I’m honestly not too familiar with the additional softwares out there as options are limited on Mac, but some quick research shows there are alternatives if you are running a Windows machine.
It is a powerhouse and allows unlimited possibilities for creating complex design files that directly translate to G-code so your laser can engrave it! Not to mention, it is also one of the only laser cutter software that is Mac compatible. It allows not only design editing capabilities, but a very beginner-friendly interface that is easy to navigate. LightBurn is often considered the best laser engraving software of use for many brands of lasers, including OMTech. LightBurn is the CO2 laser engraver industry-standard software. ĭownload the Camera Mount for Large Cameras STL File.
If you have a 3D printer, Light Burn has links to free designs on the Camera Mount ordering page.ĭownload the Camera Mount for Small Cameras STL File. The appropriately sized camera enclosure (there are two sizes) is listed on the camera ordering page. If you are unsure which camera to purchase, contact LightBurn directly for support-they will NOT return or exchange cameras.į or camera installation, you will need an enclosure (they are not included with the camera). Official LightBurn Documentation: Using a Camera You may want to add some notches to the board and alignment marks on the laser so you always place the board in the exact same way. This will insure the lid always opens to the same position. Prior to calibrating, take a 1x2, and cut it to height of the opening, adding a 1/4" so that it slightly pushes the lid up. Tip: The struts for the lid do not always bring the lid back to the same position.
You can use this to position your material. With the lid to the laser open, Click on the camera icon in the center of the LightBurn window, and it will take a snapshot of your bed. Click on Tools->Calibrate Camera Alignment and follow the steps. Click on Tools->Calibrate Camera Lens and follow the steps.ī. Adhesive-backed mounting bases and cable ties work great for protecting and concealing the cable.Ī. It's important that the cable stays clear of all moving parts inside your laser. Below is a high-quality, 10-foot extension you can use.
The cable that is included is roug h ly 10 feet long, but approximately half of it will be inside the machine. There are plenty of holes you can route your USB cable through for a clean install. The camera is powered by the USB cable which needs to be connected to the computer.
Be sure to order a mount (or download the design to 3D print your own).Īfter your camera arrives, you will need to install it in the location you measured to earlier. Once you find the camera you want, double click on it and it will open your browser and bring you to the ordering page. G o back to LightBurn and look for a camera with a mounting height about 2 or 3 inches LESS THAN the height you measured (this will give you a little wiggle room). (Yes, if you have a pretty acrylic top, you are going to be sticking a camera to the inside of it.) Focus your laser on it, like you would if you were going to engrave it.į ind the center of your bed, and measure straight up to the lid in inches and write this number down. G o to your laser, and place a small block of wood or something reasonably flat on the bed. Look in the column Minimum Mounting Height. LightBurn will then display all the available cameras. The easiest way to determine which camera you need is to install LightBurn, get it set up for your laser, and perform the following st eps:Ĭ lick on Help->Camera Selection Help from the top menu.
With every model of LightB urn C ameras you will need to select the degrees for the lens.
LightBurn Camera Selection and Installation: They have the same physical size as the 5MP, with a higher resolution sensor and a 4:3 aspect ratio.Ĩmp, High-Resolution, Wide-Angle - These cameras are typically best for lasers with beds over 1000mm. There are three variations of cameras offered:ĥmp, Standard-Resolution, 4:3 Aspect Ratio - These are the standard LightBurn cameras.Ĩmp, High-Resolution, 4:3 Aspect Ratio - These cameras fall between the 5mp standard cameras and the 8MP wide-angle cameras. Watch this v ideo showing benefits of the LightBurn Camera. A LightBurn Camera, which works in conjunction with LightBurn software, will allow you to position projects on your material, trace artwork from the bed of your laser, and provide some monitoring for your laser.