Begin your first laser engraving with the LaserPecker 4 (LP4) and safety shield by following this step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Cable Connection
When using the LP4's conical Safety Shield, follow these steps to connect to the LDS App or software:
- Make sure to only use a 24V adapter to power the machine.
- Attach the magnetic Safety Shield to the laser head, connect the shield's exhaust fan, the Electric Stand, and the power supply to the ports on the back of the Laser Unit as seen in the image below.
- Once connected, power up the machine and connect to the LDS App, LDS Software, or LightBurn.
Remove the lens cap before use.
Step 2: Focusing
Method 1: Measure Manually with a Ruler
The focal length of the LP4 is 150 mm. This distance is measured from the rim of the lens to the top of the work surface.
Adjust the height by raising or lowering the laser using the Up/Down buttons on the Electric Stand or while in Preview Mode in the LDS App, LDS Software, or LightBurn.
Take care not to touch or scratch the lens.
Method 2: Use the "Red light always on" Function
Open the machine settings ⚙️ in the LDS App or LDS Software and enable the "Red light always on" function.
Adjust the height by raising or lowering the laser using the Up/Down buttons on the Electric Stand or while in Preview Mode before beginning a job. The laser will be in focus when the two red dots merge into a singular point on the surface of the material.
Step 3: Previewing
LDS Software Users:
Position the material to be engraved onto the center of the baseplate and adjust the laser focal point as instructed above.
To adjust the engraving position in real time while in Preview mode, select the image, shape or text and use the computer keyboard's arrow buttons, insert the X-axis and Y-axis coordinates in the "Position" field in the menu bar, drag and drop it to the desired location.
To adjust the engraving size in real time while in Preview mode, select the object;
- Enter the desired measurements into the "Size" field,
- Drag one of the yellow corner circles to adjust the size manually.
LDS App Users:
Insert an Image/File, Text, Clipart, Shapes, or Graffiti using the menu bar at the bottom of the app.
Select the object and and click "Preview" to check the engraving positioning. To adjust the position, select the object and insert the desired X-axis and Y-axis coordinates in the "Position" field in the menu bar, click the icon and use the up, down, left arrows in the positioning pop-up, or manually touch, drag and drop the object to the desired location.
To adjust the engraving size, select the object to open the "Edit" menu bar, and enter the desired measurements in the "Width" and "Height" fields (click the icon to unlock the fixed aspect ratio), or manually drag one of the highlighted yellow corners to the desired size.
1. The pre-set material settings listed in the pull-down menus are intended to be used as general suggestions. Always test and take note of the settings used to achieve the desired effect on the specific material.
2. To achieve the optimal engraving results, position the center of the image or text in the center of the grid directly under the laser.
Step 4: Engraving
LDS Software Users:
Select the engraving settings and laser source in the lower right corner of the interface.
Please note that the material settings listed in the pull-down menus are intended to be used as general suggestions. Always test and take note of the settings used to achieve the desired effect on the specific material.
After following the steps above and ensuring that the work environment is safe, you are ready to begin engraving.
Always maintain a stable power connection while the machine is in operation!
LDS App Users:
To select the engraving settings, click "Preview" in the upper right corner, click "Preview" again in the safety pop-up, and click "Next" at the bottom of the "In preview" window. Insert a unique file name (optional), select the desired Resolution (1K, 2K, 4K, or 8K), and then click "Send File".
Choose from the list of pre-set material settings (labeled "Clipart) or input the Power (insert icon) Depth/Speed (insert icon), and number of Passes (insert icon) in the scrolling "Parameter settings" fields and also select the appropriate laser source.
After following the steps above and and ensuring that the work environment is safe, you are ready to begin engraving.