Framing does not match Move‑to‑Position

LightBurn Software Questions
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Issue: Framing does not match Move‑to‑Position when aligning a golf‑ball jig (Polar+ / LightBurn 2.0.05)

I’m working with an Omtech Polar+ 55W and LightBurn 2.0.05. I built a 20‑ball jig (4×5 layout) from three layers of 3 mm MDF. To use it, I removed the honeycomb and crumb tray and positioned the jig against the back‑right corner where the crumb tray normally registers.

In LightBurn, I created a matching 4×5 array so each cradle lines up with the jig. My workflow is:

  1. Move the laser head to the physical center of a golf ball

  2. Record the X/Y coordinates

  3. Place text at those coordinates

  4. Hit Frame

The problem: Frame goes to the top‑left of the ball instead of the center, even though the coordinates match where the head was sitting.

I’ve tested with both text and simple circles, and the behavior is the same. It looks like LightBurn is using the top‑left corner of the object’s bounding box instead of the geometric center when positioning.

I’m trying to determine whether this is:
• expected behavior for Ruida controllers,
• a LightBurn 2.0.x change,
• an array‑related issue, or
• something wrong in my workflow.

What’s the correct way to align a jig like this so that Move‑to‑Position and Frame both land on the actual center of the object?

2

The laser head will move around the shape’s bounding box, so if the shape isn’t centered where you expect, neither will the frame be centered there.

I assume LightBurn is in Absolute Coordinates mode and the machine homed properly when turned on, so the position in the workspace matches the position on the platform. The other coordinate modes depend on the origin set in the controller, which is likely not where you expect it to be.

One way to finesse the issue:

  • Draw a circle larger than the ball’s OD
  • Put it on a Tool layer
  • Center the circle on the ball / fixture
  • Lock the circle so it can’t move
  • Snap the text to the center of the circle

If the circle is larger than the text (which I assume is the case), you can group text + circle so the frame will encompass both of them.

The Preview window will show where the action will be when the laser starts, so verify everything there before firing the laser.

Practicing on cardboard is a Good Idea™ to reduce the expense of the inevitable whoopsies while figuring out a workable fixture. Source: So. Many. Whoopsies. :grin:

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