3-4 Lightburn - Software Operation Guide

Disclaimer

To use LightBurn to control Beambox II, you should download the official release of the LightBurn software. As LightBurn is third-party software, FLUX cannot be held responsible for any loss caused by its operation.

The firmware of Beambox II has undergone various tests, but it is still possible that some functions of the LightBurn software may not be compatible with the machine. If errors happen because of incompatibility, please follow the instructions in the link below to properly report an issue to your local reseller or FLUX support. [Contact Customer Service]

Before start

1. Please update Firmware to v6.0.7 or above.

Firmware Update Tutorial

2. Download this configuration file: Beambox II_Preset

Note: The configuration file we provided contains the GCode and Baud rate settings. If you are not using the configuration file, please set it up separately in the "Device settings."

3. Download and install the Driver.

Please refer to this article for Driver installation: LightBurn Bridge Cable - Driver Installation

LightBurn settings

To download LightBurn, click here.

1. Open LightBurn and click "Devices" on the Laser tab.

2. Click "Import" to import the file Beambox II_Preset you downloaded.

3. The following device information will be displayed once the file has been successfully imported.

Connect your computer to the machine with a USB cable.

1. Plug the USB cable into the USB-B port on the right side of the machine.

2. Insert the other end of the USB cable into the computer.

3. Select the correct USB Port name. Choosing the wrong port will result in a failed connection. You may need to try different ports. If the connection is successful, the following information will appear in the Console tab.

Homing test

If the computer is successfully connected to the machine, the machine will start homing automatically. If not, please click the home button to determine whether the homing function works.

Start operation

1. Place the material inside the machine

2. Focusing

- Click the "Stop" button in the "Laser" panel to lose the motor.
Notice: Please ensure the machine automatically releases the motor within 3 minutes of LightBurn control. If the motor is locked for a long time, it could damage the machine. (Click the "Stop" button in the "Laser" panel to lose the motor)

3. Import a file to LightBurn

Click on the icon above to import the file, or drag and drop the file directly into the work area.

4. Set the parameters

Click a pattern or layer and set the parameters in the lower-right corner of the Cuts/Layers tab.

5. Turn on the "Overscanning" effect

- If the layer is set to "Fill, Fill + line, Image or Offset Fill" mode, we suggest to open the "Overscanning" function.

- Double-click on a layer to access the "Cut Settings Editor". Turn on the Overscanning effect and enter the percentage.

Notice:

• Parameter settings are different for each speed and material. Please refer to the "Recommended settings for material parameters" at the bottom of this article.
• After losing the motor, if you have made any movements to the laser head, please remember to press "Home" to reset the position before sending out the job. Otherwise, there is a risk of collision.

6. Set the start position

Select "Absolute Coordinates" in the drop-down list "Start From" on the Laser tab.

Notice: The operation of "Absolute Coordinates" is very similar to Beam Studio, so we strongly recommend it to users with experience with Beam Studio.

Absolute Coordinates

The main editing window you see represents your machine's work area. Anything you place in that area will be cut in the corresponding place on your machine.

7. Click "Home" in the Laser panel.

After losing the motor, if you have made any movements to the laser head, please remember to press "Home" to reset the position before sending out the job. Otherwise, there is a risk of collision.

8. Select the pattern you want to preview and click on "Frame" to see whether the pattern is to be engraved in the expected position.

9. Close the door

10. Click Home and send the job

Select the image and click "Start" on the Laser tab to send the job.

Notice: Removing the cable while the project is running will stop the operation. Ensure the cable is securely connected during job execution.

11. Engraving results

Note: If the engraving result is blurry, unclear, or light in color, please check if the laser head is focused accurately. 

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Apart from Absolute Coordinates, there are other options to tell LightBurn how to place the pattern within your machine's work area.

Current Position

The job Cuts / Engraves based on the current position of the laser head. 

Job Origin

Setting "Job Origin" will tell LightBurn how to position the job relative to the laser.

(The green "Job Origin" indicator displayed in the main editing window will move when you change your settings.)

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Recommended settings for material parameters

Beambox II