I’m new to lasers. I have a question: why is the laser misaligned, even though the software says everything is fine? The frame indicates where to cut and engrave, but everything is still cut incorrectly. I reset the device, and it’s still the same. I uploaded the file to the device, and it’s still the same – everything is cut incorrectly. Could the device be faulty?
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Generally, that indicates a mechanical problem with the machine: it does not go where it should.
To help isolate the problem:
Scale it uniformly to fill the platform and run it as fast as it will go in Line layer mode with Enable optimizations turned off and power set to mark a sheet of cardboard. Any differences from the design will be informative; a crisp photo will let us look over your shoulder.
here are 3 videos of the cutting and engraving process
Watching a machine move around does not provide enough information to help.
Please run the test pattern.
file in LightBurn
settings 6000/20%
settings 6000/50%
settings 6000/75%
settings 6000/100%
I forgot to add that my laser is Pixi Algolaser 10W
It’s definitely more visible than the other ones!
In addition to bad backlash in the Y axis, the pattern looks like it has doubled lines:
Did you run the same pattern twice?
If not, then something is really wrong in there. Perhaps the laser is emitting two beams, rather than one, which is not a user-fixable problem.
Assuming it’s that machine, I can’t find any documentation that might help with getting inside to verify things like belt tension and snug screws.
If you can run the same pattern using their own software, with the same speed & power settings, the results will provide more clues. If the same doubled lines occur with their program, then it’s a machine problem.
Also, start a conversation with Algolaser’s tech support. It will take a while to convince them there’s at least one problem, but they’re likely the only folks who can solve it.
I ran the program once and noticed it too, as if the laser were firing two beams. I contacted Algolaser, and they sent me a video explaining what to do, but that didn’t help. I ran the test, and the double cuts still appear. I’ll have to return the device.
Can you forward the video they sent you?
I wonder what could be causing the double beams.
Thank you.
I would have expected instructions to check and fix the belt tension.
The doubled engraving remains a mystery to me.
That’s probably the best solution.
I’m sure that solves somebody’s problem, but not your problem.
The cable management in that puppy looks nightmarishly poor. When the new machine arrives, devote enough time to secure the cables where they can’t rub against anything. A single cable tie snugging the cable to the laser head might be enough to keep that big loop out of trouble.
Also, the first (interrupted) homing demonstration shows the machine will slide around on the table. If the tray in the bottom of the machine is removable (so you can engrave on a large sheet of material or, heck, the dining room table), figure out how to anchor the whole machine to avoid having it shift while it’s operating.
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Thank you all for your help. I’m sending the equipment back to the seller. This begs the question: which laser would you recommend for a beginner, one for fun and DIY projects at home with children?
I have no good answers for that one. 
Start up another topic with that question as the title and other folks will surely have suggestions.
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