Feature request: test pattern generator

[topherhunter]

I have an xTool F1, and the xTool software has a great little feature. With a few clicks you can generate a test grid of power/speed, setting the number of steps on each axis and the max/min on each. It’s super helpful for quickly testing a new material. Please please please create something similar for the Glowforge!

[dklgood]

Welcome back to the forum.

There are multiple files available for similar tests, but we still must manually input speed/power settings for each iteration. For most materials, starting with a Proofgrade setting for similar material gets a pretty good result, and an extensive test grid is not necessary (in my experience).

[topherhunter]

Yes I’m aware of that. The xTool module automates the speed/power input, simplifying the operation significantly.

It is most useful for non-proof grade materials. Proof grade is fantastic for some uses, but there are a lot of times when I need to work other materials.

[eflyguy]

If you’re looking for a new feature, you need to email support. They don’t participate in this forum. This is for asking questions and getting help from the community - users like yourself.

[evansd2]

Previously:

Test patterns, please

I suspect someone else has already suggested this, but just in case: I really want three patterns that I can use on new materials. Test pattern #1: Cut test. A grid of speed vs power for cutting. Let me select the min/max values, and let it divide it into an 11 x 11 grid. The cut should be a “C” shape or an open spiral – this way, I can see how it cut without seeing the middle piece fall out. E.g., I select speed of 1-1000, so the columns become 1 100 200 300 400 … 900 1000. I select power…

https://community.glowforge.com/t/official-glowforge-test-pattern/10033

Anyone have a good Test Template?

I’m still amazed Glowforge hasn’t made a built-in test process. We’ve been asking for years. Then again given how slowly they develop useful features for the UI maybe I shouldn’t be amazed anymore.

Is there an available cut and engrave test card?

I saw a post on reddit where someone using a non-glowforge machine had created a test card for engrave and cut that varied speed and power. Before I waste a lot of time creating the test card, I figured I’d ask here first. If I do have to create it, it seems like a very manual process, since I’m not aware a way to send speed and power to the machine. is there a way to setup an external profile that will set values for me to avoid having to enter everything manually?

Python program to create SVG test patterns

I created a Python program to generate SVG test pattern files to find the best speed / power settings needed to cut different materials. It generates a matrix of squares with associated text. The text is vector so it can be scored instead of engraved to make the cut time quicker. Each test cutout is a different color so you can set its speed and power individually. Requires Python and a bit of Python knowledge to run. Get it from Github here. [image] Edit: Since you get to specify the values…

In short it’s a great idea but Glowforge, as of yet, has not seemed interested. Since 2017 or earlier.

[wesleyjames]

And the “bestest’ part is, I had one set up…but 1-you can’t share settings like that so everyone has to set up their own, 2-every so often, GF servers eat settings so mine defaulted to nothing and if I wanted to use it, I’d have to set it up all over again. Not a fan of 100 settings.

I know at some point I’d asked for batch capabilities. Drag select these few guys, make them X setting. Select this set, Y settings. Again, circa 2017-18.

[evansd2]

We can’t be surprised the Glowforge isn’t all that interested in developing tools to help work with third-party materials. It’s a conflict of interest, their business model depends on proof grade.

They have been going after the crafting market full steam for quite some time, so don’t hold your breath waiting for a feature if it doesn’t simplify the workflow/interface for beginners/casual users, sell subscriptions, or sell proof grade. Especially don’t hold your breath if it interferes with any of those.

As a more technically minded person it can be frustrating at times but I also can see the benefits to the community and to people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to create what they have in their heads. I think some of the tools that Glowforge has made really enable creativity for more kinds of people — I think that’s a great side effect here. People have all kinds of creative energy and perspective, their technical skills shouldn’t be the barrier if we can help it.

At least that’s how I like to think about it so that I’m not as frustrated by the fact that I can’t do certain things like open the machine when it’s paused, generate test patterns, or repeat jobs without recalculating the paths.