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6. LightBurn: Basic Usage
To get started with LightBurn there are some basic concepts to cover. All of these concepts are summarized
from the
Laser Operations
LightBurn has the ability to perform multiple type of
These operations can be performed on vector and raster images / shapes.
•
Cut
Cut will trace the laser along the vector path. Depending on the power and feed rate settings, this can
be used to cut through a material in single or multiple passes. Decreasing the power and/or increasing
the speed can also allow you to simply mark the surface (engraving).
•
Scan
Scan will fill the interior of a vector similar to engraving a raster image.
•
Scan+
Cut
Combines the scan and cut operations. In order of operations, the scan will happen first, followed by
the cut. This can be used to cut out a part once the scan is complete or simply emphasize the outline of
the part before moving on to the next operation.
Image Types
There are two primary image types that you can work with Vector
and Raster. These image types present different ways of engraving,
each with their own benefits. Choose / Create your design and
export it as a DFX, or BMP/JPG.
Vector Engraving
Vector shapes can be created directly in LightBurn without the need to import.
See the LightBurn documentation for more details:
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Raster Engraving
Raster engraving is best for images will a lot of detail.
Raster images have to be scanned onto the workpiece, the laser intensity dictates the depth or
darkness of the image being output. The technique is similar to how an image scanner scans a paper
into the computer. Reference the Common Cutting Parameters for a good starting place for some
common materials. Its best to import high resolution images 300 dpi or higher.
See the LightBurn documentation for more details:
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Image from: http://billspots.com/cnc-laser-cutting-engraving-basics
