My way of determining the deviation of my camera, after calibration

[bernd.dk (Bernd)]

I perform the camera calibration alignment on a piece of white paper, I print targets on it and perform the alignment itself.
Then I use the same paper to engrave a grid on it to keep track of the test afterwards.
The easiest way to see the results (for me) is to burn small holes and see if they match the actual camera image afterwards (the holes are 2mm). If there is a deviation of more than 1mm, then I simply start over with lens calibration again otherwise the end result will not be good enough.

After I have a representative number of test shots and measurements, I determine an acceptable average. For this calibration it is X=0.3mm and Y=0.3mm. Notice on the right side, here the deviations are above average, I think it is because my camera is not placed in absolute center and also tilts quite a bit. In addition, there are also optical errors in the camera itself that we have no influence on.

At an X / Y deviation/compensation of 0.3mm I achieve an average accuracy of less than 0.2mm (with a few areas of about 100mm on the right side, here the error is still about 0.4mm after correction.
In the center and on the left side, the deviation is almost 0.

I’m pretty sure that with better light management and a better resolution of the camera, I can achieve even better results.

To the best of my knowledge, the lens and camera calibration alignment in the current version of LightBurn is not optimal, but I’m looking forward to the new improved version that is in the mold.

My machine bed is 600x400 and it is an original LB camera, (only) 4MP with 80 degree lens (that’s what I’ve been told by LB )

I would love to do some tests with an 8MP camera, but that will have to wait until I can afford it.

I hope it gives people some insight into what’s possible with this amazing camera feature and the desire to experiment a little themselves to get the most out of this tool.
The savings in material and the additional ability to precisely place, for example, logos on items or modify already cut items, make the investment in the camera itself and the time needed to set up the camera correctly worthwhile.

[MikeyH (Mike Hembrey)]

I am in awe of what the Lightburn camera can do for laser work, and highly recommend it for anyone that can apply it to their processes. I consider it well worth the effort it takes to set it up. I am saddened that there is so much variety in what I do that I cannot use it efficiently. As @bernd.dk says, even an old camera can be a great benefit if patience is used in setting it up. I probably do not have enough of that either.