When designing in LDS software with the LaserPecker LX2, you may notice that some areas of the canvas appear gray instead of white. This article explains the reason behind these gray areas, how they relate to the Laser Module’s components, and what impact they have on engraving and measurement functions. Understanding the gray zones will help you design within the effective processing area and use preview, auto-measure, and positioning features correctly for accurate and efficient engraving results.
Definition of the Processing Area
The processing area of the LaserPecker LX2 is 500 × 305 mm. The origin is at the top-left corner, which coincides with the center of the Laser Module’s output.
Effective laser range:
X-axis: 0–500 mm
Y-axis: 0–305 mm
Cause of the Gray Area
The LX2 Laser Module consists of three main components:
- Main Laser (processing source)
- Red Crosshair Positioning Laser (alignment indicator)
- Distance Sensor (auto-measurement)
These components have physical offsets from each other:
- Red Crosshair Positioning Laser: X: 0 mm, Y: 23 mm (in front of the Main Laser output port)
- Distance Sensor: X: -40 mm, Y: 19 mm relative to the Main Laser output port
By moving the Laser Module across the processing area:
(1) Red Crosshair Positioning Laser movement range: X: 0–500 mm, Y: 23–305 mm
- Blue area: Processable laser range
- Red area: Coverage range of the Red Crosshair Positioning Laser
(2) Distance Sensor movement range: X: 0–460 mm, Y: 19–305 mm
- Blue area: Processable laser range
- Gray area: Coverage range of the Distance Sensor
The gray areas on the canvas correspond to the regions outside the effective coverage of these components.
Functional Limitations of the Gray Area
(1) Red Cross Positioning Laser (Preview Function)
If a design is fully within the gray area, the Laser Module will only move along the X-axis during preview. Movement along the Y-axis is not possible, making it impossible to confirm the processing range on the Y-axis.
If part of a design lies within the gray area, the preview cannot accurately reflect the actual processing area, as shown in the red area in the figure below.
(2) Distance Sensor (Auto Measure Function)
Gray areas are outside the sensor’s measurement range. When using Auto Measure function, the gray areas at the top and right side of the canvas are disabled, and mouse clicks in these areas have no effect.
Usage Recommendations
- If processing in the gray area is necessary, users can manually measure and set the focal length.
- To ensure accurate preview and measurements, it is recommended to place key design elements within the white area of the canvas.
Summary
The gray area originates from the physical movement limits of the Red Crosshair Positioning Laser and the Distance Sensor within the Laser Module. Preview, Position Calibration, and Auto measure functions are not available in gray areas. Manual focus is still possible, but designing within the white area ensures proper functioning of Preview and Auto Measure features for optimal processing results.