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Wiki source code of How to Use LightBurn

Last modified by Raegan Smith on 2025/12/19 01:19
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Raegan Smith 1.1 1 Much like 3D printers, laser cutters need a slicing program to convert vector files into movement instructions for a given machine. Our program of choice is [[Lightburn>>url:https://lightburnsoftware.com/]], as it's UI is intuitive, the most important settings are readily available, and it's easy to set up for new users.
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3 == Installation ==
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5 Versions of Lightburn for Windows, Linux, and Mac OS are available at their [[downloads page>>url:https://lightburnsoftware.com/pages/download-trial]]. Every **new** user is allowed a free 30 day trial period with full access to all features. After that, a **lifetime** license key can be purchased for $120 [[here>>url:https://lightburnsoftware.com/products/lightburn-dsp]].
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7 ==== Additional ====
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9 Alternatively, students with a reservation for a laser cutter may come in to prepare their file on one of our workstations beforehand. During laser-training, we will walk you through using Lightburn, and we are always here to help should any issues arise.
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11 == Setting up for RPS use ==
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13 ==== New Device Setup ====
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15 Download the setup file [[here>>url:https://wiki.rapidprototypingstudio.com/learning/laser1.lbdev]]. Open Lightburn, click //Import//, and select the //Laser 1// file. Alternatively, use the step-by-step instructions below to set up your laser device.
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17 Machine controller type: **Ruida**
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19 Working area: **1400x900mm (XY)**
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21 Connection Method: **Packet/USB**
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23 |=(((
24 **Step 1**
25 )))|=(((
26 **Step 2**
27 )))|=(((
28 **Step 3**
29 )))
30 |[[image:https://wiki.rapidprototypingstudio.com/learning/lightburn3.png||alt="lightburn3.png"]]|[[image:https://wiki.rapidprototypingstudio.com/learning/lightburn5.png||alt="lightburn5.png"]]|[[image:https://wiki.rapidprototypingstudio.com/learning/lightburn4.png||alt="lightburn4.png"]]
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32 ==== Additional Setup ====
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34 Job origin: **Back Right (upper right)**
35 Start From: **User Origin**
36 [[image:https://wiki.rapidprototypingstudio.com/learning/lightburn_2.png||alt="lightburn_2.png"]]
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38 Download the **material settings** with this link: [[Lightburn Library Material Settings>>url:https://wiki.rapidprototypingstudio.com/machines/lightburn_library_material_settings.clb]]. You can import these settings to Lightburn as part of the setup process. Click //Library// in the bottom right then click //Load// to load this file. All material settings should import to your library. To change the material type, click the desired material and click //Assign//.
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40 If you will be using Lightburn more in the future, "linking" materials to certain colors has proven to be useful. Highlight the shape and click //Link//. This will allow you to assign colors to different materials, thicknesses, and cuts/engravings.
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42 == Usage ==
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44 Compared to 3D printing, the slicing process is quite simple, as there are far less parameters to take into account. Despite that, using the laser still requires utmost caution, as improper settings will lead to ineffective cutting at best, and will start a fire at worst.
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46 We have a [[list>>url:https://wiki.rapidprototypingstudio.com/Machines/CO2_Laser_Cutters]] of recommended laser settings for a variety of materials. For materials not on the list that do not produce any [[toxic gasses>>url:https://cpl.org/wp-content/uploads/NEVER-CUT-THESE-MATERIALS.pdf]], we typically run some tests using small (10x10mm) square test cuts, adjusting laser power/speed until a satisfactory cut is produced.
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48 We recommend watching the many great [[video tutorials>>url:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdqMW3F_iIU]] that demonstrate basic Lightburn usage if you would like to learn more.
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50
51 === The basic premise: ===
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53 * Load SVG or DXF vector file **in millimeters**. This will most likely come from an engineering drawing in [[Solidworks>>url:https://wiki.rapidprototypingstudio.com/Learning_and_Documentation/Solidworks_Export_2D]] that must be exported in millimeters as well. **Always double check units once imported**.
54 * Adjust laser cut power & speed and number of passes in the bottom right corner based on the [[OMTech laser settings>>url:https://wiki.rapidprototypingstudio.com/Machines/CO2_Laser_Cutters]].
55 [[image:https://wiki.rapidprototypingstudio.com/learning/lightburn_img.png||height="40%" width="40%"]]
56 - Cut: set mode to //Line//
57 - Engrave: set mode to //Fill//
58
59 * To change the paths' order of cutting, select the shape you want to cut first and color it differently. A new cut layer will appear on the right. Move that new color to the top of the list, which will code this cut as the first part of the job.
60 [[image:https://wiki.rapidprototypingstudio.com/learning/lightburn_img2.png||height="80%" width="80%"]]
61
62 * To preview the job, press //Alt+P// which will show the exact path the laser will take. A good rule of thumb is to start with smaller, inner-most cuts and make the large, outer cuts last. This will ensure clean, quality cuts and prevent warping of inner cuts that still need to be made.
63 [[image:https://wiki.rapidprototypingstudio.com/learning/lightburn_img3.png||height="40%" width="40%"]][[image:https://wiki.rapidprototypingstudio.com/learning/lightburn_img4.png||height="40%" width="40%"]]
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65 * Once file is ready, insert USB into your computer and click //Save to RD file//