Laser 3D Image engraving How to and why setting up Part 1 Lightburn/Thunder Laser Nova 35 /100w

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of setting up a laser for 3D image engraving using Lightburn with the Thunder Laser Nova 35/100W. You’ll learn how to select the right images, configure settings, and achieve high-quality engravings. Understanding these steps will help you create impressive 3D engravings with your laser.

Step 1: Selecting the Right Image

• The only type of image suitable for 3D engraving is a grayscale height map.
• A height map is a special grayscale image with 256 levels of gray, where:
  • Lighter areas represent higher elevations.
  • Darker areas represent lower elevations.
• Avoid using standard grayscale images, as they do not produce quality results.

Step 2: Importing the Image into Lightburn

• Open Lightburn and import the selected height map from your desktop.
• Resize the image to fit your material dimensions (e.g., set width to 220 mm).
• Position the image in the center and down towards the front of the workspace for optimal visibility.

Step 3: Configuring Laser Settings

• Set the engraving type to grayscale.
• Configure the following parameters:
  • Maximum Power: 95%
  • Minimum Power: 1% (set to 2% to ensure the laser fires).
  • Speed: 600 mm/s (approximately 2 ft/s).
  • Scan Lines: 0.1 mm.
  • DPI: 254 (dots per inch).
• Note that running the laser at 100% may reduce clarity, so it’s best to stay at 95%.

Step 4: Preparing the Material

• Use suitable materials like pine, maple, or huon pine for best results.
• Ensure the workpiece is securely locked in place using magnets to prevent movement during engraving.

Step 5: Engraving Process

• Remove the front panel of the laser for better airflow and visibility.
• Layer the engraving:
  • Perform multiple passes (5 to 6 passes) to achieve depth of 1 to 1.5 mm (approximately 1/16 inch) per pass.
  • For the final pass, reduce the power to approximately 50% to clean up the engraving while still removing material.

Step 6: Focus and Lens Selection

• Use a 2-inch lens for deep engraving, as it maintains focus over an 8 to 9 mm range.
• If using a 1.5-inch lens, remember that it is only focused for about 5 to 6 mm, which may not yield good results for deeper engravings.
• Adjust the table height during engraving to maintain focus if necessary.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you will be able to successfully set up and perform 3D image engraving with your Thunder Laser Nova 35/100W. Remember to use the correct image types and settings for optimal results. As you gain experience, you can experiment with different materials and techniques to further enhance your projects. Happy engraving!