Apr 15 2010
Lanmark® Controls, Inc. has released its WinLase LAN 5.0 Laser Marking Software for companies using laser marking applications requiring motion.
The new software eliminates the need to purchase costly PC cards to control a step motor and enables users to easily communicate with the new smart motors, such as the IMS MDrivePlus® motor + driver.
Previous to WinLase LAN 5.0, users of laser marking systems incorporating a step motor would have to connect the motor into a PC card, which was then installed into a PC. Users were also limited to four pre-defined, hard-coded axis movements – which increased the cost of rotating a part in order to mark it.
With WinLase LAN 5.0, users have the ability to send commands directly to the motor – without having to install a PC card or write commands – as well as string up to 32 motors in a daisy chain and control them from any computer, including a laptop.
“In order to rotate a part or mark different sides of a part, laser marking companies have to buy a $500 to $600 PC card plus a motor – driving up the cost to $1000 or more,” says John Oskirko, President of Lanmark Controls. “With WinLase LAN 5.0, users can buy just one ‘smart motor’ with a built-in board and connect it directly to the LEC-1. For single axis marking applications, it’s a much more cost-effective alternative as the cost comes down to about $350.”
WinLase LAN 5.0 is compatible with Windows 7 Professional and supports Lanmark’s LEC-1 Ethernet-based scan controller cards. The software offers simplified management for multiple, networked laser marking systems, an intuitive, easy-to-learn interface, flexible architecture and simple installation.