CAM software for Snapmaker machines
Snapmaker offers a 3-in-1 machine
Three different technologies for making things need the same type of machine construction: a XYZ positioning system is needed for 3D Printing, for CNC machining and (XY) for laser engraving. In 2019 Snapmaker (based in China) started a crowdfunding project on Kickstarter to create a system that offers all three technologies in one machine. This became one of the most successful Kickstarter projects ever. Snapmaker now is a recognized brand, available anywhere in the world.
The Snapmaker A350 machine.
The Snapmaker machines offer a modular design, with a 'quick swap' option to switch between these three technologies. An interesting concept, worth consideration when you want one machine that can use all three technologies. Snapmaker is in the list of machines that you can choose from in DeskProto, the resulting .cnc files and .nc files can directly be sent to the machine's control software.
The Snapmaker rotary module
The Snapmaker 2.0 rotary module was officially launched in April 2021 - they state that this was the most desired extra option among their current users and early backers. It adds a 4th axis that can be mounted on the machine's working table.
The Snapmaker rotary module
The Luban software that comes with the Snapmaker machines offers limited support for this 4th axis: rotary toolpaths are calculated by converting the design to a flat relief and then again wrapping these XYZ toolpaths round a cylinder. In this algorithm toolpaths below the rotation axis are not possible.
DeskProto offers an alternative CAM solution, to be used when you need more advanced rotary options or other features that Luban does not offer. The Snapmaker machine definition in DeskProto supports the rotary module. On the machine it is aligned with the Y-axis, which makes it a B-axis. In the Snapmaker machine definition (DeskProto V8) both the option "Has 4th axis parallel to Y" and "Use B command for this 4th axis" have been checked.
The Snapmaker laser engraving option
This paragraph applies only to DeskProto Version 8, as the previous DeskProto versions do not support laser engraving.One of the technologies that Snapmaker offers is laser engraving, using the laser module. DeskProto V8 can create toolpaths for laser engraving, though for Snapmaker a special setting is needed: for laser engraving you need to select a different machine definition (and postprocessor). Reason is that Snapmaker machines use different file extensions for CNC carving (.cnc) and for Laser engraving (.nc).
Laser settings for a Snapmaker-laser machine and for the Snapmaker-laser postprocessor.
Click on an image for a larger version.
Click on an image for a larger version.
For the machine:
A difference in position between laser and spindle motor is not relevant, as swapping modules does require the origin to be redefined.
The laser power has been set to a range from 0 to 255, which is the S-value range that Snapmaker uses for the laser. The laser power is set via Pulse Width Modulation (PWM).
For the postprocessor:
Here no custom commands need to be entered. Laser mode needs no switching on and off as that is done manually when swapping modules. And the standard spindlespeed command is used to switch the laser on and off.
Important is that on tab General (of the postprocessor definition) you need to enter the correct file extension for the NC file: .nc for laser engraving. Which has been done in the Snapmaker-laser postprocessor.
You can find more information in the Snapmaker Luban G-code reference.