Vectorial Driver for Mini Laser Engraver

This printer model comes with a program (scrave) that only print black and white images with slow scanning moves.

This program is the result of a retro enginering work to print SVG vector paths on this machine.

How to use

Create an SVG file

1. Open your favorite SVG editor. (Like Inkscape)
2. Create a 50mm x 50mm document and draw path on it.
   • Path stroke color should be in grayscale and will be interpreted as engraving depth.
   • If you want to print a text, select it and use the convert to path function.
3. Save the SVG file.

Compatibility

• Windows: Tested
• Linux/Mac: Need serial port implementation in SerialPort.hpp. (and chase the last Sleep() calls)

Functionalities

• Auto printer discovery and connection hover serial port
• Preview the print area
• Set the laser power and engraving depth
• Print images. (uint8 buffers)
• Print shapes.
• Print SVG files
• Simulate the printer by printing in an OpenCV windows. (No printer required)

Sample Code

#include <iostream>
#include <stdio.h>
#include <stdlib.h>
#include <string.h>
#include "LaserPrinter.hpp"
#include "SVGParser.hpp"

int main(int argc, char **argv) {
  bool simulate = false;
  LaserPrinter printer("auto", simulate);
  if(!printer.isConnected()) {
      std::cout << "Laser printer not found" << std::endl;
      exit(1);
  }

  int width, height;
  std::vector<LaserPrinterSegment> svgSegments = SVGParser::getSegments("github.svg", width, height);
  if(svgSegments.size() == 0) {
      std::cout << "Invalid file" << std::endl;
      exit(1);
  }
  printer.setPrintOrigin(0, 0);
  printer.startAreaPreview(width, height);
  Sleep(5000);
  printer.stopAreaPreview();
  printer.setLaserPower(1.f); // 100%
  printer.setEngravingDepth(0.6f); // 60%
  printer.printShape(svgSegments, width, height, true);

  std::cout << "Type a character to close: " << std::endl;
  char wait;
  std::cin >> wait;
  return 0;
}