LaserGRBL Software User Manual for Laser Engravers

2. User Interface

The LaserGRBL user interface provides comprehensive controls for laser engraving operations. Key elements include:

Connection control: Select the serial port and baud rate based on your grbl firmware configuration.
File control: Displays the loaded filename and engraving process progress. The green 'Play' button initiates program execution.
Manual commands: Allows typing G-Code commands.
Command log and command return codes: Shows enqueued commands, their execution status, and any errors.
Jogging control: Enables manual positioning of the laser. Vertical sliders control movement speed and step size.
Engraving preview: This area displays a preview of the final work. During engraving, a small blue cross indicates the current laser position.
Grbl: Buttons for soft reset, homing, and unlock commands. User-defined buttons can be added to the right of the unlock button.
Feed hold and resume: Buttons to suspend and resume program execution.
Line count and time projection: LaserGRBL estimates program execution time based on actual speed and job progress.
Overrides status and control: Displays and allows changing actual speed and power overrides. Overrides are a new feature in grbl v1.1 and may not be supported in older versions.

The interface typically shows a menu bar with 'Grbl', 'File', 'Generate', 'Colors', 'Language', and 'Tools' options. Below this, there are fields for 'COM' port selection (e.g., COM33), 'Baud' rate (e.g., 115200), 'Filename' (e.g., ying.png), and 'Progress' with a time indicator (e.g., 6 sec) and a 'Play' button. A large preview area displays the image to be engraved, with coordinate axes (X, Y) and status indicators at the bottom (e.g., 'Lines: 28561 Buffer', 'Estimated Time: 2 sec', 'Status: Idle').

3. Connect to Engraving Machine

Step 1: Ensure COM Port Recognition

Your Windows OS should recognize the engraver as a serial COM port once connected. The port name in Device Manager may vary (e.g., 'USB-SERIAL CH340' or 'USB Serial Device') depending on the control board type. If no name appears or an error symbol is present, a driver installation may be required.

The most common control board uses a CH340 chip. If your system does not recognize the serial port, you can download and install the 'arduino CH340G' driver. Alternatively, install the CH340 driver from the 'Tools' menu within LaserGRBL.

Download links for CH340 drivers:

To install CH340 with LaserGRBL, navigate to the 'Tools' menu and select 'Install CH340 Driver'.

Step 2: Connect to LaserGRBL

LaserGRBL continuously checks for available COM ports. The port list allows you to select the COM port connected to your control board. This port number should match the one displayed in Device Manager. Select the correct baud rate according to your machine's firmware configuration; 115200 is the most common baud rate.

On the bottom-right of the LaserGRBL interface, the status should read 'Status: Idle'. If you see 'Disconnected' or 'Connecting' and no response from the engraver, you may need to adjust your COM port configuration. When the correct COM port is recognized and connected, grbl will report '$' for help, indicating the Grbl firmware version.

If the status shows 'Alarm', it is usually possible to exit this state using the '$X (Unlock)' command or by performing the '$H (Homing)' procedure, especially for machines equipped with limit switches.

4. Load and Send

To load a file from disk when no program is under execution, use the 'Open File' button near the 'Filename' box or select 'Open File' from the 'File' menu.

LaserGRBL supports G-Code files with '.nc' and '.gcode' extensions. If your file has a different extension but is G-Code, you can rename it to use these extensions. LaserGRBL also supports opening pictures and raster images in '.bmp', '.jpg', '.png', and '.gif' file formats.

5. Image Import

Raster import allows you to load images and convert them into G-Code instructions without needing other software. LaserGRBL supports photos, clip art, pencil drawings, logos, and icons, aiming for the best possible results. Supported image types include '.jpg', '.png', or '.bmp'.

The image import dialog box consists of 5 parts:

Parameters: Transform the original image into grayscale or black and white.
Conversion tool: Choose between tools suitable for various image types:
- Line To Line: For grayscale PWM pictures.
- Dithering: For grayscale dithering technique.
- Vectorize!: Produces the best results for logos and hand-drawn images.
Tool options: Contains specific parameters for each import tool.
Rotate, crop, and flip tools.
Image preview and original image tab.

6.2 Set Image Parameters, Conversion Tool, and Quality

Refer to the material settings table to set engraving speed, S-MAX, and passes. A comprehensive guide is available at atomstack.com/pages/material-setting.

The image import dialog allows setting 'Target image Speed' (e.g., Engraving Speed 10000 mm/min), 'Laser Options' (e.g., Laser Mode M4 Dynamic Power, S-MIN 10, S-MAX 300), and 'Image Size and Position [mm]' (e.g., Autosize 300 DPI EXIF, Size X 98.8 H 105.3, Offset X 10.0 Y 10.0).

6.4 Determining the Engraving Position

Set the current position as the origin for engraving.
Click the 'Frame' button. The laser will scan the external outline of the pattern. You can adjust the engraving position by referring to this scanned outline. You can click the 'Frame' button multiple times until the external outline is in the desired engraving position.

6. Engrave and Cut Settings

LaserGRBL includes a numeric switch to perform multiple engraving/cutting passes.

6.5 Click Send to Start Engraving

After setting up, click the 'Play' button (green triangle) to start the engraving process.

6.6 After Engraving

Once engraving is complete and the laser module stops working, you can remove your workpiece.

LaserGRBL Software User Manual

1. Download Link