I try to start a file, or even test it and I get a “SOFT STOP” error with some beeping. How does this error relate to the objects that I have drawn into my LaserCut5.3 software?

Question:

Quick Answer:

Observe the "Immediate" checkbox to see if the project is relative to the machine's focal head position. It may be that the drawing project goes outside the actual working area of the machine.

Complete Answer:

The "soft stop" is caused when the boundries of the work project are expected to extend beyond the actual work area. The project could be as small as you like, but if the project components are placed outside the laserable work area then the "Soft Stop" error will come up. If the project is small and appears to be inside the software's work area, then check if the "Immediate" checkbox is selected. This means that the project is cut/engraved in respect to wherever the laser machine's focal head is positioned at.

Please notice the images attached to this message.

SoftStopError1.jpg: This will produce an error because the "Immediate" checkbox is not selected and a portion of the drawing is outside the work area.

SoftStopError2.jpg: This may not produce an error because the "Immediate" checkbox is selected. The drawing is placed off of the software work area, but this is no matter. The focal head must be positioned such that there is enough room inside the machine work area for the project to be cut. The easiest way to test if the project will fit is to press the "test" button on the operator panel.

SoftStopError3.jpg: This will produce an error because the drawing project is simply too big to completely fit into the laser machine's work area. The focal head could not be pushed high enough to allow the bottom edge of the butterfly to fit inside the grid.

SoftStopError4.jpg: This may produce an error because the "Immediate" checkbox is selected. The drawing components are placed inside of the software work area, but this is not always safe. The focal head must be positioned such that there enough room inside the machine work area for the project to be cut. The easiest way to test if the project will fit is to press the "test" button on the operator panel. The current knife origin is set to top-right of the drawing components. Notice that the butterfly drawing is approximately 18x18 cm in size. If the machine focal head is placed at coordinates 10,10.. then there will not be enough room for the project to be cut.

FAQ item was submitted:

12/14/2009 By: Raymond L. Scott

Contact:

https://rabbitlaserusa.com/Partners/ContactUs.html
Raymond L. Scott  ... Owner Engineer
ray@RabbitLaserUSA.com
601 North Verity Parkway
Middletown, OH 45042
(513) 217-5707