Hello, I’m a new member from Portugal and I recently buy an Wainlux JL3 40W because in aliexpress shop they said that I was able to do metal engraving with that machine, the problem it’s until today I can’t. I’m using the manufacture program that is very limited and my question is if I switch to GBRL and use Lightburn will I be able to engrave metal or not? Maybe it’s a silly question but I have to be sure if the problem is the program or the machine.
Best regards
Pedro Serra
Assuming this is a blue diode laser it won’t be able to engrave to metal with the exception of possibly stainless steel. You may be able to use a laser marking spray to create a permanent mark on metal but you won’t be able to engrave to metal directly.
This is a physics problems not a software problem. The software will not make a difference.
Ok. Thanks. I’m very disappointed with the situation. In your opinion what’s the best machine (price/quality) to do that function? When I’m talking in metal I want to say brass, copper, titanium, aluminium…
Thanks
This will depend on your needs but typically a fiber galvo laser is most often used for engraving to metal.
Alternatively, there have been recent IR diode lasers that have been released which are capable of marking on metals. This may be a more budget option if that’s a major factor for you.
Thanks. The problem is that I buy the machine because the shop manufacturer say that I was able to engrave metal and now I spent the money for nothing. Which model or brand should I buy? And the laser marking spray what is the best option?
Thanks
I couldn’t answer that as there are an incredible number of models and options. If, however, using LightBurn is a priority note that only EzCad2 and EzCad2 Lite devices are currently supported in terms of galvo machines.
Also couldn’t answer this. A commercial spray specifically intended for laser marking will provide the best most reliable results but can be expensive. In terms of commercial options Cermark, LaserBond, Enduramark are some example but there are plenty of others. There are other alternative products not specifically intended to be used for the purpose that some people use for this with varying results. There has been some success using homemade products with Titanium Dioxide on tile and I believe metal as well.
There are many Topics on this forum that discuss marking of metal that you may want to explore.
Ok. Thank you so much for your help
Hello again, and if I change the laser for a much powered one? You think it’s possible?
Thanks
The biggest consideration when upgrading your laser module is that you’re able to meet the power requirements of that module. It’s likely that your current supply is insufficient to power a very powerful laser module and also likely that your controller won’t be able to safely pass enough current to the module, especially if you have a 12V machine. In that case, you may need to separately power the laser module and not draw power from the controller.
Ok I understand.
Thanks again
I have JL3 pro, which is working on lightburn 1.3.01, but it is not working properly on 1.7.03, When creating a circle, it does not create that circle, instead it makes a circular shape but the edge is square-like. Does anyone have updated configuration for this?