ATOMSTACK Laser Engraver User Manual

Part 1: Safety Declaration Before Installation

Before using the laser engraver, carefully read this safety guide. It highlights situations requiring special attention and warns against unsafe practices that could cause damage to property or personal injury.

1. The product is a Class 4 laser product. The laser system must comply with the latest version of IEC 60825-1; otherwise, its use is prohibited.
2. The laser engraver is equipped with a protective case that prevents people from receiving laser radiation when it is in place.
3. If a protective enclosure is equipped with an access panel, then:
• Means must be provided for any person inside the protective enclosure to avoid the activation of a Class 3B or Class 4 laser hazard.
• A warning device must be present to adequately warn of laser radiation emission equivalent to Class 3R (wavelengths below 400 nm and above 700 nm) or Class 3B or Class 4 to anyone inside the protective housing.
• If direct access during operation is intended or reasonably foreseeable, laser radiation emission equivalent to Class 3B or Class 4 while someone is present inside the protective housing of a Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3R product shall be avoided by engineering means.

Note: Methods to prevent human exposure when people are inside the protective enclosure may include pressure-sensitive mats, infrared detectors, etc.

4. The laser itself has a protective cover secured with screws. When the laser is installed in the engraver, ensure the protective cover is reliably locked and cannot be removed when energized.
5. The laser engraver housing has an interlock function. When the housing is opened or removed, the laser can automatically shut off.
6. The laser engraver has an emergency stop button that can immediately stop the laser output when pressed in unexpected circumstances.
7. The laser engraver has a reset button that can resume work after confirming safety following the disengagement of the interlock or emergency stop.
8. The laser engraver uses physical keys, dongles, password systems, and other forms of management and control to prevent untrained personnel from operating the equipment.
9. Establish a warning mark on any window or channel that can actively observe or passively receive laser radiation on the laser engraving machine.
10. If the laser burns the skin or eyes, go to a nearby hospital for examination and immediate treatment.

Part 2: User Safety Declaration

Laser light can damage human eyes and skin. Do not expose eyes or skin directly to laser light. This laser product has an optical lens and emits a collimated laser beam. The light emitted by the product, whether direct or reflected, is very harmful. It can propagate over long distances while maintaining high optical density. When handling the product, wear appropriate goggles (OD5+) to protect your eyes from laser light, including reflected and stray light. Reflected and stray light spilled into an unwanted area should be attenuated and/or absorbed.

2.1 Laser Safety

A laser shield is installed in the laser, which can largely filter the diffuse reflection of the laser spot. However, when using a laser engraving machine, it is recommended to wear laser protective glasses. Avoid skin exposure to Type 4 laser beams, especially at close range. Adolescents should have parental supervision during use. Do not touch the laser engraving module when the machine is activated.

2.2 Fire Safety

Because cutting burns the substrate, a high-intensity laser beam generates extremely high temperatures and a lot of heat. Certain materials can ignite during cutting, creating gases and fumes within the equipment. A small flame usually appears when a laser beam hits the material. It will move with the laser and will not remain lit when the laser passes. Do not leave the machine unattended during the engraving process. After use, be sure to clean up debris, waste, and flammable materials in the laser cutting machine. Always keep a fire extinguisher readily available nearby for safety. When using laser engraving machines, smoke, vapor, particles, and potentially very toxic materials (plastics and other combustible materials) are produced from the material. These fumes or air contaminants can be hazardous to health.

2.3 Material Safety

Do not engrave materials with unknown properties. Recommended materials: Wood, bamboo, leather, plastic, fabric, paper, opaque acrylic, glass. Not recommended materials: Metal, precious stones, transparent materials, reflective materials, etc.

2.4 Usage Safety

Use the engraver only in a horizontal position and ensure it is securely fixed to prevent fires caused by accidental movements or falls from the workbench during work. It is prohibited to aim the laser at people, animals, or any combustible object, whether it is powered on or not.

2.5 Electrical Safety

To prevent accidental disasters such as fires and electric shocks, the laser engraver provides a power adapter with a ground wire. When using the laser engraving machine, insert the power plug into a socket with a ground wire.

2.6 Environmental Safety

When installing engraving and cutting equipment, ensure the workspace is clean and free of flammable or explosive materials around the equipment. A metal plate should be placed underneath when engraving or cutting.

Part 3: Disclaimer and Warning

This product is not a toy and is not suitable for individuals under 15 years of age. Do not allow children to touch the laser module. Exercise caution when operating in environments with children.

This product is a laser module. Scan the QR code on the cover for the complete "User Manual" and the latest instructions and warnings. Shenzhen AtomStack Technology Co., Ltd. (Atomstack) reserves the right to update this disclaimer and safe operation guide.

Be sure to read this document carefully before using the product to understand your legal rights, responsibilities, and safety instructions. Failure to do so may result in property loss, safety accidents, and hidden personal safety hazards. By using this product, you will be deemed to have understood and accepted all terms and contents of this document. The user agrees to be responsible for their actions and all consequences arising from them. The user agrees to use the Product only for legitimate purposes and accepts all terms and contents of this document and any relevant policies or guidelines that AtomStack may establish.

You understand and agree that Atomstack may not be able to provide the cause of damage or accident and provide after-sales service unless you provide the original engraving or cutting files, software configuration parameters used, operating system information, video of the engraving or cutting process, and previous operating steps before the occurrence of a problem or failure.

Atomstack is not responsible for any and all losses arising from the user's failure to use the product in accordance with this manual. Without the guidance of the company's technical personnel, users are prohibited from disassembling the machine themselves. If this occurs, the loss caused by the user will be borne by the user.

Atomstack has the ultimate right to interpret the document, subject to legal compliance. Atomstack reserves the right to update, modify, or terminate the Terms without prior notice.

Part 4: Installation Steps

Step 1

Place the screws, but do not tighten them. Then tighten the screws diagonally.

Step 2

The guide rail passes through the middle of the 3 rollers. Use a wrench to turn the eccentric nut to loosen the distance between the upper and lower guide wheels appropriately, then tighten the eccentric nuts.

Tips: How to determine the tightness of the eccentric nuts? Ensure the support does not move. You can lift one end of the machine at a 45-degree angle to the horizontal plane and release the X-axis or Y-axis support from a height. If the support slides at a constant speed to the end, the tightness is adequate. After assembly, if the four feet are not level, slightly loosen the 8 screws from the first step, and once the four feet are level, retighten the screws.

Step 3

Tighten the T-nut and cut off the excess belt, mount the end cap.

Tips: The installation of the Y-axis synchronous belt can refer to the synchronous belt installed in the X-axis assembly. Determine if the belt is tight enough: Use your finger to press the position shown in the image on the left end. If the belt is elastic, it is tight enough. If the deformation is large, loosen the T-nut at one end, adjust the belt, and then tighten the T-nut.

Step 4

Insert the five wire terminals as shown. Tie the cables to the machine with cable ties.

Step 5

Place the cutting pad under the engraved/cut object. The cutting pad should be placed to match the work area as much as possible.

A lot of smoke is generated during engraving or cutting of wood and other objects. Be mindful of cleaning the air guide bell and the anti-skid cover, as a lot of dust can accumulate on them, especially when working with more than 50% laser power. Remove the shield if possible, or turn on the air while the machine is running, which will significantly reduce dust accumulation.

The laser power of this machine is very high. If you need to cut wood and other flammable materials with power above 70%, ensure someone is monitoring the machine in case the flammable materials ignite.

Two Ways to Use the Focus Panel

With Shield:

• Shield
• Focus panel (horizontal)
• Object

Without Shield:

• Focus panel (vertical)
• Object

Part 5: Description of the Control Box

1. Emergency Stop Button: In case of emergency, the machine will immediately stop working when pressed. To unlock, turn the button clockwise to reset the engraver.
2. Power Socket: 12V DC power supply.
3. USB Interface: Control the engraver on the computer by connecting to the computer via a USB cable.
4. Power Switch: Controls power on and off.
5. TF Card Slot: Insert TF card here.
6. Reset Button: In case of emergency or if the machine gets stuck, press the reset button to restart the engraver.

Before use, ensure the emergency stop button is active.

Part 6: Screen Operation Instructions

Workflow:

• LaserGRBL exports to .nc format, Lightburn exports to .gc format.
• Insert TF card.
• Press the power button to enter the screen's home page.
• Click "Carve" to enter the TF card file list.
• Select the file to engrave and move the laser to the engraving position.

Laser Focusing Method: Place a fixed focus film under the laser to define the focal length.

• Click the position button to define the laser origin.
• Click the frame button to define the engraving range.
• Click the button, start carving.

Select the passes for engraving/cutting, start engraving/cutting.

During engraving, speed and energy can be adjusted. If there is an abnormal situation, click the pause or stop function key.

Select the passes for engraving/cutting, start engraving/cutting.

Finish engraving.

Instructions for Exporting Files in .nc and .gc Format

1. LaserGRBL Software

1. Import the image for engraving or cutting in LaserGRBL. After configuring engraving speed and power parameters, etc., click File and select Quick Save.
2. Select the TF card as the save path, click Save to generate the .nc file.

2. Lightburn Software

1. Import the image for engraving or cutting in Lightburn. After configuring engraving speed and power parameters, etc., click Save GCode.
2. Select the TF card as the save path, click Save to generate the .gc file.

Introduction to Home Page Content, File List, and Engraving Preparation Page of the Screen

1. Before using the engraving machine, insert the TF card into the control box's card slot along the dotted line. If the TF card is not inserted, the engraving machine cannot be operated after entering the operation screen. When inserting the card, pay attention to the front and back of the TF card. Insert the card into the card slot on the back (see image for correct insertion).

2. This is the startup interface, which has two main functions:

• Click the "Carve" button to access the engraving file list interface.
• Click the "Settings" button to enter the settings interface.

3. This is the engraving file list interface, where you can select the file name, turn pages up and down, and return to the home interface.

• Click the "Back" button to return to the startup interface.
• Select the corresponding file name to enter the engraving preparation interface.
• Click the left and right page buttons to turn pages up and down.

4. This is the engraving preparation interface, which can perform engraving origin setting, X/Y axis movement, center point, contour scanning, and positioning operations.

• Click the "Back" button to return to the engraving file list interface and the home interface.
• Engraving file name
• Click the arrow function buttons (up, down, left, right) to move the Y-axis and X-axis. Click the center arrow button to return to the X/Y zero position. "0.1, 1, 10" are the X/Y axis travel distance values. Selecting different values results in different X/Y axis travel distances. Coordinates will change with X/Y axis movement.
• After clicking the engraving start button, engraving times can be configured. The engraving machine executes the engraving action.
• Click the center point button to set the laser's center point position.
• Click the contour scan button, the laser will automatically walk the engraving file size range (Note: when the .nc or .gc engraving file is larger than 1M, the laser will walk automatically for a long time and take approximately 2-10 minutes).
• After clicking the positioning button, click the confirmation button to locate the laser's starting point.

Engraving/Cutting Pass Configuration, Introduction to Engraving Page Key Functions

1. This is the engraving time configuration interface. Click "+/-" to set the number of engraving passes. After configuration, click the confirmation button to enter the engraving interface.

2. This is the interface during engraving. This interface can pause, stop, and adjust power and speed. (Note: There is no return button in this interface. You can only stop working and return to the engraving preparation interface. Once engraving is complete, it will return to the engraving preparation interface. The head will move to the last engraving position to facilitate repeated engraving of the unified file.

• Click the "+/-" button to adjust power and speed. "1%, 10%, 20%" are the percentage values for power and speed adjustment. Selecting a different percentage value and clicking "+/-" will also change the value.
• Click the pause button to pause the laser engraving operation.

3. This is the pause engraving interface.

• After clicking Pause, the laser will stop the engraving action, and the machine will stop working. Click the resume engraving button to continue engraving at this time.
• Click the stop button to finish the laser engraving and printing.

4. This is the interface that appears after clicking to stop engraving. After clicking the stop button, a confirmation window will appear. Click confirm to stop engraving and printing, and the interface will return to the home interface.

Engraving/Cutting Pass Configuration, Introduction to Engraving Page Key Functions

9. This is the settings interface.

• Click the "Back" button to return to the home interface.
• Click the key tone switch button to turn the key tone on/off.
• Local information.

10. This is about the interface. This interface shows the working range of this machine (actual size depends on your machine), firmware version.

11. This is the interface without a TF card inserted.

Part 7: Software Installation and Usage

1. LaserGRBL Software Download

LaserGRBL is one of the most popular DIY laser engraving software in the world. Download website: http://lasergrbl.com/download/

2. LaserGRBL Installation

Double-click the software installation package to start the software installation and click Next until the installation is complete. (Image 1)

3. Add Custom Buttons:

1. The software allows users to add custom buttons. You can add custom buttons in the software according to your usage. We recommend the official custom buttons from LaserGRBL. Download address for custom buttons: http://lasergrbl.com/usage/custom-buttons/. The downloaded custom button is shown in the figure. (Image 2)
2. Next, we will load the custom buttons into the LaserGRBL software. In the LaserGRBL software, right-click on the blank space next to the bottom button (as shown in Image 3) -> Import custom button, then select the downloaded custom button zip file to import. Press and hold Yes (Y) until no window appears. (Image 4, Image 5)

4. Connect the Laser Engraver

• Connect the engraver to a computer with the LaserGBRL software installed.
• Plug in the engraver's power supply.
• Open the LaserGRBL software.
• Select the correct port number and baud rate in the software: 115200 (generally, COM ports do not need to be selected manually, but if you have more than one serial device connected to the computer, you must do so. You can find the laser engraver's port in the Windows system device manager, or you can simply try the port numbers shown one by one).
• First, install the CH340 driver. In the LaserGRBL software, click "Tools" > "Install CH340 Driver" to install the driver and restart the computer after installation to connect.
• Click the lightning connection logo in the software. When the lightning logo changes to a red X, the connection is successful.
• If the computer-engraver chain fails, the unit needs to be updated. The method is as follows: In LaserGRBL, click "Tools" > "Install CH340 Driver". Install the CH340 driver, restart the computer after the update, and then connect, as shown in the image below.

5. Engraving Parameter Configuration

1. Select the engraving file.

Open the LaserGRBL software, click "File" > "Open File", then select the graphics you want to engrave. LaserGRBL supports NC, BMP, JPG, PNG, DXF, and other formats.

2. Image Parameters, Engraving Mode, Engraving Quality Adjustments

• LaserGRBL can adjust the sharpness, brightness, contrast, highlight, and other attributes of the target image. When adjusting the image parameters, the actual effect will be displayed in the right preview window. There is no standard here, just adjust to your desired effect.
• The engraving mode generally chooses "line-to-line tracing" and "1-bit dithering". 1-bit dithering is more suitable for engraving grayscale graphics. If you are cutting, select the vector graphics mode or centerline engraving.
• Engraving quality essentially refers to the laser scan line width. This parameter mainly depends on the laser spot size of the engraving machine. It is recommended to use an engraving quality of 8. The laser illumination response varies depending on different materials, so the exact value depends on the specific engraving material.
• In the lower part of the preview window, the image can also be rotated, mirrored, cropped, etc.

3. Engraving Speed, Engraving Power, and Engraving Size

• It is recommended to set the engraving speed to 3000 mm/min, as this is the best value for engraving effect after repeated experiments. Of course, you can increase or decrease the speed according to your preferences. Faster speed saves engraving time but may reduce the engraving effect, while slower speed is the opposite.
• In laser mode selection, there are two commands for the laser: M3 and M4. It is recommended to use the M4 command for 1-bit litter engraving, and the M3 command for other cases. If your laser only has the M3 instruction, check if the laser mode is enabled in the GRBL settings. Refer to the official LaserGRBL instructions for GRBL configuration.
• Choose the engraving power according to different materials.
• Finally, set the size you want to engrave, click the "Create" button, and all engraving parameters will be configured.

Note: Engraving parameters summarized by us are attached to the TF card with the machine for your reference.

6. Laser Focus Adjustment

The effect of engraving or cutting largely depends on whether the laser is in focus. Most existing laser engraving machines use zoom lasers. It is necessary to rotate the focus nut while looking at the laser spot to observe if the laser is in focus. Staring at the laser spot for a long time can damage your eyes (even with glasses), and it is difficult to distinguish small changes in focus, making it difficult to find the best laser focus.

To solve this problem, we have abandoned the traditional zoom laser and installed a fixed-focus laser in our engraving machine. The focus has the thickness of a fixed-focus film. The fixed-focus film is attached to the package. When using it, you only need to adjust the laser.

The following is the specific operation:

• Move the laser head towards the object to be engraved or cut.
• Place a fixed-focus film on the object to be engraved or cut.

C. Loosen the Torx handle screw in the middle of the laser and let the laser slide freely until it touches the fixed-focus plate (after contact, you can gently lift the laser and remove the fixed-focus plate).

D. Tighten the Torx handle screw in the center of the laser.

E. Remove the fixed-focus piece and finish focusing.

7. Positioning

The engraver does not know where to engrave, so before starting to engrave, an important task is positioning. We will complete the positioning operation in three steps.

B. Select the "Move to Center" button. The laser will move to the center of the pattern, and the engraving will be placed under the laser.

C. Click the "Light Laser" button. The laser will emit a weak light. The laser emits a radiation spot in the center of the engraving pattern. Based on this, adjust the position of the engraved object!

D. Click the "Profile Scan" button. The laser will start scanning the outer contour of the pattern on the computer. You can change the position of the engraved object again according to the position of the scanned outer contour. Additionally, you can click the "wrap" button multiple times until the outer contour is in the desired engraving position.

8. Start, Finish Engraving or Cutting

1. Start:

After completing all previous operations, click the green button as shown in the figure to start engraving. There is a number that can be edited next to the start button. It is the number of engraving or cutting times. LaserGRBL allows multiple consecutive engravings or cuts of uniform shapes. This function is especially useful for cutting.

2. Termination

If you want to stop the work halfway, you can click the "Terminate" button as shown in the image to finish engraving or cutting.

9. LightBurn Software Installation Tutorial

We can download the installation package from the LightBurn website: https://lightburnsoftware.com/

Double-click the installation package to install and click "Next" in the pop-up window.

(Note: LightBurn is paid software. For a better experience, we recommend purchasing the original. Here we will demonstrate the installation of the trial version.)

Click "Start Your Free Trial" (Image 5). Click "Find My Laser" (Image 6).

Click "Find My Laser" (Image 7).

To set the origin, we generally set the origin in the front left part.

If the computer cannot connect to the machine, we can try selecting different ports of the laser engraving machine as shown in the figure below. If it still doesn't work, please contact our customer service.

Part 8: Techniques for Using Machines

1. The closer the laser is to the table, the less stable the structure will be. Try to elevate the laser as far as possible from the table when using it.

2. Precise Positioning of the Pattern and Engraved Object.

• Move the laser to the bottom left of the frame.
• Using a ruler and pencil, draw a center point on the engraved object (Image 1).
• The shield should be parallel to the edge of the engraved object (Image 2).

d. Click the following two buttons in sequence to move the laser so that the laser spot moves to the center of the engraving. Once positioning is complete, you can start engraving.

Part 9: Maintenance Instructions and Warnings

This product uses a highly integrated design and requires no maintenance. However, if the laser system installed with this product needs repair or adjustment, please: Unplug the power connector on the laser, so that the laser is in a state of power failure;

• If you need laser assistance for adjustment, please:
• All present personnel wear protective glasses; OD5+ protective glass is required.
• Ensure there are no flammable or explosive materials nearby.
• The position and direction of the laser are fixed to ensure that the laser does not move or accidentally shine on people, animals, flammable objects, explosives, and other dangerous and valuable objects during debugging.
• Do not look at the lasers.
• Do not shine the laser on a mirror object, so that the reflection of the laser does not cause accidental injury.
• Cleaning the laser module: After a period of use of the laser module, some residue will remain on the protective cover, heatsink, and laser head. The residue should be cleaned in time so as not to affect the use of the laser module. The windshield and protective cover should be removed before cleaning.

Part 10: Precautions for Common Problems

1. Select the correct COM port to connect the software and the equipment, and the baud rate should be selected: 115200, to ensure that the connection between the computer port and the USB cable is not loose. If laser assistance is needed for tuning, please:
2. Before engraving, confirm if each mechanism is loose (the synchronous belt, the eccentric column of the roller, and the laser head are loose or shaken).
3. Correctly adjust the focus and confirm that the distance from the end of the laser protective cover to the engraving is the thickness of a fixed-focus film.
4. The LaserGRBL/LightBurn software can refer to the parameter table in the corresponding manual for engraving and cutting different materials. Mirror metal engraving requires manual surface blackening treatment.

Customer Service:

For detailed warranty policy, visit our official website at: www.atomstack.es

For technical support and service, send an email to: info@atomstack.es