SCA micromachining software manual - Wophotonics...it without in-depth knowledge of all the possible universal CNC scripting languages and manufacturer-specific scripting languages

SCA micromachining software manual

SCA micromachining software manual V2.1

Workshop of Photonics

Mokslininku st. 6A, Vilnius LT-08412, Lithuania, European Union Tel: +370 5 272 5738; Fax: +370 5 272 3704; E-mail: [email protected]

SCA is a machining process control software intended mainly for laser micromachining applications. It has a modular architecture that allows integration of various

hardware and use of this hardware through flexible commands that can be arranged into algorithms, providing high-complexity process scripting possibilities while

keeping the algorithm representation simple and compact. It seamlessly integrates various equipment from different manufacturers and allows the user to control

it without in-depth knowledge of all the possible universal CNC scripting languages and manufacturer-specific scripting languages.

mailto:[email protected]




Table of Contents

Intalling SCA on Windows ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6

SCA Interface ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 9

3.1 Menu bar ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10

3.2 Algorithm construction buttons ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 29

3.3 System control buttons ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 29

3.4 Fabrication prieview control buttons ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 32

SCA commands ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 35

4.1 Common concepts ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 36

4.1.1 Sorting and Blending.......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 37

4.1.2 Hatching ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 38

4.1.3 Frequency vs. Density vs. Fake density and Burst ............................................................................................................................................................. 40

4.2 Process control commands ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 41

4.2.1 CS (Cycle start) ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 41

4.2.2 CF (Cycle finish) .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 41

4.2.3 Pause ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 41

4.2.4 Wait ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 42

4.2.5 Note ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 42

4.2.6 PaintLine ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 42

4.2.7 PaintArc ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 43

4.2.8 Revalidate .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 43

4.2.9 CheckPause ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 43





4.2.10 Transform .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 44

4.2.11 VAR .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 46

4.2.12 DataImport ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 47

4.3 Basic movement commands...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 47

4.3.1 XYZ ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 48

4.3.2 XYG ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 51

4.3.3 ZT ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 53

4.3.4 Circle .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 54

4.3.5 MoveAxis ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 54

4.3.6 Rotate ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 55

4.3.7 ARC .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 56

4.3.8 GARC .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 57

4.3.9 Array1D .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 57

4.3.10 GalvoDrill ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 58

4.4 CAD machining commands ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 60

4.4.1 PLT ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 60

4.4.2 DXF ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 61

4.4.3 STL ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 62

4.4.4 Slice .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 65

4.4.5 BITMAP .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 67

4.4.6 Text .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 70

4.4.7 Stent................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 71

4.5 Device control commands ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 73

4.5.1 Attenuator ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 73

4.5.2 PolarisationRotator ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 73





4.5.3 IOControl ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 74

4.5.4 Camera ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 76

4.5.5 LASER ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 76

4.5.6 GalvoDelays ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 76

4.5.7 TouchProbe........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 77

4.5.8 SH (Shutter) ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 77

4.5.9 Pharos ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 78

4.5.10 SyncAxis ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 78

4.5.11 UnSyncAxis......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 79

4.6 Machine vision commands ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 79

4.6.1 FindFocus ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 79

4.6.2 FindObject ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 80

4.6.3 MV object reference .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 81

Mathematical operations, functions and constants.......................................................................................................................................................................... 83

Hardware configuration .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 85

6.1 General interface details ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 85

6.2 List of hardware items and associated parameters .................................................................................................................................................................. 87

SCA plug-ins: Femtolab ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 102

7.1 Interface .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 102

7.2 Hardware configuration .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 103





Intalling SCA on Windows SCA currently supports only PC architecture (x86 and x64), Mac architecture is not supported. Several versions of Windows OS are supported: Windows XP Windows 7 Windows 8 When installed on a computer SCA is bound to that computers hardware and cannot be transplanted into another computer and even significant architecture modifications of the PC might render the licence invalid. During SCA installation the user is guided by an installation wizard as is usual for most software packages, no additional actions from the user should be required with the exception of possible Windows security approvals. After installation the user must make sure that SCA has access to some locations on the PC for data keeping and execution of files. Installation is similar accross all supported Windows versions, in this manual installation on a Windows 8 systems is used as an example.





Launching SCA setup (setup.exe or setup.msi file) opens a program setup wizard. Please read through the information presented in the first and all subsequent wizard screens to ensure correct installtion of the software. The first window only requires the user to click ①Next for continuing with the setup process or ②Cancel if setup is to be aborted.

After clicking Next in the first setup wizard screen the user is presented with the next step requiring the user to select the installation Folder. In most cases the default location can be used. Also some disc space will most likely be used in the main partition regardless of the chosen setup location. Clicking the Browse button opens a navigation window for setup folder creation and selection or the address path can be enterred manually. Clicking the Disk Cost button opens a storrage device (or partition) selection window with available and required disc space specified for each device. Another available choice (administrator account only) is the selection for software setup scope. When All users is selected the software will be installed and usable by all Windows user accounts. When Just me is selected the installation and operation of the software will be limited to the user installing it. The user can click the Cancel button at this stage to abort setup. Clicking the Next button (after setting the installation up correctly) will open the next wizard window. Clicking back will open the previous wizard window.

Figure 2.1 SCA setup wizard welcome window.

Figure 2.3. Storage device selection window..

Figure 2.4. Installation folder selection window.

Figure 2.2. SCA installation wizzard window.





The last setup wizard window only requests user confirmation to begin setting up SCA on the computer. Clicking Next starts the installation. Clicking Back opens the previous setup wizard window. Clicking Cancel aborts the setup procedure and closes the wizard. After clicking Next the installation progress is displayed in the next window. During installation Cancel can be clicked to abort it. Once the installation is completed successfully a new setup wizard window with confirmation is displayed, clicking the Close button closes the setup wizard. If problems are encounterred during installation error messages will be displayed.

Figure 2.5 Intallation confirmation window.







SCA Interface

SCA software utilizes a graphical user interface for scripting algorithms, changing hardware settings, controlling connected devices and visualizing the machining process. The main constituents of the GUI are outlined in figure xGUIx and explained in more detail in the following subsections.

Figure 3.1. The main SCA interface window consisting of a Menu bar, Fabrications and Hardware tabs bar, Hardware state display panel, Algorithm construction buttons, Algorithm scripting window, Command parameters window, System control buttons and the Fabrication

Figure 1





3.1 Menu bar The menu bar houses the following five menus: File, Edit, Control, Tools, Help.

The File menu contains the usual file manipulation buttons as follows: File → New fabrication (Ctrl+N shortcut) Opens a new blank fabrication tab File → Open fabrication (Ctrl+O shortcut) Opens a file selection interface window for choosing and opening an existing saved fabrication file. The selected fabrication file will be opened in a separate fabrication tab. File → Insert fabrication Opens a file selection interface window (similar to opening a file) for choosing and opening an existing fabrication file. The algorithm contained in the selected fabrication file will be inserted into the active fabrication tab after a selected command in the command sequence. If no command is selected in the sequence the fabrication will be inserted at the end of the existing one. File → Save fabrication as ... (Ctrl+Shift+S shortcut) Opens a file saving interface window for saving the active fabrication under a new file name and in a chosen location. File → Save fabrication (Ctrl+S shortcut) Saves the active fabrication in the same file that it was loaded from. In the active fabrication has not yet been saved in a file a file saving interface window (similar to the Save fabrication as...) will be opened. File → Load parameter set Opens a file selection interface window for selecting and opening a hardware configuration parameters file (.sp filename extension). File → Save parameter set Saves the current hardware configuration parameter set in the same file that the configuration was loaded from (default.sp by default or any other file loaded by the operator). Non-activated parameter modifications will also be saved. File → Activate parameters Checks, uploads (if needed) and activates the current hardware configuration parameter set. File → Recent files Lists the most recently used fabrication and parameter files for quick access.

Figure 3.2. The File menu





File → Log out Closes the currently open operator account and opens the Log-in interface. File → Exit Prompts the user to save any changes in fabrication sequences and closes SCA when/if there are no changes to be saved.

The Edit menu contains algorithm editing options Edit → Copy command (Ctrl+Shift+C shortcut) Copies the selected command from the active fabrication tab. Edit → Paste command (Ctrl+Shift+V shortcut) Pastes a copied command in front of a currently selected command withing the algorithm in the active fabrication tab. If no command is selected the copied command will be inserted at the end of the algorithm. Commands can be copied between different fabrication tabs. Edit → Delete command (Ctrl+Shift+D shortcut) Deletes the currently selected command from the active fabrication tab. Edit → Move up (Ctrl+U shortcut) Moves the currently selected command up in the algorithm sequence by one place. Edit → Move down (Ctrl+D shortcut) Moves the currently selected command down in the algorithm sequence by one place. Edit → Undo (Ctrl+Z shortcut) Undoes the last algorithm editing action in the currently active fabrication tab. Affects only algorithm sequence editing and does not affect parameter modifications of individual commands. Edit → Redo (Ctrl+Y shortcut) Redoes the last undone change in the currently active fabrication tab. Affects only algorithm sequence editing and does not affect parameter modifications of individual commands.

Figure 3.3. The Edit menu





Control menu contains the actions for algorithm execution. Control → Execute (Ctrl+Shift+E shortcut) Executes the algorithm in the active fabrication tab. Validation is performed before execution. Control → Joystick (Ctrl+Shift+J) Enables direct equipment control through the Virtual Joystick interface panel. The Virtual Joystick interface can be closed by simply pressing the Esc key. Control → Validate (F5 shortcut) Validates the algorithm in the active fabrication tab. Control → Execute n times Executes the active algorithm a selected number of times in sequence. Control → Fabrication list Opens a fabrication list management window. In this window the user can create, load, save, modify fabrication lists, rearange, disable or enable fabrication files in lists, start or cancel fabrication list execution. Fabrication lists become usefull when on fabrication file needs to use data generated by a previous fabrication file and automatic sequencing of fabrication is desired. Differently from inserting multiple .fab files into another single one, the validation of each fabrication is only done once the sequence reaches that point, allowing one fabrication file to import data generated by a previous fabrication. In a sequence of fab files in another fab file, everything is validated at once, therefore all the input values must be present at the start of the sequence regardles of what is generated by each file. The Validate function, however, works similarly to as it would in the case of multiple fab files in another fab file – the fabrication in the list are validated with the data that is available at the moment. Fabrication lists can be saved as .fabs files and later loaded for execution. Fabrication lists also support CS and CF commands, meaning that looped execution is possible. CS and CF commands can be inserted in the list by right-clicking on the list and selecting the command to be inserted.

Figure 3.4. The Control menu.

Figure 3.5. The Fabrication list window.





Tools menu contains some usefull features for direct equipment control, software setup and algorithm scripting.

Tools → Galvo control Opens a galvanometric scanner control pannel for direct access to some simple functions.

Tools → Laser control Opens a control pannel for laser triggering control. The user can manually turn laser firing on and off, set a frequency divider. The pannel can be closed leaving the laser in the ON state. Any action that takes over laser firing done subsequently will disable laser firing

Figure 3.6. The Tools menu.





Tools → IO Control Opens a window for setting up input/output controls for various devices having such functions. Process triggers and interrupts can be programmed, manual triggering and control of equipment can be added to SCA GUI through this interface. Pressing the Add new button at the bottom of the panel will add a new item to the list at the top of the panel. This new item can be configured by altering the parameters below the list and saved by pressing the Save button. Unwanted items can be removed from the list by selecting them and pressing the Delete selected button. Arrow buttons at the side of the list control the position of items within the list. The first choice is between IO Control and Executable control. Selecting the IO control allows the user to configure the use of additional input or output channels provided by various equipment (like stage or galvo controllers, ADC/DAC boards and others). The use of such devices has to be set up in hardware configuration. Ticking the Show in main window checkbox will place the IO Control tool within the SCA GUI, the desired text to be seen on the button can be enterred in the Text input field, a pop-up short description of the action performed by that button (seen when hovering over it with the mouse pointer) can be enterred in the Tool tip input field. Configuring the action of the control starts with choosing between the Output and Input options. To choose the input/output channel the user has to select the Device, the Port (if several are available), the Type (Digital or Analog) of input or output operation, and what is to be considered the Active level for simple trigger type input/output operations. Checking the Hold value box will, in the case of an output operation, hold the output value in the selected channel until it is changed. Otherwise the user can specify for how long does the selected channel have to hold the output value before reverting to it‘s off state. The duration cannot be shorter than a single cycle of the device‘s output clock. If analog input/output is selected the user can, in the case of output, input the voltage value to be applied to the selected channel‘s terminals. In case input is chosen the user can choose between several actions that should be performed if the input value matches the expected one.

Tools → Auto focus Opens a device specific user interface for controlling a WOP autofocusing device.

Figure 3.7. The IO Control panel from the Tools menu.





Tools → Machine vision Contains the controls for setting up the machine vision system. The tools in the machine vision submenu will be outlined separatelly.

Tools → Machine vision → Field calibration The field calibration tool provides simple means for calibrating the machine vision field for both an on-axis and off-axis machine vision setup geometries. When a camera is connected and is selected from the Select camera drop-down list and the Exposure is set correctly a preview will be available in the area denoted as Background image. The Step size should be set so that the calibration markers, fabricated by the software, would both fit in the camera field. The first marker is fabricated for determining the MV to laser offset and is considered to be in the center of the camera frame. The step toward the second calibration marker will be along the 45 deg. direction, therefore it should be set so that both markers fit within the camera frame. The second calibration marker is used to determine the scale and orientation of the camera view (the mm/pixel value). The machining step for calibration can be performed at a position (the Fabrication position) within the field set by the user by putting in specific coordinates in the Move sample to input fields. If the current position is suitable for calibration pressing the Set current coordinates button will automatically set the fabrication coordinates to match the current absolute position. The same coordinate input fields and Set current coordinates button is available for the Camera view position. While setting the fabrication position determines the precise point of calibration marker fabrication, setting the Camera view position provides the MV calibration algorithm with an approximate lacation where to look for the first fabricated calibration marker. If the marker is within the camera view field it will be detected and the laser to machine vision offset will be corrected by shifting the marker view to the center of the frame and using the resulting stage coordinates in calculations. To perform MV field calibration after all the parameters have been set the user has to: 1. Click on the Capture background button. This image is used to obtain a reference of a non-fabricated surface so that a differential image can be produced later. If the surface on which the calibration is being performed is not perfectly smooth, it‘s imperfections could be interpreted by the software as

Figure 3.8. The Field calibration control panel from the Machine vision submenu in the Tools menu.





calibration markers, therefore background subtraction is used; 2. After the reference image has been captured the first calibration marker is machined by pressing the the 2. Fabricate point 1 button. The positioning system will move from the preset Camera view position to the Fabrication position and machine a marker on the surface; 3. Clicking the 3. Find point 1 button after machining will move the positioning system to the preset Camera view position, measure and log the position of the machined marker as previously described. This proceure is then repeated for point 2 by pressing the 4. Capture background, 5. Fabricate point 2 and 6. Find point 2 buttons. If all steps are carried out succesfully (points are machined and found without errors) the user can click on the Calculate calibration settings button and if the calculated parameters are correct and satisfactory (little or no difference in the pixels/mm values indicating good MV system orientation and little or no optical distortions) – click on the Set calibration settings button to apply and save the new settings. Ticking the Advanced checkbox enables more direct control over the calibration process. The user can manually input the image size





Tools → Machine vision → Find focus This control panel contains preferences for the automatic machine vision focus finding tool. The first set of settings control the image obtained by the camera. Choosing the correct camera from the Select camera drop-down list, setting a suitable Exposure and adjusting Light settings to obtain a detailed and high-contrast image ensures correct detection of the focus position. Setting the Min Z position and Max Z position limits the range withing which the algorithm is allowed to search for the focus, this is a usefull feature when the stage travel range would actually allow either the machining objective or MV objective to come into contact with the sample or other parts of the system to come into contact during stage movement. Camera focus Z is a pre-configured value of the focus position on the sample holder. This allows to switch easily between samples only changing the Object height parameter and provides a good starting position for the focus finding algorithm. Setting the Step size, Scan range and Speed determines how quickly and preciselly the algorithm will be executed. The range for meaningful values of Step size will depend mostly on the MV objective used, Scan range depends on the roughness of the sample‘s surface and how preciselly it‘s thickness is estimated by the Object height parameter, Speed depends on the Step size, the capabilities and mechanical properties of the system. Clicking the Set focus find area button allows the user to select which part of the image is to be used for the contrast-based focus detection. When undesirable surface features, image distortion or other image imperfections are present this may help reduce their negative impact. This tool can also be used if known features on the sample‘s surface should be used for detecting focus (machined markers or other features). Clicking the Reset focus area button allows the user to redefine the image area to be used for focus detection. Finally clicking the Find focus button initiates the process. The positioning stage asociated with the machine vision system will move to one end of the preset Scan range and scan it in preset steps evaluating image contrast in each position. The position with the highest detected image contrast will be displayed in the Z position line after the algorithm finishes, during execution this line displays the current Z position. The Focus quality line displays the current parameter used to estimate the sharpness of the image while the Best focus quality line displays the highest recorded value. Values close to 1 indicate good precision while lower

Figure 3.9. The Find focus control panel from the Machine vision submenu, Tools menu.





values indicate possible issues with the settings or image (this may be due to a large step size or natural lack of contrast within the acquired images).

Tools → Machine vision → Sample tilt detection This tools allows to use either an integrated auto-focus device or the machine vision to detect sample tilt by performing a focus-finding algorithm at three points. As with the focus finding algorithm, when using the MV system to detect surface position a good-quality and high contrast image is crucial. Selecting the correct camera (if multiple are connected to the system) from the Select camera drop-down list, adjusting Exposure and Light intensity to produce high quality images ensures the best possible result. Input field for Point 1, Point 2 and Point 3 coordinates (X, Y and Z) allow for coarse approximation of the points to be detected. Clicking the Joystick button enables direct stage control for adjustment of the position. Clicking the Go to button will move the stages to the position given in the three input fields for each point. During joystick movement coordinates are not automatically corrected to the current ones. Clicking the Find focus button initiates the focus finding algorithm, the Z value is automatically replaced by the detected one. Clicking the Refind focus button goes through all three points detecting focus at each position. This is usefull when the positions for focus detection have been altered or when adjusting the sample holder and remeasuring to check the results. Once all three surface points have been located clicking the Calculate button produces Angle X and Angle Y values (with axis X and axis Y being the respective pivot axes) that can be used to correct a machining algorithm or adjust equipment to level the sample.

Tools → Axis Provides control of available drives. The user can Disable drives, meaning that motor current will be stopped and stages will no longer maintain position by motors. Another option is to Reset SMC. This will reset the drive controller. Motor current will be stopped and encoder readout will be disabled during reseting. The Oscillate SMC option allows the user to move individual axes of the installed positioning equipment in a cyclical fashion with a frequency and amplitude selected by the user in the opened control panel.

Figure 3.10. The Sample tilt detection control panel from the Machine vision submenu in the Tools menu.





Tools → History Opens a timestamped list of changes made to the algorithm.

Tools → Users Opens the User settings control panel. An administrator level user is able to create new users. This feature is particularly useful for workstations that have many operators sharing workstation time. Checking the Request login when SCA starts box will alter the way SCA starts up. Logging in with your username The

Main Display tab in the Options control panel from the Tools menu and password will be necesary for using SCA software. User actions can be limited by checking the boxes in the Allowed actions section of the panel. Creating a new user can be done by clicking the New user button. This creates a blank default user account. After entering the Username and Password and selecting the User level and the Allowed actions the Add user to list button is clicked. To save the The Main

Display tab in the Options control panel from the Tools menu changes made to the user accounts the Save button is clicked, otherwise all modifications to the user options will lost after closing the User settings control panel.

Tools → Homing priority Opens the homing priority control panel. Setting the same priority for several axes will home them at the same time. Setting a higher priority number for an

Figure 3.11. The algorithm editing History list from the Tools menu.

Figure 3.12. The User Settings panel from the Tools menu.

Figure 11. The Users control panel from the Tools menu.





axis will only home it after axes with lower priority numbers (higher priority) have completed their homing operations.

Tools → Galvo delays table Opens a galvo delays input panel. SCA supports automatic galvo delay control that takes account of a galvo movement command‘s specified speed and automatically sends the correct laser firing delays to the galvo control equipment. Checking the Use interpolation box tells SCA to calculate delays from available data for speeds that do not have delays specified in the table. Selecting Linear from the adjacent drop-down list forces SCA to use a linear model for approximating delays, when Spline is chosen the calculation uses a polynomial approximation. Entering the speed and the various delays in the fields below the list and pressing the Add button adds the enterred values to the list. Selecting an entry in the list and clicking Change allows the user to modify the enterred values. Selecting an entry and clicking Remove deletes the entry from the list. A list created through this interface can be exported to a text-based file by clicking the Export button. A previously created list of galvo delays can also be imported by clicking Import and choosing the file containing a suitably formatted delays list.

Tools → Options Opens the main control panel for controlling the behaviour of SCA. Options for specific areas of SCA operation are grouped under tabs, each of them will be discussed separatelly. The Load default, Save and Close buttons are available in all tabs. To save changes made to the software configuration the Save button should be clicked before closing the Options panel. The Load default button allows the user to load the software settings as they are when SCA is first installed.

Figure 3.13. The Galvo delays control panel from the Tools menu.

Figure 12





Tools → Options → Main Display Allows the user to set how SCA GUI behaves and it‘s layout. Checking the Show recent files box will list the recently opened files in the corresponding File menu entry. Enable touchscreen friendly mode changes the behaviour of SCA. Remember window positioning on closing will open a new instance of SCA with the same dimensions and position as the window during the last run. Autoselect new command will make a newly added command in the algorithm automatically active, it‘s parameters will be visible and available for modification below the algorithm list. When this option is disabled adding a new command will not activate it. Maximized form sizes and Normal form sizes contains settings for the dimensions of the algorithm list and command parameter panel for a maximized and a non-maximized SCA application window. The dimensions are in pixels.

Figure 3.14. The Main Display tab in the Options control panel from the Tools menu.





Tools → Options → Commands This panel enables the user to sort commands into categories. Commands that are not assigned to any category will not be visible in the list of commands when creating an algorithm (the list is shown after clicking the Add button in the main SCA GUI window). Creating a category can be done by clicking the Add button, a category can be deleted by selecting it and clicking the Remove button. Checking the Close panel after select command box will close the commands list in the main SCA GUI when a command is selected, otherwise the list will remain open and many commands can be added to the algorithm in sequence without clicking the Add button. Commands can be added to a categorie by selecting the category from the Categories list and dragging a command from the Unused commands list into the list of commands of the category (middle list). Checking the Assign unused commands to category box and selecting the category from a drop-down list will automatically group the commands not included in any other category into the selected one.

Figure 3.15. The Commands tab in the Options control panel from the Tools menu.





Tools → Options → Hardware Contains a list of supported hardware items. Hardware items that have a checked box next to them will be available for configuration through the hardware configuration tab. Items with an unchecked box will be hidden from user axes.

Tools → Options → Virtual Joystick The virtual joystick contains the checkbox for enabling the Show frequency option feature.

Tools → Options → Sounds This options panel contains checkboxes for enabling sound alerts for certain events, more specifically currently a sound alert for completing an execution can be enabled by checking the Beep on „operation done“ box and a sound alert for an execution interruption by the Wait command can be enabled by checking the Beep on „press Space Bar“ message box.

Figure 3.16. The Hardware tab in the Options control panel from the Tools menu.





Tools → Options → Messages This options panel contains checkboxes for enabling or disabling SCA GUI messages for certain events and conditions that might be important for correct execution of algorithms. Checking the Show message on click Home button box will ask the user to approve of a home operation. This is done to prevent accidental homing or equipment damage when homing may cause mechanical crashes of positioning equipment into other solid objects (a focusing lens for example). Checking the Show multiple SCA instances warning will inform the user at software start-up if there is already another instance of SCA running. Multiple instances of SCA can be run on the same machine, but only one instance can have control of the equipment. When the Show device choices on click Home box is checked SCA will prompt the user with a list of all enabled devices that can perform a homing operation. Sometimes it may be desirable to home only certain devices or specifically keep certain devices from homing due to possiblities of mechanical interference or experimental setup sensitivity and continuity. Some devices perform homing with limited accuracy and the coordinate system may have to be kept unalterred for the duration of a sensitive experiment. Checking the Prompt for initialization on IO buttons click box will ask the user whether to initialize the system on certain input/output events. This function is intended for turn-key operation when the system start-up and operation is semi-automatic. Checking the Suggest homing if one axis is not homed box will ask the user to home the system if one of the connected devices has not been homed since starting SCA. When the Throw error when axis movement is disabled box is checked SCA will inform the user of such a condition and will either ceize or not start execution.

Figure 3.17. The Messages tab in the Options control panel from the Tools menu.





Tools → Options → History SCA can perform logging of some events initiated by the user like validation, execution, user log-in as errors assotiated with these events. Setting the number of Operations to remember determines how long the log file list is going to be. Checking the Use logging box enables logging. The file that will contain the event log can be created or specified by either clicking the Browse button and enterring a name for the file where the event log should be kept of by clicking the Default button, in which case SCA will create a log file at the default location within it‘s installation folder. Checking the boxes in the Logging values section will enable the loggin of the checked events and their assotiated errors, like a failure to execute due to a problem within an algorithm.

Figure 3.18. History tab of the Options control panel from the Tools menu.





Tools → Options → Fabrication Settings contained in the Fabrication tab modify the behaviour of SCA during fabrication and when preparing the commands for execution. The Display update rate sets the view update timing for the main fabrication display window in SCA GUI. Max memory size for slicing allows the user to set the amount of RAM memory dedicated for slice calculation. The Aerotech section of the Fabrication tab contains settings pertaining to Aero code generation and execution. Checking the Use AERO code optimization box enables the Aerotech controller to optimize stage movement where possible. This may reduce positioning time for certain movement algorithms. Setting the Max Aero code size tells SCA how large a block of Aero code can be before another block will be started. Code fragmentation leads to more code upload operations. The Max look ahead moves is used by Aerotech for motion generation and determines the number of moves to prepare . Checking the Show progress bar at validation time box will display a progress bar during validation of algorithms, for large fabrication sequences that take minutes or tens of minutes to validate it may be usefull for work planning. Checking the Use separate process for STL slicing will create a computer process separate from SCA for calculating the slices and slice hatching. This allows SCA to execute commands while the fabrication code is being prepared and improves SCA performance during this time. Checking the Initialize hardware at startup box will start software and hardware initialization when SCA is launched automatically. The Allow global variables checkbox determines whether global variable use for exchange of values between different algorithms is possible. Complex sequences of fabrication may require the execution of more than one algorithm and sometimes values have to be shared between the different algorithms. When the Execution time calculation box is checked SCA will try to estimate the execution duration of an algorithm being validated or executed. The estimation is done by adding up the duration of all movement and other commands. For correcting the estimation results the user can input a multiplication factor for the estimated durations of STL object machining and other General commands like XYZ, XYG and others.

Figure 3.19. The History tab in the Options control panel from the Tools menu.





Tools → Options → Fabrication Display The Fabrication display tab contains settings for a very important SCA function – preview of the algorithm. A background image can be loaded for the fabrication prieview window by ticking the Enable background image box, selecting an image file by clicking the Load button and scaling it. SCA has the functionallity to machine by raster scanning over an area using the BITMAP command. The user can select how each pixel of such an image will be represented in the fabrication preview window. Square will depict each pixel as a square having a black border and fill corresponding to the bit value of that pixel, Circle – as a circular outline of a corresponding colour, Point will depict each pixel as an infinitesimally small coloured figure which does not scale with the viewing field, and Original will depict each pixel as a borderless square of a suitable colour. Setting the Pixel size parameter applies to circular pixels. The Show hatching order box enables or disables displaying the hatching order for 2D objects like DXF contours or STL slices. Checking the Exchange fabdisplay axis box swaps the dimensions in the view – X axis will be depicted along the vertical direction on the screen and Y axis along the horizontal. Checking the Auto zoom to object box automatically scales and center the fabrication preview field to the extents of the programmed structure. Checking the Show only fabricated slice box will display 3D file machining one layer at a time. Checking the Show mouse position box will enable dispaying the coordinates of the mouse pointer tip next to it according to MV calibration. The user can also invert the drawing in the fabrication preview window by checking the Flip X axis and Flip Y axis boxes. Finally choosing the Default view will set the default display mode (2D or 3D). Options in the 3D View control section determine how the fabrication display window will respond to user input in 3D mode. Checking the Swap keys box will make the fabrication display window rotate the view when the right mouse button is pressed and pan when the left mouse button is pressed, if this box is not checked the buttons are reversed. Checking the Show coordinates box will display coordinates around the fabrication display window, although 3D coordinate system representation is not possible on a 2D screen. Changing the Mouse wheel sensitivity setting adjusts how quickly the view zooms when rotating the mouse wheel. There are also settings for rotation sensitivity, which can be adjusted for quick (When Ctrl key is released) and slow (When Ctrl key is pressed) rotation modes. Show center and Show grid checkboxes enable field

Figure 3.20. The Fabrication display tab in the Options control panel from the Tools menu.





center and coordinate grid display when ticked. Changing the Circle drawing quality parameter adjusts the complexity of drawn circles (does not affect machining), changing the Surface transparency parameter adjusts transparency of 3d objects drawn in the preview. Ticking the Show dashes box enables visualization of actual marked sections of lines when marking in Dashed mode (XYZ command). Different kinds of moves can be coloured differently in the fabrication preview window. The user can choose colours for marked moves (Mark color), highlighted moves (Highlight), colour for drawn objects (namely PaintLine and PaintArc commands, Paint color button), and Offsets (in dashed mode).

Tools → Show fabrication display window A checkbox type option to display the fabrication display window not integrated into the main SCA window body but rather as a separate window when checked.

Tools → Show object rectangle A checkbox type option, draws a rectangle matching the X and Y extents of the fabrication algorithm when checked.

Tools → Draw algorithm SCA draws the fabrication algorithm when checked. Usefull for disabling algorithm drawing for large fabrications to free-up PC processing resources and ensure system stability and ease of operation when fabrication preview is not necessary (drawing may consume considerable amounts of PC processing resources when the fabrication algorithm is long and complex).





3.2 Algorithm construction buttons

Up and Down Moves the selected command or command block up or down one position within the algorithm command list. Add Opens a panel for selecting a command to be added to the algorithm command list. Commands will be added at the end of the list if no command is selected or after a selected command. Delete Removes the selected command from the algorithm commands list.

3.3 System control buttons

Initialize Initializes the system. Currents are switched on, communications are established between the PC and equipment controllers, hardware presense and status is checked, depending on preferences homing may be initiated. Home Initiates the equipment homing sequence. Depending on preferences a checklist of all equipment available for homing may be displayed and a confirmation by the user may be necessary to start homing. Only equipment inherently capable of homing or equipment configured as capable of homing will be on the checklist. Homing cannot be stopped once started. Validate Algorithm sequence is checked for syntax, continuity and termination, command parameters are checked to be within configured limits, all variable values are calculated, mathematical expressions are evaluated and checked to be within configured limits when used for fabrication control. Command sequences for

Figure 3.23. The device Homing checklist.

Figure 3.21. Algorithm construction buttons.

Figure 3.22. System control buttons before and during execution





equipment controllers are generated, algorithm is broken into blocks depending on it‘s length, structure and commands used within it. Fabrication preview is generated and drawn in the fabrication preview window. Execute Validation of the algorithm is done as described earlier. Command sequences are uploaded or scheduled to be uploaded to equipment controllers, fabrication starts when a sufficient amount of commands is generated, commands sequence generation, writing and upload may continue into fabrication. Pause Temporarilly ceises fabrication at a suitable point within the sequence. Suitable points include: Scheduled new sequence block upload; Unsynchronized equipment action (attenuator, polarization rotator, stepper motion); Transitions between different control equipment (for example A3200 and RTC4 card do not work synchronously from SCA, therefore execution is interrupted when transitioning between these devices); Cycle end; Wait command; Pause command; some other instances where the code has to be split. Cancel Stops execution immediatelly and releases the equipment, fabrication state is discarded and the sequence cannot be resumed from where it was stopped without user intervention. Joystick Opens the Joystick control panel for direct system control. Up, Down, Left and Right keyboard keys control stage movement direction as configured in Joystick hardware parameters. The same actions can be performed by clicking on the respective Green Arrow buttons within the joystick control panel.

Figure 3.24. The Joystick control panel.





Clicking on the A button or pressing the keyboard A key switches between Fast move and Slow move modes as configured in Joystick hardware parameters. Clicking on the B button or pressing the keyboard B key switches between XY axis movement and YZ axis movement. Clicking on the F button within the Joystick control panel or pressing the F key on the keyboard enables laser output, repeating the same action disables laser output. Clicking on the M button within the Joystick control panel or pressing the keyboard M key switches between Free move and Jog modes of stage movement. Clicking on the H button or pressing the keyboard H key moves the stages to the last position before Joystick movement. Jog Distance determines the movement speed and can be changed separately for fast move and slow move modes. Pressing the keyboard numpad + and – keys on the keyboard increases and decreases the Jog Distance parameter by an order of magnitude. Pressing a number on the numpad changes the first significant digit of the Jog Distance parameter to that number. The stage/galvo button chooses which device to move with the virtual joystick. The selected device name becomes black while the deselected device name is grey. Laser Power at the sample can be controlled from the Joystick control panel by selecting the appropriate Attenuator from a drop-down list of all connected attenuators, setting the desired power percentage in the Power input field and clicking on the Set power button or simply pressing the keyboard Return key. Additionally when in Joystick options the checkbox „Show frequency option“ is selected, another laser firing mode is added where the user can manually input the laser triggering frequency (therefore outputing a fraction of total laser power). When ShowAdditionalControls, Add additional axes controls and Add Z axis control buttons options are enabled in Joystick hardware parameters, buttons for all coonected axes and separate Z axis control become available in the Joystick control panel.

Figure 3.25. The extended Joystick control panel.with Frequency option, Z and C axis control buttons.





3.4 Fabrication prieview control buttons

The fabrication preview control buttons provide quick access to some of the fabrication display‘s features. Their functions will be briefly outlined in this section. - Zoom in button. Clicking on this button will zoom in by one step. Zooming in can also be achieved by using the mouse wheel or by selecting an area of the fabrication display window by draging the mouse cursor over it with the left mouse button held down, this will zoom to the extents of the marked area. - Zoom out button. Clicking on this button will zoom out by one step. Zooming out can also be achieved by using the mouse wheel. - Zoom reset button. Clicking on this button zooms in or out to the default zoom level. -Zoom to object button. Clicking it will zoom to fit the extents of the machining object into the fabrication preview window. -View left, view right, view up, view down buttons: move the visible area to the corresponding side within the field.

Figure 3.26. The Fabrication preview control buttons strip..





-Camera button. Provides access to additional camera functions: Save image: saves current camera frame to a bitmap file; Start camera: initiates image acquisition from camera; Stop camera: stops image acquisition from camera; Record video: records a frame-by-frame video; Find camera focus: brings up the same interface as Tool->Machine Vision->Find focus Track position: when enabled the camera view will stay in the center of the Fabrication preview window, the ivsible field will be moved about to maintain the camera view during movement; Settings: opens the camera settings window. In the Camera settings window the user can configure which, if any, of the connected cameras to use for the machine vision functionallity. Depending on the camera an Exposure control list item can also be present in the pop-up list. The General settings allow the user to set the camera name, manage settings files and their locations, and select whether the camera in question is viewing the sample through the machining objective or an off-axis objective. In the Camera settings the user can configure a specific camera selected from the Camera name list. After clicking Configure another window opens where the user can connect to the camera and, depending on it‘s functionallity, change exposure, image acquisition, subsampling settings and other parameters. In Calibration the user can choose either to adjust the camera view calibration manually under Manual calibration, or run the procedure of Automatic camera field calibration found in Tool->Machine vision->Field calibration and described in detail in that section of this manual. Clicking Apply saves and applies the settings for MV camera. VisionLT list item opens the VisionLT machine vision tool library interface. This option may on may not be present on your version of SCA. For instructions on how to use VisionLT please refer to the manual provided with it.

Figure 3.27. Camera button pop-out menu.

Figure 3.28. Camera Settings window, General..





-Saves display image button: saves current fabrication preview window content as a bitmap file. A location and file name selection interface for file saving opens after clicking. -Track laser position button: when clicked will move the view together with the marking position. -Full screen button: opens the fabrication prieview window in a separate window from SCA main window. -2D/3D view button: switches between 2D and 3D view in the fabrication preview window. - Ruler button: starts a tool for measuring features in the fabrication preview window. Clicking this button and then clicking within the fabrication preview window places the first marker. Clicking again within the fabrication preview window places the second marker and displays the measurement result. Clicking for a third time within the fabrication preview window discards the measurement and disables the tool. This tool uses the virtual fabrication field as scale reference, therefore when measuring sample features as images by MV equipment the result will be sensitive to calibration. -Z layer tool: allows to select one layer, all or none to be viewed (zero Z extent) while in 2d viewing mode. Continuous objects not lying in a XY paralel plane will not be shown. -View settings button: allows the user to enable/disable what types of moves are displayed in the fabrication preview window.

Figure 3.30.Manual calibration under Camera settings.

Figure 3.29. Camera Settings window, Camera settings.





SCA commands

SCA commands can be found through the „Add..“ button within the GUI. Available command list will vary depending on the version of SCA, connected equipment and any special features that your particular edition of SCA may have. This list outlines the most basic and universal SCA commands as well as some more rarely used and specific ones.

Figure 3.4.1 SCA commands list that opens after clicking the Add button.





4.1 Common concepts Some concepts/choices are found throughout multiple SCA commands and do not require separate explanation for each command. This section discusses these concepts.





4.1.1 Sorting and Blending By selecting the Sorting option user can enable internal SCA optimization of CAD geometries for machining. A figure on the right shows two extreme cases of the same rectangular trajectory. Black numbers indicate the sequence of element definition in the CAD file, black arrows show marking moves, green arrows – jump moves, red number indicate the number of move in the complete machining sequence. If elements defined in the CAD file have an order in which they are defined and also have beginning and end points a situation may arise where simply executing movement commands according the the CAD file defined list may significantly increase machining duration and even reduce machining precision. SCA analyzes the element list and optimizes the machining order in such a way as to perform the minimum possible number of non-marking moves and make them as short as possible. Blending, when enabled, will have influence on stage movement smoothness, speed and precision. When Blending is not used, SCA will treat every move operation as separate and stages will come to a complete halt after each unblended move. When blending is enabled many consequent moves can be treated as a continuous move and could be performed without stopping stage movement between segments. Specifying Max blending angle tells SCA how steep an angle between two segments of a trajectory can be for Aerotech to attempt blending. If the angle between trajectories exceeds this value blending will be disabled and stages will stop between the two segments. The Distance tolerance parameter tells sca how large a gap between two marked segmens in a DXF can be for SCA to attempt to blend those two segments into a single mark. Blending can be used with the following commands: XYZ ARC PLT DXF STL Slice

Figure 4.1.1 Example of sorting optimization on a simple but badly defined (in the CAD file) geometry.





4.1.2 Hatching Hatching in SCA means filling in a closed shape with machining lines. This allows for simple machining of contour-defined shapes when they describe an area to be processed by the laser. Hatching can be used with the following commands: Circle PLT DXF STL Slice Use hatching checkbox enables hatching when checked. The Leave contour checkbox, when checked, tells SCA to also machine the original contour additionaly to the hatching pattern. Sort enables optimized trajectory sequencing (sorting trajectories according to distances between ends and beginnings of hatching lines). Bidirectional checkbox, when checked, tells SCA to do the hatching in both directions, therefore saving time that would be wasted for jumping to one side where the beginning of the lines is. Fill spacing or Hatching step in Slice defines the density of hatching lines, it is specified in milimeters and means the distance between adjacent hatching trajectories. Angle defines the direction of hatching lines, it is specified in degrees, entering zero means the hatching lines will be along the X direction of the positioning system. Hatch offset in DXF command and Offset in Slice command determines how far the hatching fill will be from the initial border of the contour, positive value displaces the fill pattern to the inside of the contour.

Figure 4.1.5 Hatching parameters (DXF command)

Figure 4.1.4 Hatching parameters (Circle command)

Figure 4.1.3 Hatching parameters (PLT command)

Figure 4.1.2 Hatching parameters (STL command in Direct fabrication mode)





Jump offset in PLT command tells SCA to perform jumps between different hatching regions by first moving away from the marking position and then moving into it. Mark offsets for all commands mean additional acceleration regions for marking. Positive values place the acceleration region to the outside of the contour, negative values place the acceleration region to the inside of the contour. Hatch type selection (Lines or Contour), in Slice command allows the user to choose between paralel line hatching and countour hatching. Hatching is first checkbox forces the software to hatch first and machine the contour only then. If the checkbox is not checked the the contour will be machined first and the fill pattern after it. When Contour hatch type is selected in Slice command a checkbox for Max contour count and Hatching to center are available, when Max contour count is not checked an input field for the manually specifying Contour count is active. If Max contour count is checked the file defined area fill be completely filled. When Hatching to center is checked, the countours will be machined beginning from the outside of the shape towards the inside. If the checkbox is left unchecked, the machining order will be inside to outside.

Figure 4.1.8 Hatching parameters with linear hatching type (Slice command).

Figure 4.1.7 Hatching parameters for contour hatching (Slice command).

Figure 4.1.6 Left: contour hatching of a square shape; right: line hatching of a square shape.





4.1.3 Frequency vs. Density vs. Fake density and Burst Because some equipment supports position synchronized output (PSO) and some does not (most galvo scanners for example), different marking/machining modes are possible with different positioning equipment. Utilizing the PSO functionality laser output triggers can be associated with spatial position. In Frequency mode, on the other hand, laser output is solely time dependant and does not account for acceleration, yelding, therefore, variable pulse density on the sample. Density mode, when used with typical galvo-scanners, allows the user to set the pulse density when the scanner mirrors are already up to speed, but since with most scanner-based systems true real-time velocity or position feedback is not available, this does not produce the requested pulse density in the regions of trajectory, where the mirrors are still accelerating. In essence this option allows the user to trigger the laser at any frequency up to the full laser frequency, while frequency divider can only be an integer and therefore the choices of triggering frequency are more limited. While using acceleration margins can partially solve the problem of too-high pulse overlap at beginnings and ends of marking trajectories in frequency mode, it does not trully replace density mode as the positions of the marked spots remain undefined. In case of a constant output frequency laser the optical pulse train is not monitorred automatically by SCA, therefore, any discrepancy between laser pulse train timing and laser gating event train timing will compromize the precision of pulse placement. This will be most apparent for high speed movement and low output frequency laser systems. For example if the gating pulse is 1/Frep, for a 10 KHz output frequency laser system it will be 100 us in duration. For 97 mm/s movement speed the position travelled by the stages within the gating pulse duration is 9.7 um and this is the pulse position jitter that can be expected for such a combination of parametters. In case the laser frequency is and exact multiple of triggering frequency and both are stable the jitter would theoretically reduce to 0. The same applies for density mode too as the temporal position of the laser pulse is undefined within the gating signal window. The Burst parameter tells SCA how many laser pulses to output at once. In Frequency mode the specified frequency multiplied by burst cannot exceed the laser operation frequency. In density mode the product of speed, density and burst must also be below the laser operating frequency.

Figure 4.1.9 Illustration of laser marking pattern in density (top) and frequency (bottom) modes.

Figure 4.1.10 Illustration of positioning speed and laser output trigger distribution in density (PSO) and frequency modes and with burst.





4.2 Process control commands

4.2.1 CS (Cycle start) CS is a structural command in SCA. It’s position in the algorithm denotes a start of a command sequence that will be repeated as many times as is specified in the CS command input field. Each cycle in an algorithm has it’s own associated cycle number variable that can be used as a counter within the cycle. The top-most cycle (the first initiated cycle) will have a counter variable n1 that can be used for calculations within this cycle. A cycle created within a cycle will have a cycle number n2 available within the second cycle. Using cycle numbers for process control is convenient for iterative movement, algorithm structuring in space and parameter variation during testing (see examples). The CS command input field accepts all positive numbers and zero, non-integer values are taken rounded to the closest integer value, input can be in the form of numbers, variables, mathematical expressions and constants, array addresses.

4.2.2 CF (Cycle finish) The CF command denotes where the command sequence of a cycle ends. CF commands do not require any input and will affect the highest level non-terminated cycle sequence.

4.2.3 Pause Pauses the execution for a duration of time specified in the Time input field. Checking the Beep checkbox will, as the name implies, produce a beep through the PC‘s speaker once the Pause duration has passed.

Figure 4.2.1 CS command parameters panel.

Figure 4.2.2 Pause command parameters panel





4.2.4 Wait This commands can be used to halt execution at the point where it is inserted within the algorithm and perform certain actions depending on the Type of operation. If None is selected from the Type drop-down list the command will halt execution and the system will wait for user input in the form of a pressed Space bar on the keyboard. This can be usefull for performing tasks during fabrication that require the equipment to be stationary.

4.2.5 Note This command does not alter the execution of the algorithm in any way. It‘s intended purpose is to function as a placeholder for commenting the algorithm structure or explaining parameter meaning and use or simply visually structuring the algorithm by separating it into blocks. Text can be entered in the Note input field. This text or part of it will be visible in the algorithm command sequence.

4.2.6 PaintLine The PaintLine command, similarly to the PaintArc command, allows the user to draw a straight line in the fabrication display window as a visual reference to sample edges or other structures that are too large to view in their entirety through MV. To draw the line coordinate pairs (X0;Y0) and (X1;Y1) for the start and end of the line have to be specified.

Figure 4.2.3. The Wait command parameters panel in the command‘s 4 modes: None, Dialog, Wait and Show, VLC Trigger.

Figure 4.2.4 The Note command input panel.

Figure 4.2.5 The PaintLine command parameters panel.





4.2.7 PaintArc This command allows the user to draw an arc in the fabrication display window of specified dimensions for visual reference of the machining algorithm. Since with high magnification a larger sample or specific sections of it may not be visible through MV all at once this tool can be used a visual guide for machining geometry fitment on the sample when the drawn guide matches the sample geometry. In order to draw the arc the user has to specify the CenterX and CenterY coordinates, the angular range for drawing in the Arc start degree and Arc end degree input fields as well as the arc Radius in mm.

4.2.8 Revalidate This command requires no user input. It is used for updating values based on outside information, for example values acquired by using the IOControl command or FindObject command. SCA will validate, compile and execute the machining code untill the Revalidate command is encounterred, after the Revalidate command the next block of code is validated, compiled and uploaded to the machining equipment controllers using new variable values that accumulated during execution of the previous block of code.

4.2.9 CheckPause This command causes SCA to separate the generated machining code at the point where it is inserted and check if the Pause button has been clicked on. If the Pause button has not been clicked on the next block of code (sized according to SCA settings, equipment limitations, other commands or the occurence of another CheckPause command) is executed. When the CheckPause command is absent the machining code will be split according to SCA settings, equipment limitations or other commands and if the Pause button is clicked the machining sequence will only come to a halt after the current machining code block is finished.

Figure 4.2.6 The PaintArc command parameters panel.





4.2.10 Transform The Transform command allows the user to change the reference coordinate system to a more suitable one for certain tasks (although only Cartesian coordinate systems are possible) by altering the orientation of the axes and position of the formal zero position. Some experiment geometries are significantly easier to script in such modified coordinate systems and sometimes a lot of command parameter modification or variable use can be saved by simply transforming the coordinate system to a rotated or translated one and using the same commands (in a cycle, for example) to generate alterred motion and machining patterns. Checking the Sample coordinate system as a first choice will force the the coordinate zero point to the reference point of a machine vision detected pattern and the angle of rotation around the Z axis to the angle of rotation of that pattern as detected by MV. Choosing between an Absolute and a Relative transformation is critical. Because a real physical coordinate system exists as determined by the available positioning equipment, the Absolute transformation will always be with regard to this physical reality (as it is perceived by the software through hardware configuration). A relative transformation, on the other hand, will take the already transformed coordinate system as it‘s starting point, if such a transformation has been done previously in the algorithm. Therefore two subsequent rotational transformation around the Z axis by 30 deg will lead to different results in Relative and Absolute modes. An Absolute transformation to 0 deg and 0 position will always negate all existing tranformations and the coordinate system will match the physical one. Choosing the First tranformation is also important due to the same reasons as mentioned previously – the resulting coordinate system can vary depending on which operation is carried out first and in which mode. The next choice is also of key importance for rotational transformations. Because the rotational tranformation process is sequential (and the user has to choose the tranformation order) the coordinate system is transformed in 3 steps, each of which modifies it. Choosing to Rotate around Global axes will perform each of the 3 steps with regard to the initial coordinate system (like performing an absolute transformation in 3 steps and adding rotation around one axis to each operation). Choosing to Rotate around rotated axes will perform each

Figure 4.2.7 The Transform command parameters panel





subsequent tranformation based on the already-transformed coordinate system that is different from the initial one (like performing 3 relative tranformations around one axis each). If not all axes are involved in the transformation the end result can sometimes be the same for both types of operations, but it may also differ significantly, therefore care must be excersized when describing transformation in order to make sure the end result matches the intention of the user. A lot of laser machining is in a plane and most often only a translation/rotation around the Z axis will be needed. Entering the desired Rotation angles and choosing the rotation order describes the rotation transformation. Angles are enterred in degrees and can be positive and negative. For the translational transformation the choice of Relative or Absolute is exactly the same as for the rotation except for there being no choice of transformation order due to the insensitivity of this kind of transformation to the operation order in a typical orthogonal XYZ axis system. Performing an Absolute translation transformation can be viewed as setting the formal 0 point to the coordinates of the physical system entered in the X, Y and Z input fields. Performing a Relative transform can be viewed as shifting the 0 point by distances entered in those same fields. Translation transformation distances are entered in milimeters, these values can be positive, negative and zero. Note: Transform commands do not generate motion, therefore absolute coordinates will change due to transformations. If the fabrication point is 0;0;0 and a non-zero translation transformation is performed the software will interpret this same point as different coordinates, therefore a jump to the 0;0;0 point will actually produce a jump after transformation, but during transformation the physical position is maintained and no movement is performed. The fabrication preview window displays all movement as it would be performed by the physical system.





4.2.11 VAR This is one of the most basic and usefull commands. It allows the user to define a variable to be used later in the algorithm. All the variables defining the fabrication can be grouped in one or several blocks, this allows a quick change of several values that are later used in the algorithm instead of modifying the parameters of commands that would be defined by these variables throughout the algorithm. The interface for this commands is very straightforward, the user has to enter a Name for the variable and it‘s initial Value. Some variable names are reserved by SCA and cannot be used and some name construction rules apply: 1. variable names must begin with a letter or „_“ (underscore); 2. no punctuation or other special symbols are allowed except for „_“ (underscore); 3. SCA reserved variable names cannot be used: n1, n2, n3....; pi, e; cposx, cposy, cposz; mposx, mposy, mposz; sposx, sposy, sposz; gposx, gposy, gposz; camerax, cameray. 4. variable names are not case sensitive, for example variable and VARiable will be interpreted as the same. Checking the Global variable box allows the user to pass the variable definition into inserted fabrications. So for example a variable speedX defined in a parent fabrication and denoted as a global variable can be used in child fabrications if it is defined in them and marked as global. The variable description input box allows the user to write comments about variables or their values. Additional functionallities are available when SCA is running under a separate GUI, in which case comments in brackets will influence function. Clicking the right mouse button and selecting „Show generated values“ displays the values a variable acquires during execution.

Figure 4.2.8. The VAR command parameters panel.





4.2.12 DataImport The DataImport command allows the user to import variables from an ASCII file into an array within SCA. The array can later be accessed through a built-in function array(n; x1; x2); here n is the number of an array, x1 and x2 are column and line numbers within the array, x1 and x2 can range from 1 to 999, n is limited to 20. Selecting a file after pressing on the Browse button will import a copy of this file into the algorithm. After a file is imported into SCA a preview of the tabulated data can be seen by pressing the Show data button. Checking the Fill empty spaces checkbox will tell SCA to fill empty spaces in the data with 0. The data in the file can be numbers, variable names, text. Dot is used as a decimal delimiter, columns can be separated by a space or tab characters, lines are to be separated by a return (new line) character. If a position in the data file is occupied by a string that matches a name of a variable within the algorithm, SCA will assign the value of that variable to the array cell in question. File names can be constructed in the same way as input for the Text command. Everything within quotation marks will be treated as a string, text not located within quotation marks will be treated as variable names, a sequence of such input will automatically be concatenated into one final string.

4.3 Basic movement commands

Figure 4.2.9. The DataImport command parameters panel.





4.3.1 XYZ This is the most basic command for sample positioning equipment, most notably positioning stages. Functionality of the command will depend on the functionallity of the equipment. The XYZ command can be most readily and productively exploited by orthogonal XYZ positioning systems. XYZ commands can be executed in 1 of 3 possible modes: Jump, Constant density and Constant frequency and the move can be either Relative (from current position by the discances spcified) or Absolute (to a specified position within the coordinate system). This is the first possible choice for any XYZ command within a SCA algorithm. In Jump mode the stages will be driven to the specified position or by the specified distances at specified speeds without laser output or any other events, the movements of individual axes are not synchronized, axes can reach their individual destinations at different times depending on the distances and speeds. In Constant density mode the stages will perform synchronized motion. Depending on your hardware this may or may not be possible. In Constant frequency mode the laser output triggering events are triggered temporally according the the Frequency divider parameter and the laser output frequency configured in hardware parameters. For an explanation of output triggering differences between Constant density, Constant frequency and Burst please refer to sec. 4.1.3 of this manual. The distances for each axis are enterred into the three input fields designated „X“, „Y“ and „Z“ (other axes may be present on your system). These input fields accept variables, negative values, expressions, math constants, array addresses. The specified position or distance must produce a move that the equipment can execute (within it‘s travel limits), the values of these fields are checked during validation. The default unit of length used for input is a milimeter (mm). Speed of movement is specified in milimeters per second (mm/s). In Jump mode the stages will perform unsynchronized motion simply shifting to the specified absolute positions or by the specified distances, because the motion of axes is not synchronized it is possible to specify different movement speeds for each axis next to the distance/position input field. In Constant Frequency or Constant density modes a common speed is specified for the entire positioning system. Speed input fields accept only positive values, they also accept mathematical constants and expressions, variables, array addresses. Speed values are checked

Figure 4.3.1. The XYZ command parameters panel

Figure 4.3.2. The XYZ command parameters panel





during validation and must not exceed the maximum allowed value for any axis. Movement for an individual axis can be disabled and enabled by clicking on the Check box next to the input field for a particular axis. This is particularly usefull for absolute moves when, for example, only one axis needs to be driven to a known position while another one should remain stationary. When movement for the axis is disabled it‘s current position doesn‘t need to be known or calculated in order to prevent it from moving. The Sleep after jump option, when selected, will force the stages to stay stationary for an amount of time specified in hardware parameters in their final position afted completing a move in Jump mode. Margins for acceleration and deceleration are available in Constant frequency and Constant density modes. When enabled, SCA will calculate the necessary distance it will take for the stages to get up to the specified speed and will automatically add this distance to the trajectory specified by the user. Two types of margins are available: SetBack (for acceleration) and Return (for deceleration) and Leave margin (for both acceleration and deceleration). In case SetBack and Return margins are selected the stages will, prior to executing a movement command, move away from their starting position by the distance needed to accelerate as well as move past the end of the trajectory in order to decelerate and will return to the end point of the trajectory. This type of margin does not influence the algorithm geometry but every margin has to be travelled twice. In case LeaveMargin is selected the stages will, from their current position, include an acceleration region, then travel the specified distance once up to speed and will decelerate after the move ends without returning to the end of the move. In this case, depending on the speed of movement, script geometry can be significantly alterred due to large acceleration regions, but since every margin only has to be traversed once, this mode lends itself well to hatching operations that require constant velocity and pulse timing and wastes less time than the SetBack/Return margins. In Dashed mode the laser output can be modulated along a trajectory between on and off in intervals of a specified length. When the Enable box is checked the user must specify the Dash on length, the Dash off length and Offset (if necessary). Dash on length specifies the length for which the laser output will be enabled, Dash off length specifies the length within the trajectory for which the laser output will be disabled. Offset allows the user to set a margin at the beginning of the move where laser output will be disabled completely. When the

Figure 4.3.3. The XYZ command parameters panel.

Figure X.





First on box is checked the first segment within the trajectory will be one with laser output enabled, if this box is not checked the first segment will be with the laser output disabled. For Blending please refer to sec. 4.1.1 of this manual.





4.3.2 XYG The XYG command is intended for 2-axis galvo-scanner system control (or 3-axis galvoscanner system control when Z control is automatic). As with the XYZ command the first choice is between the Jump and Mark modes. The movement can be either to an Absolute position or by a Relative distance from current position. Scanner run-up implementation for constant speed positioning is available for the RTC5 card from ScanLab and for all other galvoscanner control equipment through a plug-in for SCA. Position/distance input fields X and Y accept variables, negative values, expressions, math constants, array addresses. The specified position or distance must produce a move that the equipment can execute (within it‘s travel limits), the value of these fields is checked during validation. The default unit of length used for input is a milimeter (mm). Speed is specified in milimeters per second. Galvoscanner movement is always synchronized, therefore only one speed input field is available. The speed field accept variables, expressions, math constants, array addresses, all calculated or specified values must be positive, non-zero and less than the maximum speed limit specified in hardware configuration. For Frequency and Density mode explanation please refer to sec. 4.1.3 of this manual. In Frequency mode the user can specify the laser triggering frequency and machining start Offset. The frequency input field accepts plain numbers, variables, math constants and expressions, array adresses, input values must be positive and less than the max laser frequency specified in hardware configuration. Setting the offset will cause the equipment to move for a specified distance along the given trajectory without laser output. This may be desirable if galvoscanner run-up is a problem. In Density mode the user can input Density in pulses per millimeter. The Density input field accepts variables, mathematical constants and expressions, array addresses and numbers, all input values must be non-zero and positive. Galvoscanner Wobble is a built-in function in ScanLab’s RTC and is accessible through SCA. Specifying a wobble Amplitude and Frequency will produce a superposition of circular and linear movement. The circular movement will be of the frequency and amplitude specified in wobble parameters, the linear movement will be as specified in the X, Y, and Speed fields. Wobble Amplitude is

Figure 4.3.4. The XYG command parameters panel





specified in millimeters, wobble Frequency is specified in cycles per second. Both fields accept numbers, mathematical constants and expressions, variables, array addresses, all input values must be non-zero and positive.





4.3.3 ZT ZT command (ZT stands for Z translate) is very simple, but very convenient for forcing the positioning system to travel to the focus position or other known absolute position within the Z stage range (for example machine vision focus, machining focus, loading/unloading/service position, next layer of machining, etc.). It has Relative and Absolute movement modes (for explanation please see the XYZ command). Position/distance input field accepts variables, negative values, expressions, math constants, array addresses. The specified position or distance must produce a move that the equipment can execute (within it‘s travel limits), the value of this field is checked during validation. The default unit of length used for input is a milimeter (mm). Similarly to the XYZ command the speed input field accepts math expressions and constants, variables, array addresses, however all input values must be positive, larger than zero and within the limits configured for the Z axis.

Figure 4.3.5. The ZT command parameters panel





4.3.4 Circle The Circle command allows the user to machine a two-dimentional circle using galvo scanners controlled by either an RTC card or SSAM controller, or stages. The Device selection from the drop-down list influences the possible choices for machining mode. For RTC driven galvos emulation of Density mode and true Frequency mode are available, for Stages true Frequency and Density modes are available and for SSAM driven galvos only Frequency mode can be chosen. For explanation please refer to sec. 4.1.3. Circle geometry and positioning along it is defined by firstly setting the Radius of the circle to be machined in milimeters. In both modes Mark speed and Jump speed have to be chosen as well as the number of times to Repeat the same circular trajectory (without stopping at the starting point). In Density mode the user has to choose the Pulse density and Pulse burst for circle marking while in Frequency mode a Frequency divider for laser firing has to be specified. These parameters have the same meaning as for linear marking commands. Choosing the Initial point determines how the circle will be positioned in the field, please note however that regardless of the initial point choice the circle will be finished on the left side and this is where a relative movement would be performed from after the circle command. For Hatching please refer to sec 4.1.2 of this manual.

4.3.5 MoveAxis This command can execute simple non-synchronized movements of any single axis. It may be usefull for experiment control for moving additional translation stages, i.e. a delay line or any axis that needs to be controlled individually. After selecting the Axis to be moved and choosing whether an Absolute or Relative move should be performed the Position for movement and movement Speed has to be enterred. When the move has to be finished before continuing execution the user can enable the Wait until done option.

Figure 4.3.6. The Circle command parameters panel in density (upper) and frequency (lower) modes.

Figure X.

Figure 4.3.7. The MoveAxis command parameters panel.

Figure X.





4.3.6 Rotate The conterpart of the MoveAxis command for rotary equipment the Rotate command allows the control of any single rotary axis. Selecting the Device to be moved and a Relative or Absolute type of move and providing the movement Angle and angular Speed completes the command configuration, similarly to the MoveAxis command, if the move needs to be finished before continuing execution the Wait Until Done box needs to be checked.

Figure 4.3.8. The Rotate command parameters panel.

Figure X. The MoveAxis command parameters panel.





4.3.7 ARC For an explanation of Constant density and Constant frequency modes please refer to sec. 4.1.3 of this manual. The ARC command produces synchronized positioning stage movement along an arc trajectory. It has three modes similar to other commands for stage control: Jump, Constant density and Constant frequency. In all three modes the user has to specify the same movement geometry parameters – arc Radius, Speed for movement along the trajectory, the Start angle and the Stop angle, as well as choose the movement Direction – Clockwise or Counterclockwise. For Blending please refer to sec. 4.1.1 of this manual. Movement along an arc trajectory can also be synchronized with other movement by different axes if the hardware configuration allows this. When Additional axis control is enabled (the box is checked) the additional axis can be selected from the Axis list and it‘s destination Position can be set. The initial position of stages at the moment of ARC command execution will be a point on the arc and not it‘s center point.

Figure 4.3.9. The ARC command parameters panel in Constant density mode.

Figure X. The ARC command parameters panel in Constant

density mode.

Figure 4.3.10. The ARC command parameters panel in Constant frequency mode.





4.3.8 GARC The GARC command is similar to the ARC command but intended for galvo scanner control. The user can specify the direction in which the trajectory should be scanned by choosing either Clockwise or Counterclockwise. The radius of the arc is specified in the Radius input field and the movement speed in the Speed input field. The beginning and end angles of the arc are specified by values in the Start angle and Stop angle input fields. Laser output triggering frequency is specified in the Frequency input field. Constand density mode is not available with the GARC command. Similarly to the ARC command the position at the moment of execution of the GARC command will be on the arc and not it‘s center point.

4.3.9 Array1D This command provides the possibility to perform relative jumps along one axis with pulse burst laser output where the jump distance is read from a file. The user has to choose the text data file to import by clicking the Browse button and selecting the file. The Axis along which the jumps will be performed is chosen from a list and the movement speed for jumps is specified in the Speed input field. The number of pulses to be emited at each stop is specified in the Burst input field (please see sec. 4.1.3 for explanation). If the Reversed move value is set to 1 the values that are read from a file will be inverted and the jumps will be performed in the oposite direction. If the Reversed array value is set to 1 the moves will be performed in the oposite order than that in which they are listed in the input file. Checking the Detailed view box draws the output positions of each stop.

Figure 4.3.11. The GARC command parameters panel.

Figure X. The GARC command parameters panel.

Figure 4.3.12 The Array1D command parameters panel.





4.3.10 GalvoDrill This command allows continuous drive of the connected galvo scanner along a defined trajectory. Galvo scanner motion is started when a GalvoDrill command is executed with the Active box checked. If the Laser ON box is checked laser output is simultaneously enabled. The user can choose the type of trajectory from the Direction list and specify the Amplitude and Frequency of movement. If Angle is chosen as the movement Direction the orientation of movement can be specified in the Angle input field. If a GalvoDrill command is executed with the Active box not checked galvo scanner movement and laser output will be stopped. When X is chosen from the Direction list the galvo scanner will oscillate along the configured X direction, similarly it will oscillate along the Y direction when Y is chosen. If Elliptical is chosen from the Direction list, the Amplitude parameter then specifies the X axis length of the ellipse, the Y Amplitude specifies the Y axis length of the ellipse and Angle specifies the rotation of the ellipse along which the beam will continuously move. When CustomStart is chosen this signifies the beginning of a user-defined movement loop. Commands added after the GalvoDrill CustomStart command must define a closed trajectory and must only be commands controlling the galvo scanner. When using a custom galvo loop the Frequency and Amplitude parameters are ignored and movement is executed at speeds specified in the loop definition. Another GalvoDrill command with CustomEnd chosen from the Direction list terminates the command list of the user-defined movement loop. Both CustomStart and CustomEnd commands must be selected as Active. The definition of this loop also automatically starts galvo oscillation. Non-galvo commands can then be used for controlling other equipment (stage for example), while galvo is continously repeating the defined movement. Adding a GalvoDrill comand with the Active checkbox empty terminates the repetition of the user-defined loop and laser output. Using any galvo command (for example XYG) after a GalvoDrill command automatically terminates GalvoDrill. In the sample script the user defined loop is started with a GalvoDrill command (CustomStart), then a square marking trajectory is defined by XYG: Mark commands. The list is then finished with another GalvoDrill command

Figure 4.3.14. The GalvoDrill command parameters panel.

Figure X. The GalvoDrill command parameters panel.

Figure 4.3.13. A sample script using CustomDrill

Figure X. The GalvoDrill command parameters panel.





(CustomEnd). An XYZ: CF command then moves the stages triggering the laser. Once the XYZ:CF command has finished executing the GalvoDrill loop is terminated by using a GalvoDrill command with the Active box not checked. Depending on the speeds and amplitudes this may produce a square with two thick borders or a linear trajectory along which continously square-like patterns are machined. The possibilities to combine stage and continuous galvo movement allow for rapid texturing or machining of grooves and channels of various shapes. When using Galvodrill in combination with stages the laser triggering can be executed by the galvo or the stage controller.





4.4 CAD machining commands

4.4.1 PLT The PLT command is intended for marking geometries defined by PLT (HP plotter file) files. This command is outdated and PLT files can be marked via the DXF command in the current version of SCA with more options than are available through the PLT command. The File to be marked can be chosen by clicking the Browse button. Mark speed, Pulse burst, Jump speed and Repeat parameters have the same meaning and limitations as in other marking commands (for example Circle). Choosing the Scan device tells SCA which positioning equipment should be used for marking the geometry. As with other marking commands PSO mode is only available with certain equipment. In PSO mode the user can set Pulse density. In Frequency mode a Frequency divider can be set. For explanation please see sec. 4.1.3. The PLT command has limited options for geometry transformation compared to other CAD file marking commands due to the fact that it only support 2D machining. Marking geometry reference can be forced to the file-defined 0 position by checking the Original position box, otherwise a custom Reference point can be specified. Choosing Original proportions will scale the geometry as a whole according the the provided W (width) value, choosing Custom Proportions allows the user to scale the geometry along the X and Y axes independently by specifying the W (width) and H (height) Size of the geometry. Horizontal and vertical flip transformations can be done by checking the Flip H or Flip V boxes and the geometry can be rotated around it‘s origin point by specifying the rotation angle in the Rotate (deg) input field. Sorting, Blending and Hatching are also available for the PLT command and have the same functionallity as with other commands supporting these functions (for explanations refer to sec. 4.1.1 and 4.1.2).

Figure 4.4.1. The PLT command parameters panel.

Figure X.





4.4.2 DXF The DXF command allows machining of dxf and plt CAD file defined geometries. The meaning of almost all the command parameter meanings has been covered in descriptions of other commands, please refer to PLT, STL and Slice command descriptions for reference regarding positioning, transformation, machining mode and mode settings, hatching and other parameter meaning. The only section not found in other commands is the Layer section. The Layer section can be expanded by clicking on the double arrow located near the top right corner on it‘s border. Because CAD files contain multiple layers for geometry definition and additional functions and not all of these layers may need to be machined the DXF command allows the user to manually enable/disable layer machining by checking/unchecking the box next to them.

Figure 4.4.2. The DXF command parameters panel with an expanded Layers section.

Figure X. The DXF command parameters panel

with an expanded Layers section.





4.4.3 STL The STL command allows the user to import 3d CAD files of the .stl format for machining geometry definition. This is particularly usefull when the material response to laser machining is very predictable and linear in terms of repetitive scans or for additive manufacturing, like 2-photon polymerization and multi-photon polymerization. Choosing a File imports the geometric data within it into SCA. The file will have it‘s own scale, usually the original size of the design. Sometimes this may not be useable, for example if miniature version of a mechanical design has to be reproduced. To this end scaling is available in the STL command. Choosing either the Show scale or Show size options will enable the user to alter the absolute size of a 3d geometry or to scale it‘s dimensions in proportion to the original geometry definition. Checking the Keep proportions box will scale the geometry as a whole. Unchecking this box allows scaling each coordinate (original file-defined X, Y and Z) individually. Rotation as well as Flip transformations are also available for each axis individually. Checking the Original XY position or the Original Z position checkboxes forces SCA to treat the original file-defined X=0; Y=0 and Z=0 points as the origin point for the geometry. In this case all STL command based transform operations will be performed around this point. This point is also the point that will be exactly where this geometry is placed within the machining field by other commands, for example XYZ. Unchecking Original XY position or the Original Z position checkboxes allows the user to choose the point of origin for the geometry. Machining mode can be chosen between Direct fabrication, Export slices and Preview. In Direct fabrication mode the user can choose the machining and slicing parameters as well as slice transformation options for the STL object in question. Mark speed and Jump speed specify speed for marking movement and jump movement (the same limitations apply as for the XYZ command), the Scan device choice will influence what functionallity is available for marking. When Stages are selected (stages with at least 2-axis PSO support) PSO and Frequency modes of pulse timing are both available. In PSO mode the user can input a Pulse density value (pulses/mm), in Frequency mode a Frequency divider value can be specified. Pulse burst specifies the number of pulses to be fired for each laser

Figure 4.4.3. The STL command parameters panel in Direct fabrication mode.

Figure X.





output triggering event. Sorting calculates the optimum trajectory for machining the specified geometry – line lengths and inter-line distances as well as movement speeds for each type of movement are evaluated and a trajectory with the shortest machining duration is chosen. If sorting is disabled the trajectories within the STL file will be machined in the order they appear within the data. Return to start tells the positioning equipment to return to the initial position (after machining the STL defined geometry), otherwise the next movement command after machining the STL object will be executed from the end point of the last move of machining the STL object. This may have consequences for relative movement based algorithms. Slicing options include the Use slicing, Leave STL contour, Slices stored in a file and Save STL to fab file. The Use slices checkbox enables or disables slicing of the STL object. This is usefull for algorithm modification as slicing is time and resource consuming, for quicker validation and when unnecessary it can be disabled. Leave STL contour, when checked, creates an additional machining trajectory corresponding the outside border of the STL object. When Slices stored in a file is checked, the coordinate data for all the slices and hatching will be stored in a separate file on the PC hard drive, otherwise this data will be contained within the fab file. Depending on the geometry and slicing options it can amount up to several megabytes. Save STL to fab file creates a representation (no transformations included) of the original STL object within the fab file so that original geometry can be maintained in case STL files are moved, deleted, renamed ir changed. When this option in enabled all data about the STL object will be read from the representation contained within the fab file and not from the location of the original source STL file. When disabled, each time a fab file is opened by SCA the STL file from the specified location will be read, transformed and sliced. Slice DZ specifies the distance between adjacent slices along the Z axis. All slicing is done horizontally, therefore in order to obtain slices corresponding the non-horizontal cuts of the STL object the object should be transformed before slicing. Machining, on the other hand, can be done with the slice in any orientation that the equipment can handle. Slice rotation input values tell SCA how much to rotate the slice around which axis to obtain the required machining geometry. For 2D machining equipment, however, only horizontal machining is possible.

Figure 4.4.4. The STL command parameters panel in Export slices mode.

Figure X.





The Join distance value specifies the magnitude of a gap between two trajectory ends within the data that can be considered non-existant (and consequently the trajectory will be treated as continuous). This parameter is important for closed surface shapes and hatching as STL files sometimes contain erroneous data that does not produce a closed surface geometry. When in Export slices mode, options are available for geometry slicing as in the Direct machining mode. In this case, however, no machining parameters can be set and no machining will be performed. Instead, the generated slice data will be stored for later access through the Slice command. Choosing the object ID number will assign this ID number to the slices generated from the geometry in question. Later within the algorithm slices with this ID number can be accessed by specifying the correct ID. All the slicing and slice transformation parameters have the same meaning and limitations as in Direct fabrication mode. In Preview mode options for object representation in SCA GUI can be chosen. These include Figure reduction, Color input format and space (RGB or HSB) and the use of Transparency for representation.

Figure 4.4.5. The STL command parameters panel in Preview mode.

Figure X.





4.4.4 Slice Slice command is related to and derived from the STL command‘s Direct fabrication mode, although it‘s functionallity in conjunction with the STL command generated slices provides more flexibility and options than Direct fabrication through the STL command. Slice navigator button opens an additional window for slice preview controls. The actual preview is generated in the main SCA algorithm preview window. Selecting to view Only selected slice will activate the Selected slider and allow the user to select the particular slice for preview by it‘s number in the slice stack (direct slice number input in the field below the slider is also possible). Selecting to view a Range of slices will activate the Range sliders and allow the user to select the range of slices to be displayed. Ticking the Selected ends box will only show the slices at each end of the range. The Preview density slider is only activated when the Range preview mode is chosen and modulates the transparency of the preview. The next selection is the Import from section of the Slice command controls. It allows the user to select the sliced Object ID from which to import the slices and the Slice ID to import. This functionallity contributes significanty to the flexibility of the Slice command. Being able to machine slices from several sliced STL objects and switching between them as well as having control over the slice number of a single object allows to modify the machined geometry. All the options in the Fabrication section are the same as in the STL command when Direct fabrication mode is selected with the exception of Contour offset and Slice repeat. Contour offset allows the user to modify the shape of the slice by offseting it‘s outside contour either to inside off the original one or to the outside. This will also alter the hatched area. Slice repeat does exactly what the name implies and modifies the number of times each slice will be machined before the next command is executed. For Hatching please refer to sec. 4.1.3 of this manual.

Figure 4.4.6. The Slice command parameters panel.

Figure X.





Figure 4.4.7. The Slice Navigator tool interface.

Figure X





4.4.5 BITMAP Bitmap command is used for pattern machining by raster scanning a trajectory along which laser output positions are defined by bitmap pixel values. This command is quite unique in the sense that it has no command interface accesible from the main SCA GUI window and all it‘s parameters are accessed by double-clicking on the command in the algorithm. The parameters that can be set for this command are grouped under 4 tabs. In the Bitmap tab the user can select the Bitmap file for machining definition by clicking on the Browse... button and selecting the file. Unless Greyscale machining is used (explained later) it‘s highly recommended to use 1 bit (monochrome) bitmap files. After choosing the file it‘s reproduction has to be scaled to the required dimensions. All the fields in this tab are related to each other, therefore setting the Pixel size will alter Image width, Image height and DPI field values, the same is true for all fields. Field values are refreshed by clicking in any of them. In the Mark Type tab parameters for machining can be set. Enabling grayscale machining by hecking the Grayscale 2D mode box disables the marking parameters accesible through the Mark Type tab (they have to be set through the dedicated Grayscale 2D tab). When this box is not checked two further checkboxes enable or disable Optimization and the Mark on fly functionality. With the Optimization enabled SCA will look for regions without marking within the bitmap and attempt to shorten machining duration by skipping them entirely (complete empty lines or parts of lines that have no marked pixels in them). Mark on fly, when enabled, allows galvo-scanner marking on moving stages. Setting the Speed parameter determines the maximum allowed scanning speed, actual speed accross the marked areas will depend upon hardware configuration (acceleration region within or outside of marked bitmap area). The next field displays the steps per second parameter – it cannot exceed the configured laser repetition rate maximum. The steps per second parameter is also affected by pixel subdivision and burst marking. Each pixel can be subdivided into multiple pixels (a square of the Steps per pixel parameter) along each axis. Each pixel or subpixel can also be marked not by one but by several laser pulses – this is controlled by the Pulses per step parameter. Setting the Repetition parameter tells SCA how many times to repeat the entire bitmap pattern. For very precise marking or sensitive mechanical systems oscillations occuring after a line-to-line

Figure 4.4.8. The BITMAP command parameters input window, Bitmap tab.

Figure 4.4.9. The BITMAP command parameters input window, Mark type tab.





jump can sometimes be a problem. Allowing the axes to settle after performing such a jump can reduce or eliminate this problem. The Line jump delay parameter enables the user to set an appropriate delay for optimum precision and machining throughput. Checking the Grayscale 1D Height mode enables the user to produce 3d geometries where the Z axis position is determined by the pixel color value in grayscale with black being zero offset and white being maximum offset. For a normal 8-bit grayscale bitmap this maximum offset will be the specified mm per color bit value multiplied by 255. In Grayscale 1D height mode ALL pixels are marked regardless of their color value. Parameters grouped under the Orientation tab allow the user to set the bitmap‘s Initial position (reference point) as well as perform some basic transformations with the help of the on-screen arrow buttons, such as 90 deg. rotations clockwise and counter-clockwise, horizontal and vertical flips. These transformations are accesible in all tabs of the BITMAP command parameters window. One more transformation available through this window‘s Tools menu is image inversion. In case of monochromatic bitmaps black pixels are marked while white ones are not. For convenience the image can be inverted through SCA if this is required. The Grayscale 2D mode is similar to the Grayscale 1D height mode in that it allows the user to associate machining parameters with the color value of a pixel, but the functionallity is extended to include not only Z position control but also pulse burst control and rotation. To use Grayscale 2D mode first the bitmap handling parameters have to be set. The Color bit range limits the pixel values that will be used for machining control. As in the Mark Type tab, Steps per pixel can be set, the meaning of this parameter is exactly the same. Differently from normal bitmap machining the Grayscale 2D mode jumps from one pixel to the next instead of using PSO to trigger pulses while moving along a line, therefore Jump speed for pixel-to-pixel movement has to be set. Line jump delay has the same meaning as for normal bitmap machining but additionally a Pixel jump delay can be set if required. Choosing the Pixel mode will determine what machining parameter will be controlled by the color value of each pixel. When Pulse is selected as the Pixel mode the user can enter the relationship between color value and the number of pulses that will be fired at that pixel‘s location. The relation can be linear, in which case only the number of Pulses per color bit has to be set, or it can be Expression defined, in which case the mathematical relationship between the color value and the number of pulses has to be enterred, the variable

Figure 4.4.10. . The BITMAP command parameters input window, Mark type tab.

Figure 4.4.11. . The BITMAP command parameters input window, Grayscale 2D tab in Pulse pixel mode.





per_color_bit denotes the pixel color value. When Height is chosen as the Pixel mode the user can set the number of Pulses per pixel (or subpixel) and set the mm per color bit value which has the same meaning as in Grayscale 1D height mode. In Rotation Pixel mode the user can control rotary positioning equipment according to the pixel color value. This may be useful for polarization-sensitive patterning. Pulse burst setting is available as in the other pixel modes by specifying the Pulses per pixel value. The deg per color bit value, as the name implies, sets the amount of rotation per color bit in degrees, the initial rotary position can be offset from the hardware zero position by specifying the Start angle value. Some useful functions of the BITMAP command interface can be accessed via the menus. The user can open and save bitmap files as well as bitmap job files (for saving bitmaps and all the fabrication settings) through the File menu. Geometrical transformations as well as the previously mentioned color inversion function can be accessed via the Edit menu.

Figure 4.4.12. The BITMAP command parameters input window, Grayscale 2D tab in Height pixel mode.

Figure 4.4.13. The BITMAP command parameters input window, Grayscale 2D tab in Rotation pixel mode.

Figure X





4.4.6 Text The text command creates marking trajectories from alphanumeric symbols. Choosing the command input Text type allows SCA to better interpret the input. In DecimalNumber mode numbers, mathematical expressions and constants are allowed and numeric variables. In Text mode all input will be regarded as as text and the exact contents of the input field will be marked, so variable names will be treated as character strings and the name of the variable rather than the value asociated with it will be marked. In Mixed mode it its possible to mark both variables and text. Input to be treated as text must be enclosed in quotation marks. Text not enclosed in quotation marks will be treated as variable names or numbers. After entering and properly formatting the input the fabrication parameters have to be chosen. This includes the Marking speed and Jump speed, choosing the appropriate Scan device and Mode for marking. As with other commands, choosing Stage as the scan device allows PSO (the same as density) mode for marking, as well as Frequency mode, while RTC card and SSAM controlled galvo scanners can only operate in Frequency mode. In PSO mode the user can set the Pulse density and Pulse burst for marking, while in Frequency mode only the frequency Divider can be set. The meaning and limitations to these parameters are exactly the same as for the XYZ command. In order to optimize movement the user can enable Blending and set the Deceleration angle for blended movement. Apart from changing the marking parameters the appearance of the markings can be manipulated by changing the Font used to generate the marking trajectories. The default font used by the text command reproduces the character by single center line tracing. If a different font is needed for marking ticking the Use font checkbox and selecting the correct font will alter the look of the markings. Additionally the text can be manipulated by ticking the Flip V and Flip H checkboxes and flipping the entire marking geometry around the horizontal and/or vertical axis. When using more elaborate fonts the software will trance the outline of each character rather than the centerline producing closed area shapes, which can be hatched by ticking the Use hatching checkbox and choosing appropriate hatching parameters for the task.

Figure 4.4.14. The TEXT command parameters panel.

Figure X





4.4.7 Stent The Stent command, although originally intended for laser micromachining of cardiovascular stent implants, can be used for machining of repeating, CAD file defined geometries on any tubular sample with an linear-rotary positioning system. The Pattern file to be used as the machining pattern can be chosen by clicking on the Browse button and selecting the file. Pattern-to-pattern offsets can be set by providing the Crosswise and Lengthwise X and Y offset values. Adjacent pattern trajectories cannot intersect in a way that would cause the entire sample to be cut or compromise pattern geometry reproduction on the sample. In the Cylinder properties section the user can enter the dimensions of the section of a sample that the pattern is to be machined on. Checking the Do not scale box disables pattern scaling lengthwise according to the specified Radius of the tube. This means that the lengthwise extent of the pattern and the length of tube to be patterned will be maintained as specified by the CAD file, the specified pattern repeating offsets and lengthwise Repeating count. Checking the Keep aspect ratio box allows the algorithm to freely scale the length of the tube to be patterned and the pattern itself lengthwise according to the specified Radius, pattern repeating offsets and Repeating count crosswise in order to maintain the ratio of dimensions as defined by the CAD file. Keeping both boxes not checked allows the user to specify the Length of the tube to be patterned and the pattern is scaled lengthwise to the extent of the tube. In the Final cylinder cut section the user can enable finished stent separation by checking the Cut Stent Off box and specifying the Offset and Max deviation. The Offset defines the distance between the cut-off trajectory and the nearest CAD file defined trajectory at the ends of the patterned tube area, the Max. deviation parameter defines the precision for cut-off trajectory synthesis. Parameters for defining the machining conditions and setup, such as Jump and Mark speeds and the axes to be used for stent machining (one Linear and one Rotary) as well as the marking mode (PSO or Frequency with their corresponding pulse Density and Burst for PSO and frequency Divider for the Frequency mode) can be specified further. For smooth positioning along the trajectories the user can enable Blending by checking the Blend... box and specifying the Max blending angle (limiting angle between two trajectories below which the equipment will attempt to merge these trajectories into a continuous move). The machining geometry can be inverted by checking the Reversed box and the

Figure 4.4.15. The Stent command parameters panel.

Figure X





reference point of the entire pattern can be specified to be at the Left, Center or Right. The user can also modify how the pattern is displayed. By default a model of the final stent will be displayed simulating the cutting results for a zero width cut. If the Show only lines box is checked the cutting geometry will be displayed as simple lines on a cylindrical surface. One important distinction between these modes, however, is that with the Show only lines option enabled the user is no longer restricted to non-intersecting geometries. The reason for this behaviour is the much wider scope of machining on cylindrical surfaces than just cardiovascular stents and the Stent command provides both functionalities – software restricted cutting operations for stent/mesh geometries and freely definable surface machining on tubular samples. Of course, if needed the Show only lines option can be enabled when machining stents, however care has to be taked when defining the pattern as it will not be checked for trajectory intersections by the software.





4.5 Device control commands

4.5.1 Attenuator The Attenuator command allows the user to control connected laser power attenuators during machining. For each command a particular device to be controlled has to be selected from a list (the number of devices in the list will depend on the number of connected and enabled attenuators). Choosing position mode allows the user to control the percentage of power to be transmited through the device. The input value can be treated as an Absolute percentage to be set by the device or as a relative change to be applied to current power percentage. Clicking the Go to 0 button will set the power percentage to 0% according to hardware configuration. Clicking the Go to Taget position button will set the power percentage to the value provided in the Target position input field. In Power mode the device can set an absolute power level to be transmitted according to it‘s calibration file (loaded through hardware configuration). In this mode only absolute control is accessible. Checking the Runtime calculation box allows the power setting value to be calculated and updated during execution. Because power attenuators are usually very slow compared to positioning equipment the positioning code will be split at every attenuator command. This allows the position or power value to be calculated at the moment in time when an Attenuator command is encounterred instead of calculating all values at the beginning of execution. Therefore power meter input values can be used to control attenuator settings during execution maintaining a more constant power delivered to the machining area.

4.5.2 PolarisationRotator The PolarizationRotator command allows the used to control connected devices in angular coordinates, it is mainly intended for polarization orientation control by suitable devices but can be used for controlling other types of orientation-sensitive components. When a device is selected from the list (if multiple devices are connected and enabled) the user can input the angular orientation of the device. If the device is used to rotate a waveplate then the polarization will be rotated by twice the angle of the Target position.

Figure 4.5.1. The Attenuator command parameters panel in Position control mode.

Figure X

Figure 4.5.2. The Attenuator command parameters panel in Power control mode.

Figure X

Figure 4.5.3. The PolarisationRotator command parameters panel in Power control mode

Figur Figure X. The Attenuator command parameters

panel in Power control mode.

e X. The Attenuator command parameters panel in Power

control mode. Figure X. The Attenuator command

paramet Figure X. The Attenuator command parameters





4.5.3 IOControl The IOControl command provides access to additional output and input channels often present on positioning equipment and other controllers. Depending on the equipment digital or analog input and/or output channels may be available. Since SCA generates the machining equipment code after pressing the execute button the use of outside information not present at the moment of starting execution can only be implemented by revalidating the algorithm (Revalidate command described elsewhere), therefore using values imported from an input channel during machining is not straigtforward. Selecting the type of operation to be performed (Input or Output) and choosing whether the action to be performed is a preconfigured one (From list) or if the the data exchange is Configurable by the user modifies the parameters input panel. In case the From list option is chosen for input the user can select from a list of preconfigured Actions that can be taken (preconfigured data acquisition channel and subsequent action). A more flexible input/output formatting interface will be show If the input/output channel and action are selected to be Configurable. When there are several devices with additional input/output channels or if there is more than one channel available on a single device the correct device and input port has to be chosen from the Device list and the Port list. When a device is capable of both Digital and Analog input/output this has to be chosen as well. Selecting whether a High or Low signal level (differs between hardware) should be regarded as active allows the software to correctly interpret the signal. If Analog input is selected the user can enter the threshold Voltage level that should be regarded as the Action-triggering voltage and the Action to be taken if this value is retrieved from the equipment. When the IOControl command is set to Digital Output again the choice for using output scenarios From List is available or the user can manually configure the output Port and set the Active Level. Additionally the duration for which to maintain a constant output configuration can be set by specifying the Release time or by checking the Hold value box to maintain the output configuration until its overwriten by another IOControl command. When the Hold value box is checked the user can access Advanced settings, in which case output through all digital output ports is available by providing a Binary bit sequence (it‘s length being equal to the number of output ports available) or an equal value as a Decimal number. When configured for Analog Output again the same

Figure 4.5.4. The IOControl command parameters panel.

Figure X. The IOControl command parameters panel in

digital input mode.

Figure 4.5.5. The IOControl command parameters panel in analog output mode.





preconfigured output scenarios are available by selecting From List or the output can be manually configured by selecting Configurable. As with digital output Advanced Settings are available and the user can enable individual ports for output and provide the voltage values for these Ports.

Figure 4.5.6. The IOControl command parameters panel in analog input mode.

Figure X

Figure 4.5.7. The IOControl command parameters panel in analog input mode.

Figure X





4.5.4 Camera This command allows the user to control the connected camera or cameras and save images acquired from them during machining. First the camera to be used or controlled has to be chosen from the Camera list. Checking the boxes for Save image to file, Camera action or Camera exposure enables each type of control. In order to save an image acquired by the camera the user has to specify the Directory where the acquired image should be stored, provide a File name for the image file, choose the Image type by file name extension and enable or disable file overwriting by clicking on the Overwrite existing file box. Basic camera actions can also be performed by selecting the Camera action: Start, Stop and Pause actions are available. This may be usefull with large-resolution cameras for freeing up PC hardware or network resources if the camera data streem is significant. Camera exposure can also be adjusted by providing a Camera exposure duration in milliseconds.

4.5.5 LASER This command provides a very basic way to control the laser by changing it‘s output state to either ON or OFF. Once the laser state is modified by the LASER command it will remain in that state untill another command modifies it (for example a marking command or another LASER command).

4.5.6 GalvoDelays The GalvoDelays command uploads the delay values used by galvo scanning equipment in order to adapt to different positioning speeds. Enabling the Automatically correct delays from table option disables the rest of the interface and the delay values are retrieved from a table stored by SCA. Enabling the Set default delays option sends delay values to the scanning equipment preset in hardware configuration as the default ones. If neither automatic delay correction nor default delay value options are enabled the user can set the individual delay values to be sent to the scanning equipment. For a detailed explanation regarding delay values, their measurement and meaning please refer to your scanning equipment documentation.

Figure 4.5.8. The Camera command parameters panel.

Figure 4.5.9. The LASER command parameters panel.

Figure 4.5.10. The GalvoDelays command parameters panel.





4.5.7 TouchProbe Supports mechanical contact probe position measurement through any fast-responding digital input ports. Can also be used when the probe is connected through a dedicated Aerotech input. Returns X, Y or Z position of probe axis or tip depending on command parameters.

4.5.8 SH (Shutter) Allows the user to change the state of a connected shutter device.

Figure 4.5.12. The GalvoDelays command parameters panel.

Figure 4.5.11. The Pharos command parameters panel..





4.5.9 Pharos This command allows the user to control a connected Pharos laser. Ticking the Enable all checkbox enables control of all the parameters, if Enable all is not ticked the user can pick which individual function he wants to control: Pulse picker, Power (as measured by Pharos internal power meter), Frequency (RA output frequency), RA current, Compressor position. Clicking the Read button reads and displays the current Pharos compressor position when a connection to the laser is possible. If a function is enabled it will be used regardless of what the input is, therefore care should be taken when choosing which functions to use and what values to provide.

4.5.10 SyncAxis The SyncAxis command allows the position and speed of one Aerotech controlled axis to be linked to another Aerotech controlled axis. The synchronization for two particular axes is enabled at the point in the algorithm where a SyncAxis command is encountered. Master specifies the controlling axis. Slave specifiec the axis that will move according to the movement of the master axis. It‘s absolute position and speed will be a product of the position and speed of the master axis. Ratio specifies the multiplication factor between the position value of the master axis and the slave axis. For example if Master axis is X, Slave axis is Y, Ratio is set to 7, then if the X axis is moved to an absolute position of -1, Y axis will move to -7 simultaneously.

Figure 4.5.14. The SyncAxis command parameters panel.

Figure 4.5.13. The Pharos command parameters panel.





4.5.11 UnSyncAxis Disables synchronization started by the last encountered SyncAxis command. Slave axis maintains position.

4.6 Machine vision commands

4.6.1 FindFocus The FindFocus command allows the user to detect sample surface position during fabrication by using the MV system. This command can operate in one of three modes: Adjust, Scan Range and Mixed. In Adjust mode the positioning system will attempt to move in one direction from the specified Approx. position in steps of the specified magnitude and analyze the acquired image after each step. It will continue moving as long as image contrast is improving and the Z position is getting closer to focus. If after analysis it is determined that the new position is further away from focus than the last position movement direction will be reversed. The Scan range parameter functions as the limiting distance for adjustment in this operation mode while Step size parameter determines the increment of movement. In Scan range mode the specified Approx. position is used as the initial position for the Z scan, the stages move to the nearest end position (Approx. Position + Scan range or Approx. Position – Scan range) and continuosly move to the next end position at a speed determined by the Step size parameter and camera frame rate. In Mixed mode both operations are performed – the specified range is first scanned as in Scan range mode and then the Z position is adjusted around the position of best focus as in Adjust mode. If after the command is executed focus is not found the user can choose the desired action to be performed from the Action on failure list. If algorithm execution needs to be modified according to the measured focus position the Revalidate option has to be enabled – the newly generated machining code can be modified according to the measured focus position. When a measurement is taked the detected focus position will be displayed in the bottom status bar of the main SCA GUI.

Figure 4.6.1. The FindFocus command parameters panel.

Figure 4.6.2. The FindFocus command parameters panel.





4.6.2 FindObject The FindObject command is used to detect machined or already existing patterns on the sample. Its very usefull when working with samples that have alignment marks or other structures on them and the machining geometry has to match the existing sample geometry. Firstly the user has to select the Camera to be used for pattern detection (making sure that the camera is correctly calibrated) and select the Object to be detected. Further options for the object and detection script can be accessed by clicking the Parameters button. Clicking the Run button will execute the detection script. The Result variable that can later be used in the algorithm can be chosen from the Result variable list. Actions to be performed in case of a successfull detection or error during detection can be chosen from the Event if success and Event if error lists. If the result variable is used in the algorithm the Revalidate box should be checked in order to update variable values in the algorithm and for SCA to generate new machining code based on the new values. The object and detection script parameters can be configured in a separate window which opens after clicking the Parameters button. For a complete description of configuring the object pattern and detection sequence please refer to the VisionLT plug-in for SCA documentation.





4.6.3 MV object reference When machining geometry has to be alterred during the machining process without knowing the object location or orientation prior to starting execution the MV object reference command can be used to transform the coordinate system to one based on sample position and orientation according to MV detected markers or patterns. Two FindObject commands have to be run prior to using the MV object reference command to accumulate data about at least two points on the sample. Preferred values for the positions of those two points (their coordinates in the transformed coordinate system) then are enterred as (X1; Y1) and (X2; Y2) coordinate pairs. Selecting the correct MV generated position variables from the MV variable 1 and MV variable 2 lists (each FindObject command can be set up to generate a separate result variable) calculates the transformation parameters to be used by the Transform command when the Sample coordinate system box is checked. Additionally if rotary equipment is available to physically rotate the sample to a desired orientation the Compensate angle box can be checked, the Rotation center X and Rotation center Y coordinates (coordinates of the axis of rotation of the rotary equipment when it is mounted on an XY positioning system) have to be enterred in order to calculate the new coordinate system that does not include rotational transformation. A full sequence of commands to enable machining in a sample-based coordinate system could be written in one of two ways: Scenario 1 (with rotational transformation): XYZ; jump to approximate marker 1 location FindObject; detect MV variable 1, check the Revalidate box XYZ; jump to approximate marker 2 location FindObject; detect MV variable 2, check the Revalidate box MV object reference; calculate transformation parameters for sample-based coordinate system Transform; check the Sample coordinate system box, translation and rotation transformation is performed {... Machining script in sample coordinate system ...}; Scenario 2 (without rotational transformation):

Figure 4.6.3. The MV object reference command parameters panel.





XYZ; jump to approximate marker 1 location FindObject; detect MV variable 1, check the Revalidate box XYZ; jump to approximate marker 2 location FindObject; detect MV variable 2, check the Revalidate box MV object reference; calculate transformation parameters for sample-based coordinate system Rotate; physically compensate sample rotation with a suitable axis, use mv_angle as the variable storing the calculated sample angle MV object reference; check the Compensate angle box to discard rotation transformation Transform; check the Sample coordinate system box, only translation transformation is performed according to the rotation center coordinates and rotation angle, detected sample marker positions and user provided values for new sample coordinate system {... Machining script in sample coordinate system ...}; In theory one could also execute the Rotate command, calculate the new approximate sample marker positions and simply re-run the FindObject sequences at those coordinates followed by a second MV object reference command and a Transform command and arrive at the same final transformation without rotations, the MV object reference command with the Compensate angle option does this calculation instead and only one sequence of FindObject has to be run. Sometimes synchronized movement of a two axis system may perform differently depending on whether a single axis or the complete system is moving, furthermore one axis typically has a lower load and may be preferable for fast machining, in these cases it is beneficial to physically compensate sample rotation and use the Compensate angle option in the MV object reference command.





Mathematical operations, functions and constants All basic mathematical operations are available:

Operation Operator Example

Addition and increment + a=1; a+1=2; a++ = 3.

Subtraction and decrement - a=3; a-1=2; a--=1.

Multiplication * a=2; a*a=4.

Division / a=4; a/2=2.

Power ^ a=3; a^a=27.

Trigonometry functions:

Function Function call Example

Sine sin() sin(pi/2)=1.

Cosine cos() cos(pi/2)=0.

Tangent tan() tan(pi/4)=1.

Arcsine asin() asin(0.5)=pi/6.

Arccosine acos() acos(0.5)=pi/3.

Arctangent atan() atan(1)=pi/4.

Angle arguments are expected to be supplied in radians, inverse functions produce angles in radians as well.

Other mathematical functions:

Function Function call Example

Modulus of a real number abs() abs(-2.34)=2.34.

Square root of a positive real number sqrt() sqrt(25)=5.

Rounding a number to specified precision round( ; ) round(3.454545)=3; round(3.4545;2)=3.45.

Base 10 logarithm of a number lg() lg(100)=2.





Natural logarithm of a number ln() ln(e^3)=3.

Sign of a number sign() sign(-2.4545)=-1; sign(0)=0; sign(e)=1.

Maximum of a series of numbers max( ; ; ;...) max(1; 3; 9; 27; 27.55)=27.55.

Minimum of a series of numbers min( ; ; ;...) min(1; 3; 9; 27; 27.55)=1.

Truncation to integer trunc() trunc(11/2)=5; trunc(3.5/2)=1.

Mathematical constant that are available for use in expressions include:

pi – just pi;

e – base of the natural logarithm;

Other operators

mposx, mposy - returns the mouse position X, mouse position Y. Mouse position is set after right-clicking within the fabrication preview window according to

machine vision calibration.

cposx, cposy, cposz – returns the position of the stages / galvo at the beginning of algorithm execution.

sposx, sposy, sposz – returns the position of the stages at the point in the algorithm where it is used.

gposx, gposy, gposz – returns the position of the galvoscanner at the point in the algorithm where it is used.

mv(name.parameter) – result variables asociated with VisionLT plug-in, for a more detailed explanation and list of values for name and parameter please refer to

VisionLT manual.

cpower – returns current power measured by the connected and enabled power meter.


Hardware configuration

6.1 General interface details SCA supports very varied hardware from different manufacturers, therefore the hardware configuration interface is quite extensive. It is accessed by clicking on the Hardware tab in the main SCA interface. The interface is split into two parts. The left side is for modifying or checking hardware configuration parameters for each device. Hardware items can be accessed by clicking on the drop-down list at the top left of the window and choosing a hardware item. The left panel also has the Load, Save as, Save & Activate and Activate buttons. Bellow the hardware items list a table containing all associated parameters and their values. Parameter values can be modified either by entering a value or text or choosing from a list of possible values by clicking on the table cell containing the value. Load button: opens a navigation and file selection window, the user can select a configuration file (.sp file name extension) to be loaded. The loaded configuration can be modified, activated or saved. Save as button: allows the user to save the configuration to a different file. However, this does not activate a new configuration if parameters have been modified and the newly saved file is not used as the active configuration, therefore all subsequent changes will be saved to the file path in Current parameters line, which may be different. Save & Activate button: saves (to the file path of the active configuration) and activates the current configuration, including modifications done after last save or load.

Figure 6.1 SCA hardware configuration interface.




Activate button: activates the loaded/modified configuration. The bottom section of the left panel shows a short explanation of the selected hardware configuration parameter. Current parameters: Displays the file path to the currently active parameter file. Clicking on the table cell and then clicking on the button „...“ that appears on the right opens the navigation and file selection interface. After selecting the chosen parameter file (.sp extension) and clicking Open the configuration contained in the file is loaded (but not yet used). After loading the parameter file it is possible to modify it by selecting items from the drop-down list above the left panel. Startup fabrication: a saved fabrication to be loaded every time SCA starts. File selection same as for Current parameters. Startup parameters: file path to the configuration file that is loaded every time SCA software is started. This may also be changed to a different file in the same way as current parameters file path. The bottom section of the right panel shows an explanation and purpose of a selected file path.





6.2 List of hardware items and associated parameters General options

Acceleration (max) for marking [mm/s2]:

Limits the maximum acceleration for linear synchronized motion Number input

Acceleration mode for marking: Sets the acceleration function. Sinusoidal, Linear Aerotech V: Aerotech software version installed on PC and controller List

Auto-correct galvo delays: Enables/disables the use of galvo delays table for automatic delay control True, False Bitmap constant velocity: Acceleration done beyond marking limits for bitmap machining when true. True/False

Default mark speed [mm/s]: Default linear speed used in marking command parameters. Number input Delay after jump [ms]: Delay of further execution after unsynchronized movement. Always used. Number input

Default jump speed [mm/s]: Sets the default jump speed used in command parameters. Number input Device for height: Sets the device used for focus tracking List

Disable drives on exit: Cuts off motor current to drives when closing SCA if true True, False Initialize without homing: Homing is not started automatically when true True, False

PSONLDrive: Sets the axis to be tracked for PSO functions None, X, Y, Z.. Show peripheral status: List

Soloist version: Soloist software version installed on PC and controller List System ID: Text input

Topmost position positive: Changes the orientation of the Z axis in fabrication drawing True, False Use stages for shifting: Tells the software to use Aerotech stages for stiching galvo fields together when true True, False

Default PSO output: The default PSO output pin is used if True. If False and auxilary PSO output pin is used. True, False Max PSO input Freq [MHz]: Sets the maximum encoder signal frequency accepted by the axis controller. Number input

PSO Options: Sets how many axes to simultaneously track List PSO Output mode: Aerotech A3200-specific parameter, refer to A3200 manual. 0, 1, 2

PSO Output pin: Aerotech A3200-specific parameter, refer to A3200 manual. True, False Remove PSO reset: Removes PSO reset commands from generated AERO code. True, False

Use PSO scale: Allows to use scale factors for matching PSO tracking inputs, refer to A3200 manual. True, False

Stage X, Stage Y, Stage Z

Acceleration mode: Sets the acceleration function. Sinusoidal, Linear Default acceleration [mm/s2]: Sets the default acceleration for single-axis and unsynchronized motion. Number input

Default deceleration [mm/s2]: Sets the default deceleration for single-axis and unsynchronized motion. Number input Default jump speed [mm/s]: Sets the default jump speed used in command parameters. Number input

Enabled: Disables or enables axis control by SCA software True, False





Home offset [mm]: Sets the distance from the home marker to be regarded as 0 position after homing Number input Homing: Indicates whether the stage is capable of performing homing True, False

Homing priority: Defines the homing sequencing for individual axes 1, 2, 3.. Invert direction: Inverts axis movement direction True, False

Letter: Sets the identifying letter as displayed by SCA X, Y, Z.. Max accel. for jump [mm/s2]: Acceleration limit for unsynchronized motion Number input

Max coordinate [mm]: Limits the allowed maximum coordinate in command parameters and fabrication Number input Max speed [mm/s]: Limits the allowed maximum speed value in command parameters Number input

Min coordinate [mm]: Limits the allowed minimum coordinate in command parameters and fabrication Number input Speed (default) [mm/s]: Sets the default speed for commands using this axis Number input

PSO channel: Sets the tracked PSO channel for the axis in questions, no PSO when 0, refer to A3200 manual. 0, 1, 2, 3..

Soloist axis 1, Soloist axis 2..

Axis: Defines which axis of the positioning system is driven by the Soloist controller X, Y, Z... Acceleration mode: Sets the acceleration function. Sinusoidal, Linear

Coordinate (max) [mm]: Limits the allowed maximum coordinate in command parameters. Number input Coordinate (min) [mm]: Limits the allowed minimum coordinate in command parameters. Number input

Delay [ms]: Delay of further execution after unsynchronized movement. Always used. Number input Enabled: Disables or enables axis control by SCA software True, False

Home offset [mm]: Sets the distance from the home marker to be regarded as 0 position after homing Number input Homing: Indicates whether the stage is capable of performing homing True, False

Homing priority: 1, 2, 3.. Invert direction: True, False

PSO channel: Sets the tracked PSO channel for the axis in questions, no PSO when 0 0, 1, 2, 3.. Speed (default) [mm/s]: Sets the default speed for commands using this axis Number input

Linear stage 1, Linear stage 2..

Acceleration (max) [mm/s2]: Sets the acceleration for unsynchronized movement and acceleration limit for all movement. Number input Acceleration mode: Sets the acceleration function. Sinusoidal, Linear

Axis index: 1, 2, 3.. Coordinate (max) [mm]: Limits the allowed maximum coordinate in command parameters. Number input Coordinate (min) [mm]: Limits the allowed minimum coordinate in command parameters. Number input

Delay [ms]: Delay of further execution after unsynchronized movement. Always used. Number input





Enabled: Disables or enables axis control by SCA software True, False Home offset [mm]: Sets the distance from the home marker to be regarded as 0 position after homing Number input

Homing: Indicates whether the stage is capable of performing homing True, False Homing priority: 1, 2, 3.. Invert direction: True, False

Letter: X, Y, Z, x, y, z, A, B.. PSO channel: Sets the tracked PSO channel for the axis in questions, no PSO when 0 0, 1, 2, 3..

Speed (default) [mm/s]: Sets the default speed for commands using this axis Number input Speed (max) [mm/s]: Limits the allowed max speed in commands parameters, sets max speed for controller. Number input

Rotation stage 1, Rotation stage 2..

Acceleration (max) [degrees/s2]: Sets the acceleration for unsynchronized movement and acceleration limit for all movement. Number input Acceleration mode: Sets the acceleration function. Sinusoidal, Linear

Axis index: 1, 2, 3.. Coordinate (max) [degrees]: Limits the allowed maximum coordinate in command parameters. Number input Coordinate (min) [degrees]: Limits the allowed minimum coordinate in command parameters. Number input

Delay [ms]: Delay of further execution after unsynchronized movement. Always used. Number input Enabled: Disables or enables axis control by SCA software True, False

Home offset [degrees]: Sets the distance from the home marker to be regarded as 0 position after homing Number input Homing: Indicates whether the stage is capable of performing homing True, False

Homing priority: 1, 2, 3.. Invert direction: True, False

Letter: X, Y, Z, x, y, z, A, B.. PSO channel: Sets the tracked PSO channel for the axis in questions, no PSO when 0 0, 1, 2, 3..

Speed (default) [degrees/s]: Sets the default speed for commands using this axis Number input Speed (max) [degrees/s]: Limits the allowed max speed in commands parameters, sets max speed for controller. Number input

Galvo RTC

Delays Drag delay: Refer to scanner controller documentation (Scanlab RTC manual provides a good explanation) Number input

Jump delay: Refer to scanner controller documentation (Scanlab RTC manual provides a good explanation) Number input LaserOFF delay: Refer to scanner controller documentation (Scanlab RTC manual provides a good explanation) Number input LaserON delay: Refer to scanner controller documentation (Scanlab RTC manual provides a good explanation) Number input





Mark delay: Refer to scanner controller documentation (Scanlab RTC manual provides a good explanation) Number input Pixel delay: Refer to scanner controller documentation (Scanlab RTC manual provides a good explanation) Number input

Polygon delay: Refer to scanner controller documentation (Scanlab RTC manual provides a good explanation) Number input Field

Bits per Milimeter: Displays the bits per milimeter value, no input possible Not for input Correction file: File path input box for correction file selection to be uploaded to the RTC card File selection Field Rotation: Rotation of the coordinate plane with regard to the physical setup Number input

Field Size: Sets the field size in encoder bits, 0-65535 for a 16bit system, truncated symetrically. Number input Laser bits per milimeter: Galvo scanner field scaling parameter, sets the scaling of encoder iterations per milimeter Number input

Milimeters per field: Displays the field size in milimeters calculated from Field size and Bits per milimeter. Not for input ScaleX Multiplier used to scale input position values Number input ScaleY Multiplier used to scale input position values Number input ScaleZ Multiplier used to scale input position values Number input Galvo

Acceleration: Galvo motor acceleration for all movement, always used. Number input Allow MPS On-fly: True, False

Center Offset X: Offsets the X axis zero point by the indicated length (corrected) from the hardware 0 position Number input Center Offset Y: Offsets the Y axis zero point by the indicated length (corrected) from the hardware 0 position Number input

Enabled: Disables or enables scanner control by SCA software True, False Exchange Axes: Swaps the galvos controlled by commands to the X and Y axes. True, False

Flip X: Inverts the direction of the X axis True, False Flip Y: Inverts the direction of the Y axis True, False

Reset digital IO: Resets digital IO channels to 0 after execution True, False Reset digital IO LE: Resets digital IO Laser extention channel to 0 after execution True, False

RTC version: Sets the RTC card version List Use galvo run-up: Enables manipulation of delays and trajectories to eliminate marking during acceleration True, False

Virtual: Enables RTC card emulation True, False IO

Analog voltage: Sets the range of RTC card‘s analog input channels, milivolts List IO Analog output ports

From: Sets the first available analog output port number Number input To: Sets the last available analog output port number Number input

Laser mode Laser mode: Sets the laser control mode, refer to RTC card manual List

RTC Monitor USB: Monitors USB connection presence to ScanAlone controller if True True, False





RTC card IO id: Sets the ID of RTC card to be used for IO if more than one RTC card is present Number input RTC card scanhead id: Sets the ID of RTC card to be used for machining if more than one RTC card is present Number input

ScanAlone: ScanAlone card connected if True True, False RTC5

Laser1/Laser2 signal low active: Sets whether a low or high signal should be regarded as active True, False LaserON signal low active: Sets whether a low or high signal level should be regarded as active True, False

Speed Default mark speed: Displays the default mark speed in bits/milisecond, no input possible Not for input Default mark speed: Sets the default mark speed used in command parameters, milimeters/second Number input

Jump speed: Sets the default jump speed used in command parameters, milimeters/second Number input Jump speed BPMS: Displays the default jump speed in bits/milisecond, no input possible Not for input

Max speed: Maximum allowed speed in bits/milisecond Number input Max speed MmperS: Maximum speed allowed in command parameters, milimeters/second Number input

varioSCAN Flip Z: Invert varioSCAN axis direction True, False

varioSCAN: Disables or enables varioSCAN control by SCA software True, False varioSCAN max: Sets the maximum possible coordinate for varioSCAN Number input varioSCAN min: Sets the minimum possible coordinate for varioSCAN Number input

Galvo SSAM

Delays LaserOFF delay: Number input LaserON delay: Number input

Hardware Acceleration for jump command: Maximum acceleration in non-contoured mode, mm/s2 Number input Acceleration for mark command: Maximum acceleration in contoured mode, mm/s2 Number input

Axis 1 name: Reference name for SSAM controlled axis A, B, C, D.. Axis 2 name: Reference name for SSAM controlled axis A, B, C, D..

Calibration file: File path input box for field calibration file selection File selection Enabled: Disables or enables scanner control by SCA software True, False

IO Max analog voltage [V]: Voltage value of maximum registered analog input signal Number input Min analog voltage [V]: Voltage value of minimum registered analog input signal Number input IO Analog output ports

From: The number of the first available analog output port Number input





To: The number of the last available analog output port Number input Laser parameters

Laser mode: Laser control mode, refer to SSAM manual List

Misc Default Speed Jump: Default jump speed used in command parameters Number input Default Speed Mark: Default mark speed used in command parameters Number input

Max Speed: Maximum allowed movement speed in command parameters Number input Scale factor X: Galvo field scaling factor for X axis, please refer to SSAM manual Number input Scale factor Y: Galvo field scaling factor for Y axis, please refer to SSAM manual Number input

XYZ Coordinates Coordinate X (max) [mm] Limits the allowed maximum coordinate in command parameters Number input Coordinate X (min) [mm] Limits the allowed minimum coordinate in command parameters Number input Coordinate Y (max) [mm] Limits the allowed maximum coordinate in command parameters Number input Coordinate Y (min) [mm] Limits the allowed minimum coordinate in command parameters Number input Coordinate Z (max) [mm] Limits the allowed maximum coordinate in command parameters Number input Coordinate Z (min) [mm] Limits the allowed minimum coordinate in command parameters Number input

Joystick

Hardware Information: Displays the type of configured joystick Not for input

Joystick enabled: Disables or enables direct axis control by SCA software True, False Joystick type: Sets the type of joystick attached to the system List

Misc Enable execute: Enables execution launch from joystick control panel True, False

Max value: Not for input Min value: Not for input

Optional settings Add additional axes: Include control of additional axes through the joystick interface True, False

Free move as default: Free movement (not in steps) on by default, can be manually disabled via joystick interface True, False Hide free move: Hide the free move option True, False

Numpad control: Joystick movement parameters control via numpad if True True, False Z axis enabled: Z axis control via joystick enabled if True True, False

Virtual Joystick Fast mode X distance: Jog distance for X axis in fast mode (affects free movement speed also) Number input Fast mode Y distance: Jog distance for Y axis in fast mode (affects free movement speed also) Number input





Fast mode Z distance: Jog distance for Z axis in fast mode (affects free movement speed also) Number input Slow mode X distance: Jog distance for X axis in slow mode (affects free movement speed also) Number input Slow mode Y distance: Jog distance for Y axis in slow mode (affects free movement speed also) Number input Slow mode Z distance: Jog distance for Z axis in slow mode (affects free movement speed also) Number input

Virt. Joystick additional controls Virtual joystick direction

Use defined directions: If true joystick will operate according to preferences below True, False Virt. Joystick direction XY mode

Down: Sets the direction of motion for the Down arrow key List Left: Sets the direction of motion for when the Left arrow key List

Right: Sets the direction of motion for the Right arrow key List Up: Sets the direction of motion for the Up arrow key List

Virt. Joystick direction ZY mode Down: Sets the direction of motion for the Down arrow key List

Left: Sets the direction of motion for when the Left arrow key List Right: Sets the direction of motion for the Right arrow key List

Up: Sets the direction of motion for the Up arrow key List

Laser

ExplaLaser COM port number: COM port number for Expla laser monitoring and control Number input

Connection type: Type of connection between laser controller and PC List Monitor laser state: Monitoring of laser state during fabrication enabled if True True, False

Monitoring update rate [ms]: Time duration between laser state updates Number input Seed frequency [kHz]: Amplifier seed pulse repetition rate, must match the value set by the laser controller Number input Seed synchronization: Type of amplified seed pulse synchronization Internal, External

Show data: Laser status data displayed in SCA interface if True True, False Show status: Laser status displayed in SCA interface if True True, False Time to wait: Time to wait after signal alarm in ms. Setting to 0 disables sleeping. Expla NL laser only. Number input

IPG fiber laser COM port number: COM port number for IPG laser monitoring and control Number input

Monitor fiber laser state: Monitoring of laser state during fabrication enabled if True True, False Monitoring update rate [ms]: Time duration between laser state updates Number input

Laser Laser model: Choose the exact model of the laser used by the system List





Laser type: Choose the type of laser from pre-configured lasers list List Pharos

Maximum pulse energy [uJ]: Limits the maximum allowed laser pulse energy value in command parameters Number input Oscillator default current [mA]: Sets the default oscillator bar pumping current value for Pharos control commands Number input

Oscillator max current [mA]: Sets the maximum oscillator bar pumping current value for Pharos control commands Number input Oscillator min current [mA]: Sets the minimum oscillator bar pumping current value for Pharos control commands Number input

Pharos auto PP disable: Disables Pharos pulse picker after execution or error if True True, False Pharos auto PP enable: Enables Pharos pulse picker at fabrication start if True True, False

RA default current [mA]: Sets the default current value of RA pumping bars for Pharos control commands Number input RA max current [mA]: Sets the maximum RA bar pumping current value for Pharos control commands Number input RA min current [mA]: Sets the minimum RA bar pumping current value for Pharos control commands Number input

Use HV monitoring: Enables Pharos high-voltage module monitoring if True True, False Use oscillator control: Enables SCA to control Pharos oscillator pumping current for processing stability True, False

Use RA control: Enables SCA to control Pharos amplifier pumping currentb for processing stability True, False

Laser Control

Control type: Selection between different laser output modulation forms. List Default laser power %: Default laser power when controlled by SCA in Pulse Picker mode, percentage. Number input Default laser power W: Default laser power when controlled by SCA in Pulse Picker mode, wattage. Number input

Edge pulse width: Laser triggering pulse width in Edge mode, us. Number input Laser frequency (default) [Hz]: Pulse repetition frequency at the start of a job. Number input

Laser frequency (max) [Hz]: Upper limit of possible laser output frequency for marking (frequency and density modes). Number input Laser frequency (min) [Hz]: Lower limit of possible laser output frequency for marking (frequency and density modes). Number input

Laser modulation using shutter: Enables/disables shutter baser laser control. True, False LC default device: Laser control device selection List

Update frequency: Automatically updates frequency limits according to laser controller data if True True, False

Stage Controller

General Type: Sets the type of connected stage controller List

IO Max analog voltage [V]: Voltage value of maximum registered analog input signal Number input Min analog voltage [V]: Voltage value of minimum registered analog input signal Number input





IO Analog output ports From: The number of the first available analog output port Number input

To: The number of the last available analog output port Number input PI

Arch Factor: Arc move factor for Physik Instrumente stage. Higher number produces smoother arc motion. Number input Baud Rate: Data transmission rate between PC and controller, bits per second. List

Connection: Type of connection between PC and PI stage controller List PI Enabled: PI stage movement control by SCA possible if True True, False

Port: Port number for PC to stage controller communication Number input Use Baud Rate for USB: The preset baud rate is used for USB comm. between PC and stage controller if True True, False

Revalidation Enable Revalidation: Enables revalidation during execution if True True, False

IsRevalidationActivated: Indicates whether revalidation is enabled Not for input ValidateWhole Enabled: Validates algorithm only up to a revalidate command if False True, False

Attenuator 1, Attenuator 2..

Attenuator COM port ID: Port number for PC to attenuator controller communication Number input

COM port name: Displays the COM port name according to COM port ID setting. Not for input Connection type: Sets the type of attenuator controller connection, single USB device or attenuator hub. Single, Hub

Device ID: Sets the device ID when attenuator is connected via hub. No meaning when single. Number input Enabled: Disables or enables attenuator control by SCA software. True, False

Max energy: Limits the allowed maximum energy percentage value in command parameters Number input Min energy: Limits the allowed minimum energy percentage value in command parameters Number input

Name: Sets the name of the device as it will appear in SCA GUI. Text input Wavelength: Sets the wavelength of beam controlled by a particular attenuator. Number input

Calibration Calibration file: File path input box for power calibration file selection File selection

Hardware settings Homing: Indicates whether the stage is capable of performing homing True, False

Resolution: Step subdivision factor, 1-no subdivision, 2-1/2, 3-1/4, 4-1/8, 5-1/16 1, 2, 3.. Steps per MM: Number input

USCSettings Zero position: Zero position offset from hardware home position Number input





PM analog

Hardware Measurer Averaged values: Number of samples to be averaged for one measurement Number input

Calibration file: File path input box for device response calibration file selection File selection Port: Port number for PC to device controller communication Number input

Rate reads/second: Sets the device output aquisition frequency, Hz. Number input Use measurer: Disables or enables measurer operation by SCA software. True, False

PM Gentec

Hardware COM port ID: Port number for PC to device controller communication Number input

COM port name: Displays the COM port name according to COM port ID setting. Not for input Enabled: Disables or enables measurer operation by SCA software. True, False

Model: Sets the model of connected device from a list of supported models. List Name: Sets the name of the device as it will appear in SCA GUI. Text input

PM SensTech

Hardware COM port ID: Port number for PC to device controller communication Number input

COM port name: Displays the COM port name according to COM port ID setting. Not for input Enabled: Disables or enables measurer operation by SCA software. True, False

High voltage: Indicates whether device uses high voltage True, False Name: Sets the name of the device as it will appear in SCA GUI. Text input

Period: Signal period, 10-2500 ms. Number input

PM Nova II

Hardware Enabled: Disables or enables measurer operation by SCA software. True, False

Name: Sets the name of the device as it will appear in SCA GUI. Text input Units: Sets the unit name for use in SCA GUI Text input





Power Meter 1, Power Meter 2..

Measuring position Measuring position X: Sets the X coordinate where power measurement can be performed. Number input Measuring position Y: Sets the Y coordinate where power measurement can be performed. Number input Measuring position Z: Sets the Z coordinate where power measurement can be performed. Number input

Use measuring position: Enables automated power measurement at a specific stage position if True True, False Power Measurer

Averaging time: Power measurement duration, final value is an average over this duration, seconds. Number input Calibration file: File path input box for device response calibration file selection. File selection

Device: Selects a measuring device from a list of supported devices. List Device name: Displays the device name Not for input

Enabled: Disables or enables attenuator control by SCA software. True, False Name: Sets the name of the device as it will appear in SCA GUI. Text input

Serial number: Sets the device serial number. Text input Show power: Enables measured powe display in SCA GUI if True. True, False

Use Calibration file: Enables correction accorting to the preset calibration file if True True, False Wavelength correction factor: Factor for scaling of measured power with wavelength. Number input

Polarization rotator 1, Polarization rotator 2...

Calibration Calibration file: File path input box for polarization calibration file selection. File selection

Hardware settings Homing: Indicates whether the stage is capable of performing homing True, False

Resolution: Step subdivision factor, 1-no subdivision, 2-1/2, 3-1/4, 4-1/8, 5-1/16 1, 2, 3.. Polarization rotator

COM port ID: Port number for PC to pol. rotator controller communication Number input COM port name: Displays the COM port name according to COM port ID setting. Not for input Connection type: Sets the type of attenuator controller connection, single USB device or attenuator hub. Single, Hub


Max degrees: Limits the allowed maximum rotation degrees value in command parameters Number input Min degrees: Limits the allowed minimum rotation degrees value in command parameters Number input

Name: Sets the name of the device as it will appear in SCA GUI. Text input Wavelength: Sets the wavelength of beam controlled by a particular pol. rotator. Number input





USCSettings Zero position: Zero position offset from hardware home position File selection

Camera 1, Camera 2...

Camera position Position X: Absolute position of camera view center on the X axis Number input Position Y: Absolute position of camera view center on the Y axis Number input Position Z: Absolute position of camera view center on the Z axis Number input

Lighting Enabled lights: Lights available for particular camera. 1-Coaxial, 2-Backlight, 3-Coaxial + Backlight, 4-LED ring. 1, 2, 3...

Light intensity control: Allows to control the intensity of the light source if True True, False Misc

Auto pause on execute: Pauses camera acquisition during execution if True True, False Auto start on execute done: Starts camera acquisition after execution completion if True True, False

Cal Distance between points: Default step for field calibration Number input Cal spot size: Default spot size for spot size Number input

Camera index: Number of camera Not for input Draw cross in view center: SCA draws a cross in view center if True True, False

Enabled: Enables acquisition from camera and control by SCA software. True, False Model: List Name: Name of camera as it will be seen in SCA GUI Text input

Use VisionLT calibration: Uses VisionLT MV library field calibration if True True, False Settings

Camera view position move: Camera view position moves with laser beam if True. True, False Enable tracking: Enables tracking on camera start if True. True, False

Off-axis camera view: Fabrication spot is not within camera field if True True, False Z device Z device: Sets the device selected from a list as the MV-only Z stage List

Z device max: Maximum allowed coordinate of Z device Number input Z device min: Minimum allowed coordinate of Z device Number input

USCSettings 1, USCSettings 2...

Calibration





Calibration file: File path input box for stepper-driven stage calibration file selection. File selection Hardware settings

Default speed: Sets the default speed used in command parameters for USCSettings stage commands, [mm/s] Number input Homing: Indicates whether the stage is capable of performing homing True, False

Max speed: Sets the maximum speed allowed in command parameters for USCSettings commands, [mm/s] Number input Resolution: Sets the step subdivision factor, 1-no subdivision, 2-1/2, 3-1/4, 4-1/8, 5-1/16 1, 2, 3..

Steps per mm: Sets the number of (subdivided) steps needed to travel 1 mm Number input Use speed control: Uses acceleration and deceleration of stepper-driven stage if True True, False

USCSettings COM port ID: Port number for PC to stepper motor controller communication Number input

COM port name: Displays the COM port name according to COM port ID setting. Not for input Connection type: Sets the type of attenuator controller connection, single USB device or attenuator hub. Single, Hub


Max position: Limits the allowed maximum position value in command parameters Number input Min energy: Limits the allowed minimum position value in command parameters Number input

Name: Sets the name of the device as it will appear in SCA GUI. Text input Wavelength: Sets the wavelength of beam controlled by a particular pol. rotator. Number input

Zero position: Zero position offset from hardware home position File selection

Shutter

Hardware Control mode: Sets whether a low or a high signal level should open the shutter. List

Control pin: Sets control pin to be used for shutter control signal output List Enabled: Disables or enables attenuator control by SCA software. True, False NLDrive: Sets the Aerotech drive to be used for shutter control. List

Status mode: Sets the level of signal from shutter to be considered as Shutter is open. List Status pin: Sets the input pin to be used for shutter status signal input. List

Shutter TSC

Hardware Enabled: Disables or enables shutter control by SCA software. True, False

Name: Sets the name of the device as it will appear in SCA GUI. Text input





Postexec close: Shutter is closed after algorithm execution if True. True, False Preexec open: Shutter is opened prior to algorithm execution if True. True, False

SN: Controller serial number Text input

Rotator TDC

Hardware Enabled: Disables or enables shutter control by SCA software. True, False

Multiplier: Name: Sets the name of the device as it will appear in SCA GUI. Text input

Postexec close: Shutter is closed after algorithm execution if True. True, False Preexec open: Shutter is opened prior to algorithm execution if True. True, False

SN: Controller serial number Text input

MoTex

General Devide count: Number of connected MoTex devices. Number input

MoTex ID: ID of active MoTex device Number input MoTex

COM port ID: Port number for PC to MoTex controller communication Number input COM port name: Displays the COM port name according to COM port ID setting. Not for input

Enabled: Disables or enables MoTex control by SCA software. True, False Name: Sets the name of the device as it will appear in SCA GUI. Text input

TouchProbe

General Ball diameter [mm]: Diameter of effective touch probe stylus tip (accounts for bending without triggering). Number input

Control via Aerotech touch pro..: Use Aerotech‘s dedicated input for touch probe input. True, False Default speed [mm/s]: Default detection movement speed.

Enabled: Disables or enables Touch probe control and operation by SCA software. Fine step [mm]: Fine movement increment when using touch probe.

IOcontrol: Touch probe input IOControl instance when not using dedicated Aerotech input. Rough step [mm]: Rough movement increment when using touch probe.





Use probe protection: Probe input monitoring when not measuring (stops stages if probe is touched). Home

Home offset X [mm]: Probe offset in X from reference point (usually laser). Number input Home offset Y [mm]: Probe offset in Y from reference point (usually laser). Number input Home offset Z [mm]: Probe offset in Z from reference point (usually laser). Number input

Optional Ball diameter 2: Second stylus calibration equivalent probe ball diameter, for multi-area stylus. Number input

Home offset X [mm]: Probe offset in X from reference point (usually laser), for multi-area stylus. Number input Home offset Y [mm]: Probe offset in Y from reference point (usually laser), for multi-area stylus. Number input Home offset Z [mm]: Probe offset in Z from reference point (usually laser), for multi-area stylus. Number input





SCA plug-ins: Femtolab The Femtolab plug-in for SCA adds functionallity typically required for complete micromachining systems such as safety interlock operation and automated system controls. It builds upon the flexible SCA interface to provide faster access to frequently used features and simplifies day-to-day use of the system.

7.1 Interface

With the Femtolab plugin SCA interface additionally gets quick access to lighting control. Coaxial light usually controls top illumination source. The intensity of the light source can be set at 4 levels – off, low, medium and high. Control is arranged through two digital output pins, usually of Aerotech drive X controller/driver. Backlight, if installed, can also be set to 4 different intensity levels just like the coaxial light source. Finally if an ambient light source is installed inside the system enclosure it can be controlled as well (Work light). The control can be set to Auto work light control, which turns on the work light after system initialization, or it can be manually turned on or off by selecting Work light on and Work light off when Auto work light control is not enabled. One more feature added to the SCA interface by the Femtolab plugin is quick access to configuration files for switching between different system configurations. The parameter files for the quick access configurations have to be located in the SCA installation directory, Configuration subdirectory, for example “C:\Program Files\SCA\SCA 2.6.66\Configuration”. Choosing a Parameter file name from the list and clicking the Apply button activates the parameter file. If new files are added to the Configuration folder they will become accessible the next time when SCA is started. Additional information is also displayed below the parameter file selection about Door state (opened or closed) and Interlock override (on or off).

Figure 7.1. The Lighting control menu accesible through Sca main interface with Femtolab plugin.





7.2 Hardware configuration

In the hardware list a new item becomes available with the Femtolab plugin, it is listed as Femtolab2. List of hardware parameters and there meanings are listed in the table below.

Femtolab2

Doors Door inverted port: Tells SCA if door input port behaviour is inverted. True, False

Door port: Number of port for door status input. Number input

Figure 7.2. The Lighting control menu accesible through Sca main interface with Femtolab plugin.

Figure 7.3. The Tools menu.





Interlock inverted port: True, False Interlock port number: Number of port for interlock status input. Number input

Lock doors port: Number of door lock control output port. Number input Lock doors port inverted: Tells SCA if door lock output port behaviour should be inverted. True, False

Use doors: Tells SCA whether to monitor door status and control system according to door status. True, False Lighting

Lighting byte: Number of lighting control byte in output port sequence (1 byte = 8 bits = 8 ports, first is 0). Number input


Documents

SCA micromachining software manual - Wophotonics...it without in-depth knowledge of all the possible universal CNC scripting languages and manufacturer-specific scripting languages