Img2gco -- Image to gcode converter for repraps with lasers zip-tied to them

thingiverse

This web-app converts images to gcode for those with lasers attached to their 3D printers. It assumes your PWM signal to your laser is connected to your fan output, designated by M106 SXXX. Note: Results are exceptional, but speeds are sluggish because 3D printers were not designed as laser engravers. However, the outcome will still be stunning. The output g-code includes some information in a commented header section. One key piece of data is the commands per second. Your Printrboard can handle approximately 280 commands per second over USB and around 380 when printing from an SD card. This info has been abstracted to this program since commands can vary greatly in length. However, if you exceed your firmware's capabilities, motion will stutter, and your image will appear distorted. To avoid this, reduce the horizontal resolution or slow down the scan rate. Note 3: This script applies a simple color-to-grayscale conversion. For different brightness mappings, use a photo editor of your choice. A preview is available to demonstrate how various shades and hues correspond to brightness levels. Actual App: http://www.nebarnix.com/img2gco/ GitHub: https://github.com/nebarnix/img2gco/ Detailed History and Documentation: http://wiki.nebarnix.com/wiki/Img2gco Instructions: 1. At the website, you'll find several settings. "Laser Min Power [0-255]:" - This represents the laser power for WHITE coloration. "Laser Max Power [0-255]:" - This sets the maximum laser power for BLACK. "Laser 'Off' Power [0-255]:" - This value indicates the power required to produce an unmarked area on the wood, even if it sits idle. Typically, this is the minimum that your PWM board can respond to. "Skip over values above [0-255]:" - This option defines the white level, typically 254 for PNG images and 252 for JPEGs. Previewing with highlighted white levels (TODO) is a pending task. "Travel (non-cutting) Rate [mm/min]:" - This speed governs slewing between positions. "Scan (cutting) Rate [mm/min]:" - This is the laser's scanning rate, limited by your firmware's command rate. Typically faster from an SD card than USB, requiring adjustments for optimal results. "Overscan Distance (prevents twang from showing) [mm]: " - Set a blank distance before each line to give the motors and belts time to stabilize. "Height (width autocalculated) [mm]:" - Enter your height, and the script will calculate the width. A TODO feature: add an option for either/or input.