1. Main Hardware Components: (Making Two Axes)

1. Two desktop CD drives

2. Two Easydriver stepper motor drivers

3. One Arduino UNO R3 development board

4. One relay module

5. One 100mw blue-violet laser head

It is the simplest and most convenient to make a laser engraver based on the reference prototype, and it only involves two-axis movement. Essentially, you just need to find two CD drives and assemble them at a 90-degree angle to complete the project. However, considering that lasers can be dangerous and there are children at home, I decided to take on the challenge and make a traditional three-axis engraving machine. But this also brings a benefit: it can engrave not only flat objects, but theoretically, it can also engrave three-dimensional items!

2. Software Components:

1. First, install inkscape-0.48.4-1-win32 (this is an open-source vector editing software).

2. Copy all files from the laserengraver compressed package to d:ProgramFiles/Inkscape/share/extensions (the installation location of inkscape-0.48.4-1-win32)

3. Open the grbl-master folder, find the pin_map.h file inside, open it, and configure the pins (this means how your Easydriver stepper motor driver connects to Arduino).

4. Open the simple compiler, drag the entire grbl-master folder into it, and follow the prompts to complete the operation, aiming to obtain a hex file.

5. Install XLoader and burn the obtained hex file to the Arduino UNO R3 development board. If XLoader cannot burn it, use ArduinoBuilder-0.8.8 to do the burning.

6. Install GrblController361Setup or use gcodesender.exe, open gcodesender.exe

Input $0=53.333 and press Enter

$1=53.333 and press Enter

$8=100 and press Enter (this increases the acceleration to about 100)

If you find one axis is reversed, you need to adjust it to correct it.

I want to change the direction of the X-axis, so I entered “$7=8” because I want to modify bit 3 (8 = 00001000 in binary). If you want to modify the Y-axis direction, enter 16 (00010000) or to modify both axes, enter 24 (00011000). After that, you can use one of the software to engrave.

Inkscape Software Operation:

• First, open the software.

• Then select the menu “File” and choose “Document Properties” from the dropdown menu.

  

• Set the page to a custom size according to the design you want to print.

• Click the menu, File, Import. Import an image file, or you can directly drag the image file into Inkscape. You can also take a screenshot and select paste from the Inkscape menu. If the image size is not suitable, select the image, hold down the Ctrl key, and use the mouse to adjust the size with the black arrows around it, and finally move the image to fit within the document area.

• Ensure the image is selected. Click the Path menu, “Trace Bitmap”

• Click Update, and you should see the image in the preview on the right. If not, try reducing the threshold.

  

• Once confirmed, click the menu, Extensions, Laserengraver -> laser

  

• This interface is in English, we only need to focus on the engraving speed indicated by the red box, which I generally set between 30~50. Then click “Apply”. Wait, if the design is complex, it may take a long time. After the “processing” box disappears, a new nc file will be created in the output folder on the C drive.

• Using the Micro Engraving Manager, import this file, and you can start engraving.

3. Wiring Diagram

1. Hardware Circuit Principle Wiring Diagram

2. Motor Panel Physical Wiring Diagram (XY Two-Axis Printing)

3. Motor Panel Physical Wiring Diagram (If using XYZ Three-Axis Printing)

4. Physical Effect Diagram

5. Frequently Asked Questions

1. Prompt “Engraver not found, please check the USB connection”

This situation may occur for two reasons: either the cable is not properly connected, or the driver is not properly installed. You can open Device Manager, expand “Ports (COM and LPT)” and see if the device is recognized.

2. Cannot burn engraving marks

Symptoms: The laser head can move, but it cannot burn marks on the object’s surface.

Analysis: Generally, there are two reasons. One is that the object being engraved is not suitable for this engraver, such as metals, ceramics, etc., which are too hard or too white. The other situation is that the focus is not properly adjusted. When we ship, we use cardboard to test, and the focus is adjusted to a height suitable for engraving cardboard thickness. If the object you want to engrave is slightly higher, the laser point on the object will be larger, and the power will not be concentrated enough to burn. At this time, you can wear protective glasses, use Grbl Controller to turn on the laser, and slowly twist the adjustment ring at the bottom of the laser head, paying attention to observe the size change of the light point, and try to adjust to the smallest size. When the engraved object produces fine smoke, the size of the light point is appropriate.