Sculpfun C1 3W Mini Portable Laser Engraver User Manual

1. Introduction

The Sculpfun C1 is an ultra-compact and portable 3W diode laser engraver designed for precision engraving on a variety of materials. Its lightweight and ready-to-use design makes it ideal for hobbyists, makers, and small businesses looking for a versatile and easy-to-operate engraving solution.

Figure 1: Sculpfun C1 Mini Portable Laser Engraver

2. Specifications

Figure 2: Machine Dimensions and Port Layout (Power Port, Indicator light, Data Port, Power switch, Limit switch, Magnetic protective cover)

3. Package Contents

The Sculpfun C1 package includes the following items:

• 1x C1 Machine Body
• 1x Laser Head (3W)
• 1x User Manual
• 1x USB Data Cable
• 1x Power Adapter
• 1x Acrylic Focusing Sheet
• 1x Toolkit (includes repair tools)
• 1x Kraft Paper (sample material)
• 1x Basswood Board (sample material)
• 2x Metal Business Cards (sample material)
• 1x Protective Goggles
• 1x Glasses Cleaning Cloth
• 1x Metal Protective Plate

Figure 3: All items included in the Sculpfun C1 package.

4. Setup

The Sculpfun C1 is designed for quick and easy setup, being ready to use right out of the box with minimal assembly required.

4.1 Initial Unpacking and Placement

1. Carefully remove all components from the packaging.
2. Place the C1 machine on a stable, level, and heat-resistant surface. Ensure adequate ventilation around the machine.
3. Connect the power adapter to the machine's power port and then to a suitable power outlet.
4. Connect the USB data cable from the machine's data port to your computer.

Figure 4: The Sculpfun C1 features one-step installation, ready to use out of the box.

4.2 Software Installation

The Sculpfun C1 is compatible with professional laser engraving software such as LightBurn and LaserGRBL. Please download the latest version of your preferred software from the official website.

1. Install LightBurn or LaserGRBL on your Windows or MacOS computer.
2. Follow the software's instructions to connect to the Sculpfun C1 via USB.

Figure 5: High compatibility with LightBurn and LaserGRBL for Windows and MacOS.

4.3 Limit Switches and Homing

The machine is equipped with pre-installed limit switches on both the X and Y axes for safety and precise positioning. Use the one-click homing function in your software to set the machine's home position before starting any engraving tasks.

Figure 6: XY axis equipped with limit switches and precise scales for convenient and accurate operation.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1 Material Preparation

The Sculpfun C1 supports engraving on a wide range of materials, including:

• Wood
• Anodized Surfaces (e.g., anodized aluminum)
• Leather
• Slate
• Acrylic
• Kraft Paper
• Laser Material
• Leaves
• Colored Cardstock

Ensure your material is clean, flat, and securely placed within the 150x130mm working area. Use the X/Y-axis scales on the frame for precise positioning.

Figure 7: Examples of materials supported by the 3W laser, including wood, anodized surfaces, leather, and more.

5.2 Engraving Process

1. Design Import: Import your design (JPG, PNG, BMP, GIF, SVG, AI, etc.) into LightBurn or LaserGRBL.
2. Parameter Setting: Adjust laser power, speed, and passes according to your material and desired effect. The C1 can reach a maximum speed of 10000mm/min. The ultra-fine 0.04mm laser spot allows for highly detailed engravings.
3. Focus Adjustment: Use the acrylic focusing sheet provided to set the correct laser focus for your material.
4. Start Engraving: Initiate the engraving process from your software. Always wear the provided protective goggles during operation.

Figure 8: The C1 can achieve a maximum speed of 10000mm/min, improving efficiency. Examples on Kraft Paper and Anodized Aluminum Sheet.

Figure 9: The 0.04mm ultra-fine laser spot provides outstanding engraving effects for high-precision photos.

5.3 Batch Processing

The 150x130mm work area allows for batch processing of multiple small items simultaneously, maximizing space utilization and productivity.

Figure 10: Sculpfun C1 maximizes engraving area in a limited space, allowing processing of several small items at once.

6. Safety Information

• Always wear the provided protective goggles when the laser engraver is in operation.
• Never look directly into the laser beam.
• Ensure the engraving area is well-ventilated to dissipate fumes.
• Keep flammable materials away from the engraving area.
• The machine is equipped with limit switches for safety. Do not bypass or disable them.
• An optional protective cover is available (sold separately) which, when added, brings the machine into line with Class 1 laser engraving machine standards and features an auto-stop function when opened.

Figure 11: Magnetic Protective Cover for quick release, featuring a smoke exhaust outlet and filters for harmful lasers.

7. Maintenance

• Cleaning: Regularly clean the laser lens and the machine's rails to ensure optimal performance and prevent dust buildup. Use the provided glasses cloth or a soft, lint-free cloth.
• Lubrication: Periodically lubricate the moving parts (e.g., linear rails) as recommended in the full user manual (if available) to ensure smooth operation.
• Firmware Updates: Check the official Sculpfun website for any available firmware updates for your C1 engraver to ensure you have the latest features and bug fixes.

8. Troubleshooting

• Laser not firing: Check power connections, USB connection to the computer, and ensure the software is correctly configured and sending commands. Verify the laser module is properly seated.
• Engraving quality is poor: Adjust focus, laser power, speed, and number of passes. Ensure the material is clean and flat. Check for any debris on the laser lens.
• Machine not responding: Restart the machine and your computer. Re-establish the USB connection. Check for any error messages in your engraving software.
• Software compatibility issues: Ensure you are using the latest versions of LightBurn or LaserGRBL and that your operating system (Windows/MacOS) meets the software requirements.

9. User Tips

• Material Testing: Always perform small test engravings on new materials or when using new settings to find the optimal parameters before starting your main project.
• Thermos Engraving: The Sculpfun C1 can engrave on anodized thermoses. Ensure the thermos is securely positioned and the surface is clean.
• Phone Cases: The engraver is suitable for customizing phone cases. Ensure the material of the case is compatible with laser engraving (e.g., leather, wood, certain plastics).
• Kraft Paper: Kraft paper is a compatible material for engraving with the C1.
• Mobile App: Note that the primary software compatibility is with LightBurn and LaserGRBL on Windows/MacOS. There is no mention of direct mobile app control for engraving.

10. Warranty and Support

For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please refer to the official Sculpfun website or contact their customer service directly. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase.