3-4 Lightburn - Software Operation Guide

Disclaimer

To use LightBurn to control HEXA RF, 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 HEXA RF 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 the firmware to v6.5.0 or above.
Firmware Update Tutorial

2. Download this configuration file: HEXA RF_Preset
Note: The configuration file we provided contains the G-code 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

4. Download and install LightBurn Software.
To download LightBurn, click here.

LightBurn settings

There are two ways to make a connection with the machine using LightBurn.
One way is using a wired connection with a USB-B to USB-A cable.
The other way is using a Wi-Fi connection by connecting the computer and the machine to the same network.

It's recommended to use the WIFI method. Please see the instructions below based on the method you will be using.

Connect with WIFI

1. Create a new HEXA RF device in LightBurn

Open LightBurn. In the Laser panel, click Devices, then choose the option to create a device manually. When the New Device Wizard asks for the controller, select GRBL and click Next.

2. Select the network connection method

For the GRBL connection method, select Ethernet or Wifi/TCP. Click Next.

Confirm that the computer and HEXA RF are on the same network before continuing.

3. Enter the HEXA RF IP address

Find your HEXA's IP address on the touch screen.
(If your machine hasn't made a WIFI connection, please refer to this article for setting up a connection.)

Enter the current IP address of your HEXA RF, then click Next. Find the machine IP address on the HEXA RF network-information screen.

The test machine used 192.168.1.247. This is an example only; enter the address assigned to your own machine.

4. Set the device name and workspace size

Enter a recognizable device name, such as HEXA RF Wifi. Select Millimeters and set the work area to:

• X-axis length: 730 mm
• Y-axis length: 410 mm

Click Next.

5. Set the machine origin and finish device setup

Select the rear-left corner as the machine origin. Review the summary and confirm the following values:

• Controller: GRBL
• Connection: Ethernet or Wifi/TCP
• Workspace: 730 x 410 mm
• Origin: rear-left
• IP address: the current IP of your HEXA RF

Click Finish. Open Device Settings once more to confirm the values were saved correctly.

6. Verify the machine connection and coordinate mode

Select the new HEXA RF device in the Laser panel. Open the Move panel and click Home to verify that LightBurn can communicate with the machine. Home the machine and move the Z axis to its home/zero position.

7. Continue the process

When you reach this step, it indicates that you have successfully connected the machine and the computer.
Please continue the process to start an engraving job for testing.

Go to Start operation

Connect with USB-B cable

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

2. Click "Import" to import the file HEXA RF_Preset you downloaded.

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

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 release 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 release the motor)

If the screen cannot be controlled, please unplug the cable to perform the auto-focus, then replug the cable.

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. 

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.)

#END