progam shoud i use to control the galvo board??

if you read this, thank you, and if you may make me a list... I will be very thankful to you haha]]> geniouskotaro Controllers Sat, 10 Jan 2015 11:13:59 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,435843#msg-435843 Re: Firmware to drive X-Y galvanometer https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,435843#msg-435843
I've done this then for an USB-controller called "Easylase LC USB" - specs stated here: [www.mylaserpage.de]

You'll need the programming license for this, which is not free ...]]> VDX Controllers Sun, 23 Nov 2014 16:53:30 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,435757#msg-435757 Re: Firmware to drive X-Y galvanometer https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,435757#msg-435757
I have a Synrad DH marking head that uses the ISA FLCC controller card. However, I have no software to run it. I noticed you were developing a driver for beamconstruct for another project. I was going to do the same for the DH head.

I can find info for plug in development for Beamconstruct, however I cannot find any info on driver development.

Beamconstruct is nice as it has built in slicing intended for laser use. Controlling the FLCC is easy, but a driver must be developed for Beamconstruct. SImply streaming XY coordinates in hex to address 330h is all that is required for positioning.

Can you possibly point me to some info on driver development for Beamconstruct , or possibly offer some help in this endeavor?

I imagine one of the existing drivers could be modified fairly easy if the source is available for at least one that is close.

It would be worthwile to develop a driver for this older hardware as it is becoming more available to hobbyists as companies replace them with newer equipment.

Thanks for your help in advance, and any is much appreciated.

Regards]]> Sputnik77 Controllers Sun, 23 Nov 2014 13:43:01 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,390464#msg-390464 Re: Firmware to drive X-Y galvanometer https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,390464#msg-390464
[www.mylaserpage.de]]]> VDX Controllers Sat, 02 Aug 2014 18:02:42 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,390270#msg-390270 Re: Firmware to drive X-Y galvanometer https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,390270#msg-390270 I tried to use the galvo head at my previous post, but it's too expensive.
well, so i don't have what servos, mirrors, and how should i connect the mirror to the servo//
also, if you know a cheap galvo head, please notice me...]]> geniouskotaro Controllers Sat, 02 Aug 2014 04:07:32 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,388695#msg-388695 Re: Firmware to drive X-Y galvanometer https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,388695#msg-388695
You'll need a high-speed analogue driver with up to 16Bit resoultion, what's not possible with an Arduino ... I'm using a dedicated driver for ILDA lasershows, but you can find proper electronics for this scanners at the manufacturers site too.

My PC-software is BeamConstruct with a self-programmed driver (here you'll need a programming license for 500€) ... check, if you can find a driver already installed in BeamConstruct, this would be the best way ...]]> VDX Controllers Tue, 29 Jul 2014 02:33:16 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,388662#msg-388662 Re: Firmware to drive X-Y galvanometer https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,388662#msg-388662 I solved most of my problems of galvano software by you! Thank you.
I want to ask some questions, since I don't know anything.
1. I'm trying to use
[www.aliexpress.com]
this galvano scanner. and it would be okay? how much will be the active range?
2. What board should i use? arduino shield?
Thanks.]]> geniouskotaro Controllers Mon, 28 Jul 2014 22:08:52 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,381140#msg-381140 Re: Firmware to drive X-Y galvanometer https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,381140#msg-381140
My 'toolpath' is - "Pictures by PC" as CAD/CAM, exporting the NC-code as Isel NCP and processing it with Editasc10.

For a really big working area you'll need a laser with superb koherency and/or gigantic mirrors for a diode setup, as the focus quality is linear depending on distances and diameters in the optical head -- e.g. with a beam diameter of 8mm at the focussing lens in 15mm distance to the diode I'm receiving a really 'bad' focus of 0.4x0.01mm in 150mm distance ...]]> VDX Controllers Thu, 10 Jul 2014 13:29:45 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,380773#msg-380773 Re: Firmware to drive X-Y galvanometer https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?13,197775,380773#msg-380773
That is a very very nice setup, had no idea you can use normal steppers, kinda obvious when you think about it...which I didn't.

What are you using for mirrors?

My interest is a very large 1M x 2M SLS bed

Since you've moved to steppers, what "format" do you use to generate your "toolpath" and convert in PWs?]]> bruceuk Controllers Wed, 09 Jul 2014 19:37:09 -0400