Creating a control program for engraving in the ArtCAM program. Basic programs for operating a CNC laser machine Russian language program for laser engraving

08.12.2023

Programs for a CNC laser machine are software that allows you to create sketches of future products and turn virtual models into real samples.

Using a laser machine, you can cut products and blanks of various levels of complexity from solid materials. However, in order for the machine to “understand” what exactly it needs to do, two types of software are required: graphic editors for modeling and programs for controlling the machine itself and all cutting processes.

Modeling

Laser equipment works with flat objects, so for computer modeling of future products, programs such as:

CorelDraw- a software package that deservedly has a lot of fans. It features an interface that is understandable even for amateurs, a large number of tools and templates, and works with vector and raster images. Saves images in many formats, including the .cdr format, which is necessary for the further creation of G-code that is understandable to the laser machine.
Adobe Illustrator- an equally popular professional graphic editor that is perfect for creating sketches for laser cutting. Works with vector graphics, has a rich library of ready-made sketches, templates, fonts, styles, symbols, etc.
LibreCAD- younger and therefore less widely known software for drawing and 2D design. A simple interface with a minimum of settings, .dxf support, a “step back” function, many options and tools - these characteristics are quite enough to create computer models for laser cutting.

Of course, you can create sketches in programs that work with 3D models, so if the user is familiar only with SolidWorks, he does not need to learn CorelDraw to work with a laser machine. All well-known software packages for 3D design (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, ArtCAM, MasterCAM, 3ds Max, KOMPAS-3D, etc.) are suitable for working with flat shapes, but you need to be prepared for the fact that the model will have to be adjusted - often when When exporting a volumetric model to a flat format, problems arise in the form of broken or duplicated lines, etc. In these cases, knowledge of CorelDraw will still be required to put the sketch in order.

Laser machine control software

To control laser equipment, so-called software shells are used, which allow you to control from a PC the settings for moving the emitter and, in fact, the creation of a product based on a virtual sketch. The most famous among them:

LaserWork- an easy-to-use and easy-to-familiarize graphical environment that allows you to perform operations such as: controlling the processes of moving the laser head, visualizing the processing process, programming cutting parameters, adjusting laser power and cutting speed.
LaserCut is another easy-to-understand program that can be mastered even by operators with a minimal knowledge base in this area. Wide functionality allows you to implement a large number of tasks related to laser cutting: determine the entry and return points, configure cutting parameters, the power of the emitter and the speed of its movement, determine the time to complete the work, and much more.
SheetCam- has a wide range of functions necessary for working with a laser machine: control of the movement of the emitter, calculation of the total cutting time, visualization of the route of movement of the laser head. The program allows you to create tools with custom cutting parameters (cutter lowering speed, slot width, pierce duration, etc.) and make changes to the CP.
RDWork- a laser machine control system that is easy to familiarize and use, which is in no way inferior in functionality to the above software. Tools include: setting the cutting order, checking the engraving area, entering zero coordinates for the machine and the part, setting the cutting speed, etc.

Do you already have a machine (laser equipment)? We have what you need!

Fill out the form and find out more about our capabilities!

On this page you will find everything you need to prepare your image for laser cutting or engraving.
Also presented is the entire software package for working with diode (solid-state) lasers installed on the Makeblock plotter, DIY machine and 3D printers.

Software for launching and operating Makeblock XY 2.0 plotter, DIY laser engraver and WANHAO Duplicator i3.
We recommend Acan, CNCC Laseaxe, Grbl, Benbox, Cura, Inkscape, Endurance Inkscape plug-in and other necessary programs for laser cutting and laser engraving.

Getting started with the Endurance Makeblock laser machine

Acan— an analogue of Acan mini with a more complete interface. A description of the interface functionality is available at http://www.chipmaker.ru
Download Acan program

Getting Started with the Endurance DIY Laser Machine

Laserweb software package

Software package for working and editing images

In this section you will find everything you may need to work with images. G-code preparation, raster to vector image conversion.

CHPU converter– a program for generating Gcode burning from raster images; The program has a visually convenient and intuitive interface.

Getting started with the Endurance Neje laser machine

If you need firmware for your machine (laser or engraver), answer the questions of our Wish Bot and we will definitely help you!

If you have any questions, please contact us!

7 916 2254302
Skype: george.fomitchev
Messenger: @george.fomitchev

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FAQ

Tell us about your lasers / Tell us about Endurance lasers
Endurance has developed semiconductor (diode) lasers that produce radiation that can burn through or melt the top layer of materials on which it is focused. Endurance currently offers its customers lasers with a nominal output power of 2.1 W; 3.5 W; 5.6 W and 8 W. More powerful lasers can significantly reduce engraving or cutting time.

Keywords: laser Endurance radiation burn through material engraving cutting

Tell us about engravings / Tell us about laser engraving
Laser engraving is the process of burning or melting the top layer of materials under the influence of directed, focused radiation. The speed of engraving and the depth of melting of the surface of the material directly depends on the output power of the semiconductor (diode) laser.
For additional information about the capabilities of Endurance lasers, we recommend visiting our website
Keywords: laser Endurance radiation burn material layer engraving material semiconductor diode

Tell us about your engravers / Tell us about your engravers
Engravers are CNC machines or 3D printers complete with a semiconductor (diode) laser. Basically, engravers are differentiated by the size of the engraving or cutting workspace and the software they support.
For additional information, we recommend visiting our website
Keywords: laser Endurance CNC machine 3D printer semiconductor diode program

I want to buy a laser. What do you advise? / Which laser do you recommend? / I want a laser for engraving
The choice of laser is based on the scope of its application in your work. The output power of the semiconductor (diode) laser directly determines the engraving speed and the depth of melting of the material surface. More powerful lasers can significantly reduce engraving or cutting time, and also allow you to engrave on anodized aluminum and glass. You can get detailed information about laser performance tests and their technical characteristics on our website
Keywords: laser Endurance material power semiconductor diode engraving cutting aluminum glass

I want an engraver for engraving on metal
The Endurance 8 W semiconductor (diode) laser is capable of engraving anodized or painted aluminum.
Less powerful lasers are only suitable for engraving on wood (or wood-based materials), acrylic, plastic, PVC, leather, and fabric. To engrave metal, you can engrave a stencil followed by etching or electrolysis.
Keywords: laser Endurance material wood acrylic plastic PVC leather fabric stencil etching power semiconductor diode engraving cutting

I want to buy / I want to place an order / How to order / How to contact you
You can purchase Endurance products by leaving a request on the website, EnduranceRobots.com or on EnduranceLasers.com. To clarify information, you can contact the phone numbers listed on the website.
Keywords: Endurance laser buy application purchase information

I want to buy / I want to buy engravers / I want to buy an engraving laser
The Endurance team recommends the Endurance DIY Engraver paired with the Endurance L-Cheapo 3.5W Semiconductor (Diode) Laser. The engraver is powerful enough to cope with various tasks and become a universal assistant in your business or home. You can get detailed information about the capabilities of the Endurance DIY engraver on our website
Keywords: laser Endurance engraver L-Cheapo DIY semiconductor diode

Question 8
I want to buy a cutting laser
The Endurance team recommends the Endurance DIY Engraver paired with the Endurance L-Cheapo 5.6W Semiconductor (Diode) Laser. This powerful engraver can easily cut 8mm thick plywood. You can get detailed information about the capabilities of the Endurance DIY engraver on our website
Keywords: laser Endurance engraver L-Cheapo DIY semiconductor diode plywood

I want a laser and a 3D printer
We offer you the Endurance Wanhao Duplicator i3 (combo) engraver. This is a simultaneous solution to three problems: the engraver can work as a 3D printer, laser cutter or engraver. Depending on the output power of the installed laser, you will be able to engrave and cut materials such as leather, acrylic, plastic, plywood, wood, fabric, felt, PVC or glass.
Keywords: laser Endurance Wanhao Duplicator i3 (combo) radiation 3D printer burn material cut leather acrylic plastic wood plywood fabric felt PVC glass

Can an engraved inscription or part of it be erased and replaced with another using a laser?
Laser engraving is the process of burning or melting the top layer of materials under the influence of directed, focused radiation. To remove engraving from the surface of the material, you will need to remove the top layer of material to the depth of the engraving or cover the product with a layer of paint.
Keywords: laser Endurance engraving radiation removal layer

Can engraving on a laptop without damaging it?
In our experiments, we did not conduct experiments on samples of electronic equipment. However, we assume that when engraving is performed on a solid (undamaged) section of a plastic case, that it is definitely possible to engrave on a non-plastic case.
Keywords: laser engraving laptop

What is the difference between laser and mechanical engraving?
During the laser engraving process, the top layer of material is burned or melted under the influence of directed, focused radiation. In this case, the structure of the material changes.
During the mechanical engraving process, mechanical damage occurs to the top layer of the material. The structure of the material does not change.
Keywords: laser engraving layer burning radiation material structure

How thick should the leather be for engraving?
To perform laser engraving on skin, you need to adjust the laser output power level and engraving speed in order to avoid burning through the skin.
Keywords: laser engraving leather power output burn

What is the best laser to engrave leather?
For leather engraving work, the Endurance team recommends the Endurance L-Cheapo 2.1 W and 3.5 W solid-state (diode) engravers.
Keywords: laser Endurance L-Cheapo engraving leather

What is the best laser to engrave wood?
For engraving work on wood (or wood-based) products, the Endurance team recommends the Endurance L-Cheapo 2.1 W and 3.5 W solid-state (diode) engravers.
Keywords: laser Endurance L-Cheapo engraving wood

What is the best laser to engrave plastic?
For engraving work on plastic products, the Endurance team recommends the Endurance L-Cheapo 2.1 W and 3.5 W solid-state (diode) engravers.
Keywords: laser Endurance L-Cheapo engraving plastic

What does it take to start a laser engraving business?
To organize any business, you need to start by developing a business plan.
Regarding the laser engraver, to organize engraving work you will only need to purchase an Endurance DIY engraver complete with an Endurance L-Cheapo 2.1 W laser for only 29,900 rubles.
Keywords: laser Endurance L-Cheapo DIY business engraving engraver

What is the payback period for a laser cutter? / How quickly can a laser cutter (engraver) pay for itself?
The cost of purchasing a laser engraver can pay off in one to three months. This will be a profitable investment when organizing your own business.
Keywords: engraver return on investment business

What software do you need for engraving?
Laser engraving software is included with your chosen engraver. If necessary, you can find the software on the official Endurance website
Keywords: laser Endurance engraving software program software engraver

What changes need to be made to the firmware?
To perform laser engraving, you do not need to make changes to the firmware.
Keywords: laser engraving firmware change

Where can I see examples of G-code engraving of different types (contour and dot)? / How to see the result of laser engraving?
You have the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the results of the work of Endurance semiconductor (diode) lasers from our video experiments.
Keywords: laser Endurance experiments video results

What materials are best for engraving?
Using Endurance semiconductor (diode) lasers, you can engrave or cut leather, acrylic, wood (or wood-based materials), plywood, plastic, fabric, painted or anodized aluminum, stone and glass.
Keywords: laser Endurance materials engraving

How long will the engraving last?
Laser engraving is the process of burning or melting the top layer of materials under the influence of directed, focused radiation. An engraved design cannot be removed without mechanical damage to the material on which it is applied.
Keywords: laser engraving removal radiation melting layer

How long does the engraving process take?
The duration of engraving depends on the output power of the installed laser and the size of the engraved image. The use of lasers with higher output power can significantly reduce engraving time.
Keywords: laser engraving duration application time power

Is it possible to do color engraving with your laser?
At the moment, color engraving using semiconductor (diode) lasers is not possible.
Keywords: laser engraving color color application

Under what conditions can a laser be returned?
The laser can be returned within 14 days for a full refund, in accordance with the legislation of the Russian Federation. If a warranty case occurs, the laser can be sent for repair or replaced with a similar one.
Keywords: laser return warranty period repair replacement products

What should I do if I don’t like the laser?
If, for any reason, Endurance products are not suitable for you, you can return the product within 14 days from the date of purchase or exchange it for an alternative option.
Keywords: Endurance laser suitable return goods purchase exchange option

How to make a beautiful image for engraving?
Endurance recommends using a graphics editor such as Adobe Photoshop to prepare images for engraving. Detailed instructions about all stages of preparation for engraving can be found on our website in the “Video instructions” section
Keywords: preparation laser image graphics editor

At what speed is it best to engrave wood (leather, plastic)?
The choice of laser engraving speed depends on the output power of the installed laser and the required piercing depth of the sample. There are no separate recommendations in this case, since in order to achieve the desired result you will need, during the experiments, to select the necessary engraving parameters for each individual material sample.
Keywords: laser Endurance speed engraving burning experiment sample

Do you do engraving?
Endurance develops and markets laser and robotic technology. We do not do custom engraving work.
Keywords: Endurance engraving development technology work order

Where can a laser be used?
Using the Endurance semiconductor (diode) laser, you can create a portable workplace for engraving and cutting various materials or organize a small business producing souvenirs or making seals and stamps.
Keywords: semiconductor diode laser Endurance work place business souvenir seal stamp

How to choose the optimal model?
To select the optimal model of a semiconductor (diode) laser, you need to decide on the tasks that must be performed. If the main purpose of the purchase is cutting materials, more powerful lasers (3.5 W, 5.6 W or 8 W) will suit you. If the laser is intended primarily for engraving, then the Endurance L-Cheapo 2.1 W is suitable for you.
Keywords: laser Endurance L-Cheapo model engraving optimal task

How to install Endurance L-cheapo (2.1; 3.5; 5.6; 8 W) on a CNC machine?
The installation process for Endurance lasers is quite simple and does not require additional knowledge. As a rule, this will take no more than an hour. You will need to attach the laser to the spindle mount and connect it to your device's power source. Video instructions for the installation process of Endurance lasers can be found on the website
Keywords: laser Endurance CNC machine installation spindle mount

How to install the Endurance L-cheapo laser (2.1; 3.5; 5.6; 8 W) on a 3D printer?
The installation process for Endurance lasers is quite simple and does not require additional knowledge. As a rule, this will take no more than an hour. You will need to attach the laser to the extruder mounting location and connect it to your device's power source. Video instructions for the installation process of Endurance lasers can be found on the website
Keywords: laser Endurance 3D printer extruder installation mount

What graphic editors are best to use to prepare images for engraving?
To prepare an image for engraving, Endurance experts recommend using Inkscape.
Keywords: Endurance engraving Inkscape image preparation program

Do you provide a guarantee? / What are the warranty periods for the Endurance L-cheapo laser (2.1; 3.5; 5.6; 8 W)?
The warranty period for Endurance lasers is 1 year from the date of purchase.
Keywords: laser Endurance warranty period

What (What) is the warranty period for Endurance WANHAO Laser Engraver (Endurance Makeblock, Endurance DIY)?
The warranty period for Endurance laser engravers is 6 months from the date of purchase.
Keywords: engraver Endurance warranty period

How to purchase a laser engraver (laser)?
.com or EnduranceLasers.com. To clarify information, you can contact the phone numbers listed on the website.
Keywords: laser engraver Endurance purchase purchase buy application information

What are the delivery times?
Laser delivery within the Russian Federation is carried out by Russian Post or EMS. You can calculate the time and cost of delivery of goods on the official website of the transport company. The estimated delivery time within the Russian Federation is from 3 to 10 days.
Keywords: laser Endurance delivery time cost

What additional services do you provide?
Endurance offers warranty and post-warranty service for our products. We have an individual approach to each client.
Keywords: Endurance warranty post-warranty service individual approach

Which plywood is better to use for laser cutting with Endurance L-cheapo (2.1; 3.5; 5.6; 8 W)?
We leave the right to choose the sizes and quality of materials for work to our clients. In the process of work, you will understand the features of engraving and cutting various materials and choose for yourself the option that would suit you in full
Keywords: laser Endurance material selection engraving cutting selection

Is it possible to engrave on metal? / Why can’t you engrave on metal?
Engraving on painted aluminum is available for laser engravers with power ratings of 5.6W and 8W. At the moment, only the Endurance 8 W laser can engrave on anodized aluminum.
Keywords: laser Endurance engraving metal aluminum anodized

Why are transparent surfaces difficult to engrave?
A laser beam, when passing through the thickness of a transparent material, is not able to focus and melt the surface. For successful engraving on samples made of transparent material, opaque substrates should be used. During the process of melting the substrate, the transparent material (plastic or glass) will also be melted and, accordingly, engraved.
Keywords: laser beam Endurance transparent material focusing

What is the accuracy of the images?
The resolution (engraving accuracy) for all types of Endurance semiconductor (diode) lasers is 0.1 mm. This value approximately corresponds to 300 dpi quality.
Keywords: Endurance ability precision quality engraving

What is the maximum engraving speed?
The maximum engraving speed depends on the engraver you choose and the software that supports the equipment.
Keywords: engraving speed engraver software

What software is needed for the equipment (operation, laser engraving)?
Endurance specialists recommend users to work with mDraw, CNCC Laseraxe, BenBox, Cura, Inkscape, Repetier-Host software
Keywords: software recommendations

What power source is needed for the Endurance L cheapo 5.6W laser? / What should be the power of the power supply when working with Endurance lasers
To operate Endrurance lasers, a 12 V power supply with a maximum output current of 5 A is sufficient.
Keywords: laser Endurance power supply current power

What power supply is required for the Endurance Wanhao laser engraver (Endurance DIY, Endurance Makeblock)?
To operate this engraver, the on-board power supply of your device is sufficient.
Keywords: laser Endurance engraver power supply network device

Is it possible to upgrade the equipment by increasing its power?
Modernization of equipment to increase its power can only be achieved by replacing the laser.
Keywords: modernization equipment replacement laser power extension

Are your lasers reliable?
Endurance lasers are reliable. A good heat dissipation system allows lasers to operate continuously for up to 48 hours.
Keywords: laser Endurance reliability heat dissipation work

Which laser is best for making keychains?
Endurance recommends using the Endurance L-Cheapo 5.6 W laser to make key fobs.
Keywords: laser Endurance L-Cheapo keychain manufacturing

Is it possible to laser engrave ceramics?
Unfortunately, Endurance lasers are not currently capable of cutting ceramics.
Keywords: laser Endurance engraving cutting ceramics

Which laser is better to engrave acrylic (plywood, 1mm chipboard)
For engraving applications, Endurance recommends using the Endurance L-Cheapo 2.1W or 3.5W laser.
Keywords: laser Endurance L-Cheapo engraving recommendations

Which laser is better for cutting chipboard (plywood, acrylic)
For cutting applications, Endurance recommends using higher power lasers such as the Endurance L-Cheapo 3.5W, 5.6W or Endurance 8W.
Keywords: Endurance L-Cheapo laser cutting recommendations

Technical support

Endurance not only sells lasers and laser engravers, but also provides full technical support for its setup and installation.

If you are in Moscow, our specialists will come, install and configure the laser for you.

If you are outside of Moscow, we will conduct a full Skype consultation on laser installation and configuration. We provide detailed engraving and cutting instructions.

Unlike our Chinese counterparts, we value our customers’ time and provide the highest quality service support for those who need help installing purchased equipment.

By purchasing an Endurance laser, you receive high-quality service and the most reverent attitude towards yourself!

To correctly download software for an Arduino-based CNC machine, right-click on the corresponding link and select the item from the drop-down menu Save object as.

If an error appears when launching the application, run Install.bat to install the missing components;
- You may need to configure an antivirus or firewall for the system to check for updates to work correctly;
- If errors occur again, write to me by email: andrey@mdls.ru ;

Latest version 2.1.6

Changes

Changed the main menu;
- Added a form for working with the impact head

Latest version 2.1.5

Changes

The form of laser cutting according to the drawing has been improved;
- Optimized traversal of shapes when laser cutting according to a drawing

Latest version 2.1.4

Changes

The forms of engraving paintings with a laser and engraving paintings with a burner have been changed. Now there is no need to preliminary prepare images for specific sizes. Please note that for painting/photo engraving to work correctly, you must correctly specify the diameter of the laser spot/tip.
- A button has been added to the form for laser engraving of paintings Invert. The button allows you to invert the image tones regardless of pseudo-toning.
- When burning with a hot thread, the ability to line-by-line drawing of the tip trajectory has been added. Necessary to speed up work on “weak” computers.

Latest version 2.1.1

Changes

Minor bugs fixed;
- The GDI+ library is connected, providing the ability to open images in any raster formats.

Latest version 2.0.8

Changes

Improved opening of images on all forms of working with a CNC machine. Now color depth does not matter. That is, the program can open a raster image of any depth. Guaranteed extensions supported: BMP, JPG. The ability to open other formats depends on the OS.

Most of the articles on the site describe working in the ArtCAM v8/v9 program. If you are using later versions of the program (v11/v12 or later), for the convenience of working with the program and articles, you must configure the layout after starting ArtCAM, as shown in the figure:

The file preparation is designed for a blue laser with a power of 1..10 W with a beam diameter of 0.25 mm.

A black and white dotted drawing in .bmp format prepared in a graphic program convenient for you is opened in the ArtCam program

File - Open

If necessary, scale (resize) the model.

In the ArtCam program, you need to change the model resolution - increase it approximately twice. Model ->Change resolution.

Use the slider in the left area to set the new resolution (1). The new resolution parameters should be approximately twice as large as the current resolution parameters. Next, click the Apply button (2).

Call the Form Editor. Model -> Form Editor or simply double-click the left mouse button on the black square at the bottom of the image (1). In the window that appears, select the FLAT button (2). Next, enter a value of 1 mm for the Initial height (3). Next - Subtract (4), Apply (5), Close (6).

A relief will appear in the 3D view area.

We create a LASER tool based on an end mill. For this

Go to the UE tab (1),

Select TOOL DATABASE (2),

Add a new tool (3),

Enter the name of the tool, select the type of tool - END, units of measurement mm/sec (4),

We set the diameter to 0.001, the minimum processing depth (5),

Step - 0.001, speed, spindle - any (6),

Save the changes (7), save the creation of a new tool (8).

Staying in the UE tab (1), select RELIEF PROCESSING (2).

We adjust the trajectory of movement - SNAKE IN X, angle - 0, allowance - 0, accuracy - 0.001 (1).

Safety height in Z - 1, return point in X and Y - 0, in Z - 1 (2).

Tool Select (3) laser 0.001 (4),Select (5).

We indicate a step of 0.25 mm (laser focus) (1), depth per pass of 1 mm (2)

Determine the material (1), height of the workpiece 1.0 (2), pay attention to the offset (3), OK (4), give a name to the workpiece (5), calculate now (6), close (7).

Move the UE to the saved section (1),

Select G-Code (mm) (2),

Save (3),

Select the storage folder (4) and set the file name (5),

Save the changes (6) and close the window (7).

Next, you need to open the program program in Notepad and replace (Edit - Replace) all values of Z 1.000 with Z 0.010. If necessary, change the speed value to the required F1000. This is done so that the Z axis does not waste time, and the head moves at a constant speed without stopping or delaying the laser on/off.