LightBurn for Galvo Lasers

If you're new to using LightBurn with your Galvo laser, you might be feeling like there's a lot to learn — and there is! But don't let that worry you, we've got you covered with resources on getting started with LightBurn, learning what you can do with your Galvo laser, and overcoming common stumbling blocks.

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Setting Up Your Galvo Laser¶

These resources will help you connect your Galvo laser to LightBurn, create a device profile, and adjust settings as needed.

Galvo Driver Installation¶

If you're using a Galvo laser with Windows, you'll need to make sure the correct driver is installed.

If you have an EZCAD-based laser, this can be achieved by checking the Install EZCAD2 Driver box in the LightBurn installer.

If your laser uses a BSL control board, you may need to install a different driver by installing your laser's stock software, or searching the files provided by your machine's manufacturer for an executable file named CypressDriverInstaller.exe or similar. Both the stock software and driver are usually provided with your laser on a USB drive.

Not sure if your laser has an EZCAD2 or BSL board?

If your laser uses EZCAD2 as its stock software, it has an EZCAD2 control board.

If your laser uses SeaCAD, SimpleCAD, or BSLCAD as its stock software, it most likely has a BSL control board. There are many other variants — consult your laser's manufacturer for further assistance identifying your type of laser.

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Galvo Device Profile Setup¶

When adding a Galvo device, LightBurn will ask you to import the machine-specific configuration file from your EZCAD2 or SEACAD installation drive or an existing installation. If you don't have this file, you can also manually configure your laser with settings provided by the manufacturer, or use LightBurn's built-in Lens Calibration tool.

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Galvo Lens Correction¶

All Galvo lenses have distortion which must be corrected in order for output from your laser to have an appearance that's true to the design you see in your LightBurn Workspace.

When working with a new laser, you can usually import lens correction values provided by your machine's manufacturer when you first set up your laser with LightBurn.

If your manufacturer didn't provide the necessary file, or you purchase a new lens for a laser you already own, however, you may need to use LightBurn's Galvo Lens Calibration wizard to find the appropriate corrections.

To open the Galvo Lens Calibration wizard, go to Laser Tools → Calibrate Galvo Lens → 9 Point Correction (Easy).

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Changing a Lens¶

To ensure optimal performance following a physical lens swap on a Galvo laser, there are several changes and settings you'll need to confirm. Some manufacturers provide the calibration information for your new lens, and we strongly recommend you check their website before proceeding to perform the calibration manually.

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Timing Settings¶

Timing settings correct for the physical limitations of your Galvo laser's lenses. Usually these values are provided by your laser's manufacturer, but you may also need to adjust them manually for perfect results.

Jump Settings control how the laser moves between cuts. Each jump causes the mirror to shake, with higher speeds and longer distances increasing the shaking. If you have wobbly lines at the start of a marking move, you may need to increase the delay and/or reduce the speed of jumps.

Delay settings control the delay between starting (or stopping) mirror movement and firing the laser. Laser On/Off TC and End TC control the delays for the start and end points of a path. Polygon TC controls the delays for other corners within a path.

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Check out this video guide to timing settings made by our friends at the Laser Everything YouTube channel.

For more information, please visit galvo controller.

IO Port Settings¶

IO (input/output) Ports control external switches attached to your laser's control board. They can trigger the beginning of a marking operation, activate your laser's red dot for framing, monitor a safety switch to ensure it's engaged before laser fires, and more.

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First Project Video Guide¶

There's no better way to learn how to use your laser than to get started with a beginner project. Follow our step-by-step video guide to complete your first project with your Galvo laser.

Galvo Framing¶

Framing is a function of Galvo lasers that outlines projects in your laser's work area using a red dot light, allowing you to see where your design will output on a physical object.

Click the Frame button in the Laser Window or press F1 to open the Live Framing window.

By default, the Live Framing window will also open when you press the Start button in the Laser Window, but you can disable Require framing before start in your Device Settings.

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Using a Rotary With a Galvo Laser¶

Rotaries are used to turn cylindrical objects so that their surfaces can be marked by a laser. In order to use your laser with a rotary, you must first establish several important parameters in the Rotary Setup window that control the rotary's motion.

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If you're working with a tapered object, use the largest end of the taper for the object diameter.

To open Rotary Setup, go to Laser Tools → Rotary Setup (Ctrl/Cmd+Shift+R), or click the rotary icon in the Modes Toolbar.

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Cylinder Correction¶

3D Sliced Engraving¶

LightBurn's 3D Sliced Image Mode enables Galvo users to create engravings with both visual and physical depth. This 2.5D engraving mode does not require a live Z Axis and can produce highly detailed engravings, but does not offer precise control over the engraving's depth.

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Terminology and Hardware Information¶

In many fundamental ways, Galvo lasers work differently from other types of lasers LightBurn supports. Below you'll find information on common terminology, as well as the nuts and bolts of how a Galvo laser works.

Glossary of Galvo Terminology¶

Find definitions for the common terms you'll come across when you read about working with your Galvo laser.

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EZCAD Hatch Quick Translation¶

If you're new to LightBurn but not to Galvo lasers, there's a good chance you've previously worked in EZCAD. This page explains how the hatch-related terms you're familiar with from EZCAD translate over to LightBurn.

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Anatomy of a Galvo¶

If you've ever wondered how a Galvo laser works, check out this page.

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Troubleshooting and Frequently Asked Questions¶

Find answers to common problems and frequently asked questions related to using a Galvo laser with LightBurn.

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