In this guide, you will learn how to set up the LightBurn software and use it to operate the LaserPecker 4 (LP4).
Disclaimer:
LightBurn is a third-party software. Shenzhen Hingin Technology Co., Ltd. (AKA: LaserPecker) does not assume any responsibility for the loss of any data (designs, projects, etc.) caused by using LightBurn.
Although the LP4's firmware has undergone comprehensive testing, software or hardware incompatibility may still occur in some cases. For errors caused by incompatibility, you can contact our after-sales services via support@laserpecker.com for technical support and potential solutions.
1. LightBurn - Software Downloading and Installation
- To operate the LP4 using LightBurn, you must first go to the official website and follow the download and installation instructions. The full version of LightBurn is available for a free 30-day trial.
- A user's license is required to continue using LightBurn after your free 30-day trial period has ended. At the end of the trial period, you will be prompted to input a key code to continue using the software.
- To purchase a license and receive a key code, go to the LightBurn Online Store and select the "GCode License Key". Make sure you only purchase the GCode License Kaey, as it is the only version that is compatible with the LP4.
- After purchasing your license, you will receive an email from LightBurn containing the key code and activation instructions.
The latest version of LightBurn and the GCode License Key are essential, so opting for anything else will not work. If you happen to purchase the wrong software mistakenly, you will need to resolve the issue with LightBurn directly.
2. Download and Import the LP4 Configuration Packages
- After installation is completed, open LightBurn and input your GCode License Key. (after the trial period, LightBurn cannot be used without a purchased license).
- Before using LightBurn with your LP4 for the first time, you will need to import the appropriate lbdev configuration files. Click here to download configuration packages
- When opening LightBurn for the first time you will be asked to import a configuration file. A pop-up window will appear prompting you to import the lbdev configuration file. Click "Import" to locate the downloaded configuration file.
After locating the configuration file, select each file individually and click "OK" to add them to "Your Device List" one by one, as seen in the GIF below.
Enter the corresponding M command to adapt to Laserpecker as needed. Right-click to enter the M command.
The existing M commands are:
M3000: Turn the Range Indicator on.
M3001: Turn the Range Indicator light off.
M3010: Select the 450nm Laser.
M3011: Select the 1064nm Laser.
M3020: Raise the Electric Stand. For example: M3020S1.00 (raise 1.00mm)
M3021: Lower the Electric Stand.
M3030: Switch to LaserPecker mode.
M3031: Switch to Slide Extension mode.
M3032: Switch to Rotary Extension mode.
3. Operating the LP4 with LightBurn
3.1 Connecting the LP4 to a Desktop PC
- Quit the LaserPecker Design Space (LDS) Software before continuing and if the LDS App is installed on a nearby mobile device, it should not be active while attempting to connect the LP4 to LightBurn.
- Connect the desktop PC and LP4 using a USB-C to USB-A cable. Insert the USB-C end into the LP4 and the USB-A end into the desktop PC.
Make sure to use a USB-A to USB-C cable. Using a USB-C to USB-C cable may result in an ineffective connection. If needed, a USB-A to USB-C adapter can be used.
The USB serial port needs to be selected to establish a connection with LightBurn. After plugging in the USB cable, the software will recognize the COM in "Devices". Select the port from the drop-down menu to start the connection.
If it is not recognized or incorrectly connected, please check if the USB cable and USB socket are faulty.
3.2 Switching Laser Types
Click the "Settings" tab in the LightBurn toolbar and locate the "Better for diode" option in the center of the pop-up window. Select your preferred unit of measurement and click "OK" to complete the setup process.
3.3 Create Your Design
- Use the various available tools in the LightBurn workspace to create your desired design
- The maximum dimensions for the LP4 are 160 x 120mm with no accessories.
3.4 Focusing
This version of the LP4 LightBurn configuration package doesn't have a built-in command for Dual Red Light Focusing. To set the correct focal distance, please use either the Manual Method or the Safety Shield Method as described below.
A Dual Red Light Focusing command will be added to the next versions of the LP4 LightBurn configuration package and LP4 firmware. Stay tuned for release information.
Manual Focusing Method
Using the supplied ruler, adjust the height of the Laser Unit so that the distance between the lens and the top of the material is 15 cm.
When measuring, please make sure to use the bottom rim of the lens and avoid touching the lens itself at all times.
Safety Shield Focusing Method
Raise the Laser Unit to at least 20 cm from the Base Plate. Align the magnetic Safety Shield under the Laser Unit and attach it in place around the laser lens. Connect the Exhaust Fan cable to the rear of the Laser Unit.
Place the material to be worked with onto the Base Plate in the proper orientation and lower the Electric Stand. The laser will be in focus when the bottom of the Safety Shield is at the very top of the material.
3.5 Design Preview
To begin preview:
- Choose "450" from the "Console" window
- Select your design
- Hold down the "Shift" key
- Click either
for a square-shaped preview or
for a circular-shaped preview.
The 450nm laser is used for previewing. Make sure that "450nm" is selected as the laser source in the "Console" window.
3.6 Set Layers, Parameters, and Choose the Laser Source to Engrave/Cut
From the toolbar, open the "Window" tab and select "Cuts / Layers". The "Cuts / Layers" settings will now be visible in the window on the right side.
Double-click the "Cuts / Layers" menu bar on the upper right tto open the "Cut Settings Editor" window. From there you can specify the "Speed", "Max Power", "Mode", "Common", and "Advanced" settings, as seen in the GIF below.
Refer to the LaserPecker & LightBurn Parameter Equivalence Chart in Part 4 to check that the settings are suitable for your project.
Depending on your project, choose either "450" (10W diode laser) or"1064" (2W infrared laser) from the "Console" window.
Click "Start" to begin engraving or cutting. Use the corresponding buttons to "Pause" or "Stop" a project if needed, as seen in the GIF below.
If LightBurn disconnects from the LP4 during setup, click on "Homing" or "Devices", reselect the LaserPecker 4 configuration package, and reconnect the LP4 to LightBurn by clicking "OK".
3.7 Slide Extension Accessory Setup
The Slide Extension accessory increases the LP4 working area to 160 mm x 300 mm.
Connect your LP4 to the Slide Extension, choose the "Slide Extension" configuration package, and click "Slide Extension" in the Console window.
To proceed, follow these steps as per usual; create your designs, set the correct focal distance, check the preview, set the parameters, and choose the correct laser source to engrave and/or cut.
→ Click here to learn more about How to Set up LightBurn to Use the Slide Extension
3.8 Rotary Extension Accessory Set up
With Rotary Extension accessory, the working area of lp4 expands to 160 mm x 628 mm
Connect your LaserPecker 4 to the Rotary Extension.
→ Click here to learn more about How to Set up LightBurn to Use the Rotary Extension
Choose the "Rotary Extension" configuration package and click "rotation" on the Console window.
Click "Laser Tools" followed by "Rotary Setup" (or by using ctrl+shift+R) to open the "Rotary Setup" window.
Keep the default Rotary Type set to "Chuck" and the Rotary Axisset to "Y Axis".
Activate the "Enable Rotary" button.
Enter the desired rotation speed with a maximum of 4500 mm/rotation.
Measure the diameter or circumference of the object to be engraved and enter the number in the corresponding "Object Diameter" or "Circumference" field.
For the LP4 Rotary Mode to run properly, the default Rotary Type and the Rotary Axis settings must not be changed.
The maximum diameter for the LP Rotary Extension setting is 200mm, and the maximum circumference is 628mm(≈200*п).
The default workspace size is 160 mm x 160 mm. Follow the steps if you need to readjust the size; click Device > Rotary Extension Mode > Edit > GRBL-M3 (1.1e or earlier) > Next. Set your desired work area dimensions and click Next > New Device Wizard > Next > Finish" as seen in the GIF below.
Choose "Rotary Extension Mode" as the "Device" to view your adjusted workspace size.
You can set the work area as large as you want, while please note the maximum effective area for LP4 with a Rotary extension is Y Axis-160mm and X Axis-628mm(≈2200*п)
To proceed, follow these steps as per usual; create your design, set the correct focal distance, check the preview, set the parameters, and choose the correct laser source to engrave and/or cut.
4. LaserPecker & LightBurn Parameter Equivalence Chart
The "Equivalence Chart" part shows the parameter equivalence between the LP APP & software and LightBurn.
- The LP's power setting in the App/software is 1%-100%, which equals Power: 130-255 in LightBurn.
- The Depth you can set in LP's App/software is 1%-100%, which equals Speed: 24000 mm/min - 240 mm/min in LightBurn (the higher the depth, the lower the Speed).
The "LightBurn & LaserPecker LP4" part shows the Min & Max setting parameters when using your LP4 with LightBurn.
Equivalence Chart |
LaserPecker APP & Software |
Power: 1% |
Power: 100% |
Depth: 1% |
Depth: 100% |
LightBurn |
Power: 130 |
Power: 255 |
Speed: 24000 mm/min |
Speed: 240 mm/min |
|
LightBurn & LaserPecker LP4 |
Minimum Power |
Maximum Power |
Regular Mode Maximum Speed |
Slide Extension Mode Max Speed |
Rotary Extension Mode Max Speed |
0 |
255 |
50000 mm/min |
4500 mm/min |
4500 mm/rotation |
5. Additional Tutorials
For more operation instructions, please refer to the official LightBurn tutorials:
LightBurn Tutorials and LightBurn official document
For more LaserPecker LP4, Slide Extension, and/or Rotary Extension tutorials, please refer to LaserPecker LP4-themed YouTube playlist.
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