Connecting an Opt Lasers PLH3D to MASSO

On the Opt Lasers website, under the MASSO category, you can select the laser kit that best suits your application. While several options are available, the connection process is similar across all kits, and detailed instructions are provided with each product listing. You should select the kit that best matches your engraving or cutting requirements.

This page demonstrates how the PLH3D Series Laser with the PLH3D-CNC Adapter Pro was connected to MASSO for laser testing.

The kit includes pre-made cables, and only two wires are required to connect the laser for basic operation. Adding two additional wires to the E-Stop relay provides an extra level of safety and is strongly recommended.

The kit includes the laser module, the PLH3D-CNC Adapter Pro, all required connection cables, and a pair of laser safety glasses suitable for use with the laser. It also includes a magnetic nozzle and magnetic docking station, allowing the laser to be easily removed when not in use.

The PLH3D-CNC Adapter Pro acts as an interface between the laser and MASSO and provides multiple safety interlocks. These features allow the laser to be locked out when not in use, help prevent unauthorised operation, and provide a dedicated connection point for the Emergency Stop circuit.

Configuring MASSO

      TTL Output 11 must be configured as the Laser Engraving and Cutting output. No other output can be used for this                 function, as Output 11 contains dedicated hardware required to generate a PWM signal.
 

      Output 12 may be assigned to automatically lower the laser into position when the laser tool is selected.

      Output 13 may be assigned for air assist if required by your laser system.

      To enable laser functionality, navigate to the Multi-Head settings page, select Laser Engraving and Cutting, and                     enable the feature.

The PWM frequency must be set to suit the laser being used. A value of 10 kHz is recommended for most applications, although the optimal value depends on laser power and maximum feedrate. Because laser power is controlled by rapidly switching the laser on and off, low PWM frequencies combined with high feedrates can result in inconsistent output. PWM frequency can be set between 4 kHz and 60 kHz, with 10 kHz providing a good balance for most setups.

X, Y, and Z offsets define the distance between the laser and the main spindle or primary tool. These offsets can be measured by zeroing the DROs, marking a spot with the laser, jogging the main spindle to the centre of the mark, and recording the DRO values. The Z offset depends on the laser focus point relative to the spindle Z zero. In many cases, the Z offset is left at zero and the laser is manually zeroed for each job. Offsets are required only when switching between the laser and other tools within the same G-code file.

Once these settings are complete, MASSO laser configuration is complete.

Estop Connection

To connect the E-Stop to the laser, a MASSO relay was connected to the ES output on MASSO. The normally open contacts of the relay were connected to one of the external switch inputs on the CNC adapter.

This is done by removing one of the factory-installed links on the switch connector along the top of the CNC adapter and replacing it with the normally open and common contacts from the MASSO E-Stop relay. When configured this way, power to the laser is removed whenever the E-Stop is activated or MASSO is powered off.

      Laser Up and Down

    
Output 12 can be used to automatically lower the laser into position when the laser tool is selected and raise it again when another tool is selected.

When the laser tool is selected using T111 M6, the Laser Up/Down output goes high. When another tool is selected, such as T1 M6, the output goes low. The laser can be moved using either a pneumatic cylinder or a linear actuator.

This output may also be used to provide additional laser power isolation for increased safety.

      Air Assist

Output 13 can be assigned for air assist if supported by the laser. Air assist improves cut quality and cutting performance.

The M8 G-code command turns air assist on, and the M9 command turns it off. An air solenoid can be connected to control airflow as required.

Programming the CNC Adapter

The CNC adapter supports multiple configuration modes and must be set correctly for use with MASSO. When the laser is enabled, the configured mode is briefly displayed during the first second before the Power LED turns on.

The CNC adapter is correctly configured if the Laser LED turns on briefly before the Power LED illuminates.

Instructions for configuring the CNC adapter are available on the Opt Lasers website: CNC Adapter Manual

Docking Station

The laser kit includes a magnetic docking station, which is ideal if the laser is not intended to remain permanently mounted on the machine.

The docking station uses powerful rare-earth magnets to securely attach the laser while also passing all required electrical signals to the laser head. When the laser is not in use, a protective cover can be fitted to shield the docking station.

Safety Glasses

The most important safety component of any laser system is a high-quality pair of laser safety glasses.

The safety glasses supplied with the kit are rated OD 7+ over the wavelength range of 190 nm to 540 nm, providing protection from deep ultraviolet through to green light, including violet and blue wavelengths. These glasses help reduce the risk of eye injury caused by diffusely scattered laser light.

Laser safety glasses suitable for the laser being used must always be worn. Eye damage caused by lasers is permanent and irreversible.