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Laser Mode

Pro Feature

Laser mode is available in ncSender Pro only.

Laser mode transforms the visualizer and controls for laser engraving and cutting workflows.

Enabling Laser Mode

Laser settings

  1. Open Laser Settings from the visualizer toolbar
  2. Under Spindle use for Laser, select the spindle output your laser is wired to (e.g. PWM2 (Spindle 1))
  3. Adjust Z-Offset Laser if you want a different visual head height (optional)
  4. Click Save
  5. Toggle Laser Mode in the visualizer controls

Warning

Laser mode requires unloading any active tool first. If a tool is loaded, you'll be prompted to unload it before switching to laser mode.

Laser Settings

Setting Description
Spindle use for Laser Which spindle output drives the laser module (e.g. PWM2 (Spindle 1))
Mode of operation ($32) Firmware laser mode. You don't set this by hand — toggling Laser Mode automatically sets $32=1 when on and $32=0 when off. This prevents the laser silently not firing (forgot $32 on) or parking moves being skipped (forgot $32 off).
Z-Offset Laser (mm) Visual height of the laser head above the workbed in the visualizer (default: 30mm). Does not affect machine position or G-code.

Visualizer Changes

Laser mode visualization

When laser mode is active:

  • Laser head model replaces the spindle model
  • Beam visualization shows a laser beam from the head to the workbed surface
  • Burn effect animates where the laser contacts the workpiece
  • Power bar displays current laser power as a color-coded bar (0-100%)
  • Rapids hidden — G0 moves are not displayed (laser doesn't fire during rapids)

Laser animation

Z-Offset

The Z-Offset setting controls the visual height of the laser head above the grid. This creates a visible beam between the nozzle and the workpiece surface for a realistic visualization.

  • Default: 30mm
  • Range: 0-100mm
  • Purely visual — does not affect any machine commands

Power Tracking

The power bar shows the current S-value (laser power) as a percentage of maximum:

  • Segments fill from left to right as power increases
  • Color transitions from dim to bright
  • Shows 0% during G0 rapid moves (laser off)