Drawing, camera recognition, nesting, raster engraving and system activation all in one

The launch of the extensive OptiSCOUT software range means that many laser applications, such as raster engraving and vector engraving and cutting, CCD camera positioning, can all be carried out simultaneously in a single work step using just the one programme. This saves preparation time and expensive licensing fees for different activation and graphics programmes.Extensive standard functions such as process gas and suction turbine switching as well as standard settings of the cutting parameters must be stored in the driver. This driver can be extended individually because the different cutting data are saved in a database and can be accessed according to the job in hand.

Click on image to enlargeConnecting a camera for recognition of cutting markings is child's play thanks to the USB Video grapper card, because you no longer have to make any changes to the PC hardware. The OptiSCOUT positioning system can recognise adjusting markings independently and can make linear compensation for any deviations. Before a job is carried out the camera, which is mounted on the tool head, locates the position of special adjustment markings that have previously been printed at strategic positions on the part to be cut out.

OptiSCOUT's correction algorithm compares the actual position of the adjusting  markings with the ideal position of the original job. Using this data any necessary compensation can be made to linear inaccuracies resulting from the printing process. You can follow the scan or import process, the localisation of the adjusting markings and the process itself in a preview window. The user can see the status of the job production at any time on a real- time camera image.

Click on image to enlargeOther advantages of the OptiSCOUT software include the setting of lead in paths, for example, to allow tangential or vertical movement towards the cutting contour. As is the case with other software solutions, automatic cutting width correction is a must for the laser driver as this is needed to compensate material evaporation. Simple determination of the cutting sequences and extensive import functions from all standard graphics programmes are also a standard for any good laser system software. In addition to a nesting module other available options include a drawing module and extensions such as vectorisation, bitmap and serialisation tools.