Laser grbl

GRBL Primary Docs Common GRBL/GCode Setups Most GCode-based lasers are pre-configured to work with LightBurn, but if you have a less common machine like a Shapeoko, EleksMaker, X-Carve, or Acro system, you might need to make some simple changes to get the most from LightBurn. Quick Reference¶ You might need to adjust your spindle max RPM value ($30) to match the LightBurn default (1000) or vice versa. The value in LightBurn is called "S-Value Max" in Device Settings. You might need to enable "Laser Mode" if you have GRBL 1.1f or later ($32=1) If you have an older version of GRBL (prior to 1.1f) upgrading the firmware is highly recommended, as Laser Mode also prevents the machine from pausing with every power change. The pause, which happens on older versions, or when not using Laser Mode, will cause excessive burn spots when engraving images. If your machine uses negative workspace coordinates you'll need to apply a workspace offset (G10 L2 P1 xx yy). Set your machine status reporting to be relative to the workspace origin, not the machine origin ($10=0). Make sure the controller is reporting positions in mm, as expected by LightBurn ($13=0) If your machine does not have homing switches (also called limit switches) you will need to home it manually if you want to use Absolute Coords or User Origin modes GRBL Flavors¶ GRBL firmware was originally designed for CNC machines and 3D printers, with laser support added more recently. It is highly configurable, and this is both a blessing and a curse. The "standard" way a CNC machine is configured is somewhat different from the way laser machines often are. Luckily this is easy to change, and easy to switch from one to the other. More recent versions of GRBL (1.1f and up) support two laser-oriented features. The first is Laser Mode, enabled by setting $32=1 in the firmware settings. Laser mode eliminates the pauses that happen when changing power output, because GRBL knows it's controlling a laser which reacts instantly, instead of waiting for a spindle to change RPM. The second is a feature called variable power mode, or the M4 command. In this mode, GRBL adjusts the laser power as the machine speeds up and slows down, making for very consistent cutting and marking. Older versions of GRBL do not have this feature, and simply run the laser at a constant power output for the duration of a cut. Since the machine needs to slow down to take sharp corners, this means corners get over-burnt, while long straight lines end up lighter. This also has the benefit that when the laser comes to a complete stop, the beam turns off (zero speed equals zero

Information on our Vectric Laser Post ProcessorWe have been asked by a lot of people to make a post processor to the Vectric Software so it can be used with the laser. You ask and you shall receive! We started one for the X Carve, but it should not really have anything that specific in it to make it unusable for other machines as well. If you would like to modify it the source file can be edited with a standard text editor pretty easily. We have made now specific versions for different machine controllers. If you have a new post processor for another controller that you would like to share, just let us know!This post processor will work with all of the Vectric Products including Cut2D, V Carve, and Aspire. It works with the desktop and the Pro versions.The basic concept is that you set up a tool in V Carve Pro (or other Vectric software) that has the laser parameters to it (the spot size is the drill bit width). Then, you draw in V Carve Pro (or other vectric software) to get the file that you want. When you make your G Code, the post processor will change all of the “retract” portions in the file where the spindle moves up to a laser OFF command. Viola!We have a couple of versions depending on the controller you use. Here are the download links:*Right click “save link as” versus clicking the link *GRBL 1.1 – Dynamic Laser Mode M4 & No Z (X Carve, Shapeoko 3, etc.)DOWNLOAD GRBL INCH VERSION HEREDOWNLOAD GRBL MM VERSION HEREGRBL 0.9- With Z Older Machines (X Carve, Shapeoko 3, etc.)DOWNLOAD GRBL INCH VERSION HEREDOWNLOAD GRBL MM VERSION HEREGRBL 0.9- Older Machines No Z Version (X Carve, Shapeoko 3, etc.)DOWNLOAD GRBL INCH VERSION HEREDOWNLOAD GRBL MM VERSION HEREONEFINITY DOWNLOAD ONEFINITY INCH VERSION HEREDOWNLOAD ONEFINITY MM VERSION HEREMACH 3 DOWNLOAD MACH3 INCH VERSION HEREDOWNLOAD MACH3 MM VERSION HEREMACH 3 – M11p1/M10p1 optionDOWNLOAD MACH3 INCH VERSION HEREDOWNLOAD MACH3 MM VERSION HEREMACH 4 – Vector Laser Mode – No ZDOWNLOAD MACH4 INCH VERSION HEREDOWNLOAD MACH4 MM VERSION HERECNC SHARKDOWNLOAD CNC SHARK INCH VERSION HERESTEPCRAFT (UCCNC) Relay OptionDOWNLOAD STEPCRAFT MM VERSION HEREDOWNLOAD STEPCRAFT INCH VERSION HEREUCCNC (Stepcraft) PWM OptionDOWNLOAD STEPCRAFT MM VERSION HEREDOWNLOAD STEPCRAFT INCH VERSION HEREUCCNC CNC4 Newbies PWM OptionDOWNLOAD STEPCRAFT INCH VERSION HERE3D Printer (Using Fan Control M106/M107)DOWNLOAD 3D PRINTER MM VERSION HEREDOWNLOAD 3D PRINTER INCH

Power), meaning that pausing a job automatically turns off the laser. This is not always true with other versions of GRBL. If you aren't already running GRBL 1.1f (or later) on your controller, we highly recommend it for laser use. If this isn't an option, that's ok, but your results won't be as good, and pausing the laser runs the risk of leaving the beam on and ruining the job. Getting Machine Settings¶ Many GRBL based machines allow the settings of the machine to be easily exported or viewed. For advanced configuration like adding limit switches, updating firmware, or setting up a new controller, you'll need to interact with these values. You can do this in LightBurn by using the Console window or the Machine Settings window to copy, update, or reset your machine settings. The Machine Settings window provides you with a formatted table with the parameters labeled. You can also export these settings to a file for later restoration, like we did in our GRBL flashing guide. In the Console, enter $$ to have the controller return the machine's configuration. This will show the settings in plain text, requiring more familiarity with what each command means but allowing you to view the configuration directly, without any chance of mislabeling based on custom vendor configurations. Shapeoko¶ Shapeoko machines typically use GRBL 1.1f, as do newer X-Carve and some other systems, but as they are designed as CNC machines, they are typically configured for negative workspace coordinates. LightBurn doesn't directly support negative workspace coordinates, but you can use a Shapeoko in LightBurn with a workspace offset. Please see the directions in Negative Coordinate Machines for directions to set a workspace offset, clear the offset to use the machine in CNC mode, and create macros to switch modes quickly. You can set these commands up as macro buttons in the LightBurn console window. Enter the first command into a macro and call it "Use Laser", and enter the second command into a different macro and call it "Use CNC". When you want to use your laser, click the "Use Laser" macro button, and when you're done and want to switch back to CNC, click the "Use CNC" button. After setting this, you will also need to make sure your machine is reporting coordinates relative to this workspace origin, instead of the absolute machine zero. Do this by entering $10=0 in the console. X-Carve¶ X-Carve machines sold prior to January 2018 generally run an older flavor of GRBL (1.0c) which does not support the variable power (M4) command, meaning you'll need to use the GRBL-M3 device in LightBurn. Machines sold after that date use GRBL 1.1f, and will work with the standard

The HDMI output, and a keyboard and mouse to the USB ports• Connect the power supply to the RPi• After starting the system, a workspace like this should appearNote: If you have never used the RPi before, we recommend a previous reading. There are many articles available that provide an introduction.• Using RPi 3, we need to configure the serial port, due to hardware changes that occurred in this version of Raspberry and software with Jessie Raspbian.• To facilitate the process, there is a desktop script that will serve this purpose, the RPi3 Serial Config.• In the case of using an RPi 3, we must execute it. It will fine-tune the serial settings to work with the CNC Hat and will restart the system for the changes to take effect.• At this point, we can now connect to the GRBL and configure it. For this, we can use the Universal G-Code Sender or bCNC.• For more details about the meaning of each of the GRBL configurations, see: One of the parameters that we will need to change in the future will be the $ 32, responsible for the behavior change of the GRBL to the laser mode.• In this mode, the GRBL will move continuously between commands G1, G2, and G3 while the laser power is updated instantly with each movement.• More details are provided at the link below: Using the Universal G-Code Sender, we can connect to the serial / dev / ttyAMA0 using an 115200bps baudrate. Just click Open.• The GRBL response will appear on the terminal screen just below:**** Connected to /dev/ttyAMA0 @ 115200 baud ****Grbl 1.1f [‘$’ for help]By typing $$ and pressing ENTER on the command bar, the command will be sent and the GRBL will respond with your current settings. These are the ones

Shift – hard at first, but you’ll never want to go back.2. Design ToolsLaserGRBLNone to speak of. LaserGRBL expects you to bring your designs from another software. Think of it as the finishing touch, not the whole package.LightBurnThis is where LightBurn dominates. It’s packed with design tools that allow you to create and edit projects directly in the software. No need for third-party apps – LightBurn is the all-you-can-eat buffet of laser engraver programs.3. CompatibilityLaserGRBLIt’s designed exclusively for GRBL-based controllers, which limits its compatibility with certain machines. If your laser doesn’t speak GRBL, LaserGRBL won’t pick up the call.LightBurnLightBurn supports a wide range of controllers, including GRBL, DSP, and Trocen. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a pro, LightBurn probably works with your machine.4. PricingLaserGRBLFree. Zero dollars. Not even a penny. If you’re on a tight budget or testing the waters, LaserGRBL is unbeatable in this category.LightBurnLightBurn isn’t free, but its pricing is reasonable, especially considering its advanced features. Check out how much does LightBurn software cost for the full breakdown.LaserGRBL is perfect for those just starting out or looking for a no-cost option to experiment with. However, if you want a professional-grade experience with robust design tools and compatibility, LightBurn is the clear winner.Still undecided? Give LaserGRBL a shot – it’s free, after all! And when you’re ready to step up your game, LightBurn will be waiting with open arms (and possibly a laser-etched welcome mat).The Bottom Line on What is Lightburn SoftwareSo, what is LightBurn software? It’s the ultimate laser engraver software that bridges creativity and precision. Whether you’re a hobbyist exploring free laser engraving software or a pro searching for the best laser cutting machine software, LightBurn has you covered.From seamless design tools to unparalleled laser control, LightBurn transforms your laser projects from “meh” to “wow!” Ready to unleash your creativity? Dive into how to use LightBurn software and start making your mark today.RESOURCES

From my previous ARDUINO projects I got a lot of hardware that laid in the basis of this toy. It has helped me to familiarize with the fundamentals of g-code, various free software and its settings.The toy is shown in Fig. 1.MechanicsAs the title says, the toy incorporates two unipolar steppers 28byj-48 (Fig. 2).Four 125mm pieces of 8mm precise shaft were used as well as four linear bearings LM8UU. All this stuff is joined with cable ties (Fig. 3).Since steppers are very slow, a belt drive was the best choice (Fig. 4).There are no tensioners in the design so the proper operation is provided with accurate adjustment of the belt’s length. Ends of the belt are bonded with super glue. As an opposite pulley two ball bearings (inner diameter 4mm, outer diameter 13mm, width 5mm) are used (Fig. 5).A 3.5’’ floppy disk serves as a table. The approximate size of working area is 80x80mm. The table is mounted onto small pinewood pieces with hot glue (Fig. 6).As you might have noticed, the frame is made of metal constructor (Fig. 7). It is important not to breathe near the toy, then everything will be going well)ElectronicsA list of electronic components (Fig. 8):And a laser module of course (Fig. 9)! I used violet(405nm) laser module of 1W power declared. Do not forget following all safety precautions when working with it!The circuit diagram is show in Fig. 10.Firmware for ARDUINO boardWhile I’m writing this, the toy operates on GRBL 0.9jservo – a fork of standard GRBL for support of servomotor and two 28byj-48steppers (link: modification is intended for 2D-plotters where the servo controls a pen moving it up and down. The servo itself is controlled with PWM on D11, but we can replace a pen with a laser.There is also another fork, based on far newer GRBL 1.1f (with optimized Laser mode implemented ), for three 28byj-48 steppers (link: But I found that PWM does not work here. I think this is due to hack for the third axis support. That is why I had to stay on GRBL 0.9j.To work with the laser I changed some settings in GRBL source files:«spindle_control.c»: unlike the servo we need allPWM range (Fig. 11). In addition I increased PWM frequency up to 980Hz (Fig. 12);«config.h»: check if VARIABLE_SPINDLE parameter is defined (responsible for PWM), and set the maximum spindle RPM as 255 (Fig. 13);The firmware is added in ARDUINO IDE trough «Sketch»> «Include libary» > «Add ZIP library», then select «grbl» folder from the archive.Software for PCGRBL receives commands from a computer through USB connection. That is why we have to use a special software such as:Universal G-code Sender, UGS ( – works with g-code files;LaserGRBL