Engraving and Cutting with LaserGRBL

1. Connect the Machine

This section details how to connect the Ortur Laser Master 3 to the LaserGRBL software. Ensure the correct COM port and Baud rate (115200) are selected. The software will display a connection status message.

Action: Click the button highlighted in red in the LaserGRBL interface to establish the connection between the software and the machine.

After connecting, you may need to unlock the control buttons. Click the button in the red box to enable the greyed-out control buttons.

2. Engraving Process

To begin engraving, you first need to import your image into LaserGRBL.

Step 1: Import Image

• Click the "Import" button.
• Navigate to your image file (e.g., a .png file like 'orturlogo.png') and select it.
• Click "Open".

Step 2: Image Conversion Settings

In the "Import Raster Image" window, adjust the following parameters:

• Resize: Smooth (HQ Bicubic)
• Grayscale: SimpleAverage
• Brightness, Contrast, White Clip: Adjust these settings as needed for your image.
• Conversion Tool: Select "Vectorize!".
• Vectorize! Options: Set "Spot Removal" to 2, "Smoothing" to 1.0, "Optimize" to 0.2, and "Downsampling" to 2.0.
• Click "Next".

Step 3: Target Image Settings

• Engraving Speed: Set to 20000 mm/min.
• Laser Mode: Select "M4 - Dynamic Power".
• S-MIN: 0 (0.0%)
• S-MAX: 1000 (100.0%)
• Image Size and Position: Adjust the "Size" (Width and Height) and "Offset" as required. For example, Width: 100.0, Height: 21.4.
• Click "Create!".

Note: Engraving parameters are for reference; actual results depend on materials and image quality.

3. Positioning and Starting Engraving

After creating the engraving job, you will see a preview in LaserGRBL. You can adjust the engraving range and position.

• Click the button highlighted in red to view the engraving range.
• Use the "Moving Direction" buttons (arrows) to adjust the starting point of the engraving.
• Important: After setting the starting point, click the button highlighted in red to record the position. Failure to do so will result in invalid movement.
• To start the engraving process, click the button highlighted in red.

4. Cutting Process

The cutting process is similar to engraving but involves different settings.

Step 1: Import Image

• Import your desired image file.
• Click "Next".

Step 2: Image Conversion Settings for Cutting

• Conversion Tool: Select "Vectorize!".
• Click "Next".

Step 3: Target Image Settings for Cutting

• Border Speed: Set to 100 mm/min.
• Laser Mode: Select "M3 - Constant Power".
• S-MAX: 1000 (100.0%)
• Adjust the "Size" as needed.
• Click "Create!".

Note 1: Cutting parameters are for reference; actual use is affected by material and thickness.

Note 2: Different materials, like wood, can yield varied results due to age and resin content. Multiple attempts may be necessary for optimal results.

Follow the same positioning and starting procedures as described in the engraving section to begin cutting.