3D Printer Laser Engraving Kit - Getting Started Guide!

[@3DPrintscape]

I hope you found this overview helpful! If you have any questions or would like other tips/tricks, just let me know in the comments. If you would like to help support the channel consider joining our patreon account at www.patreon.com/3dprintscape .

[@ThomasKranias]

Excellent introduction, definately one of my next projects

[@3DPrintscape]

Great to hear!

[@davetimko]

Thank you! Finally a video that makes sense on how to do this. Now I just need to figure out how to make my wood stay in place

[@3DPrintscape]

You're welcome. There is an corner piece on thingiverse you can print that will help some.

[@ColinRaymond-kp3sq]

A lot of people use binder clips

[@carlokannenberg9406]

i have the exact same laser but if i set the speed to 12 the first time it was perfect when i set the laser the second time to 12 it didnt burned anything even on speed 10 with the rigt focous lenght

[@3DPrintscape]

Hi. Was the z height changed at all? Either by the parts being engraved, base, or anything else?

[@doverivermedia3937]

Excellent introduction. Thanks ... 🇬🇧

[@3DPrintscape]

Thanks for the feedback:)

[@lh1218]

just ordered the 5w i hope its awesome!

[@3DPrintscape]

Hi. I think you will like it. Its much better than the smaller one.

[@jimmorgan7765]

Thanks for another informative video. I purchased and installed the 5W laser on my ender 3 pro using an skr mini e3 V3 board. Connected it to the same fan as the video. All my attempts to engrave on the 3mm plywood board ended in a burned spot on the far right side of the x axis. perhaps you can guide me in the direction of how to correct this learning opportunity? thanks again for the input.

[@3DPrintscape]

Hi. Can you send me a picture of the burn spot your talking about? My email is [e-mail]

[@jimmorgan7765]

Hey, looks like I found the problem myself. When I paid more attention to where the model is placed on the plate in creality works program everything started working. Two things; model has to be in the upper left corner and sized correctly. I need a more robust software product.

[@Tuto333]

I bought a sovol 5w laser, I did the same installation of the video, but I only managed to record at a constant power, that is, it does not record an image in grayscale, everything is done in one tone. That means everything appears black.

[@3DPrintscape]

Hi. What did you use to slice the image. I found the software is the biggest variable here.

[@timothytapio4252]

I finally found time to install the laser this evening. Since this video was made, things have totally changed. One thing is correct, the directions are poor. There are two pieces of apparently carbon foam for filtering, no idea where to put them. The software cited is no longer available. I also have two weak magnetic strips, no clue. They "might" be able to hold a piece of paper down but even that would be a stain. The software says to run the laser down to apparently the lowest point and it captures that value. Then there is another adjustment for the z direction...I'm not sure if to use that in place of physically adjusting the lazer up and down with the two thumb screws. Much like the printer itself, there is a lot left up to the user to figure out on their own.

[@3DPrintscape]

Hi. What laser did you end up getting? I didnt have any foam or filtering. The creality workshop software is still available, i downloaded it the other day.

[@timothytapio4252]

@@3DPrintscape Ender 3 S1 Pro Where do you find the "workshop" file? It's not listed under the Ender 3 S1 Pro for downloads.

[@timothytapio4252]

@@3DPrintscape I found the file but so far, I haven't received the email to complete my registration. Its been 15 minutes...on to trying lightburn...

[@3DPrintscape]

@@timothytapio4252 I need to find the link again, but cant post it here as its not official, but there is a google drive that has it available for download. If you keep searching, it should come up.

[@glentaber4010]

Great video. I like the easy to use Creality Workshop program. The problem is I can't find it. Your link no longer works. Do you have a copy for download?

[@3DPrintscape]

Hi. I think they removed it but someone has it on their google drive. drive.google.com/drive/folders/1MUCrBgUPlCp6mv2g3-aAlG2do2nq65eA

[@bradsrcsmore3848]

Great video! Can you leave this on and still 3d print or do you have to take it all back off and reconnect the fan on the board?

[@3DPrintscape]

Hi. If your wanting to print, you would have to take it off and connect the fan.

[@JakeSulinjr]

I think I have the same 3D Printer as you. Which is the Ender 3 Pro. However, some of the laser attachments say it's intended for the End 3 S1 Pro. Would this be compatible with my system? Also, I'm really only interested in engraving wood and maybe like thin aluminum. I dont need it to completely cut through materials. So would a 500 miliwatt laser be right for me I found a compatible one for like $38 or maybe the $70+ 1.6 Watt laser? Btw thanks I'm advance! I subbed to you!

[@3DPrintscape]

Hi. You would want to use the attachments for the standard ender 3, not the s1, the main difference is how it mounts the laser on the fan. If you just want to do light engraving into the wood the .5w one would work. Im not sure how it would work on aluminum though. Thanks for the sub, i appreciate it.

[@johnbuccheri3440]

Ever try doing something in Black and White mode? I cant get anything to engrave in Black and white mode only outline.

[@3DPrintscape]

Hi. I havent yet, but i can try it soon.

[@Tuto333]

I heard something about a sovol laser box for 3d printers, which seems to be a controller card for cnc, but sovol no longer sells it and I don't know what kind of card it is to buy it elsewhere.

[@3DPrintscape]

Im not sure, i just bought the laser for my 5w one. The creality 10w i got the full kit including the controller.

[@JiLaK242]

Thank you for an excellent video. I've got a 5W Creality laser. However it came with a 3 connector wire instead of 2. Is there a way to install the 3 connector wire please? PS. For those with an Ender V2 don't update the firmware. The instructions as per this video works without updating software.

[@3DPrintscape]

Hi. If its tied into the fan, it will only work with the two wires.

[@timothytapio4252]

I'm looking for a safety google to go over my glasses. There are many choices on amazon and I don't know what the wavelength of the laser is. I do have my printer in a tent and no one else ever comes upstairs. My eyes already have major issues so I prefer to be extra cautious.

[@3DPrintscape]

Hi. The glasses should have something about laser safe in the description. I think most of them are green tented.

[@ron9581]

Thank you for another interesting video. I have ordered on of the 5w ones from your link. I have a BTT Mini E3 V3.0 Mainboard do you know where I should plug Laser in and how do turn it on?

[@3DPrintscape]

Hi. It should plug into where the hotend fan is and its turned on by turning that fan on.

[@ron9581]

@@3DPrintscape thank you keep up the good work. Great interesting videos.

[@markley288]

Can you connect the fan also to the y-cable and leave it connected?

[@3DPrintscape]

Hi. It is possible, just make sure the laser isnt too powerful. I think it will be fine with a 5 watt or less laser though.

[@gillyboy1566]

Hi Rob thank you for the video does this laser need to be removed when you want to use the 3-D printer to print pla If not how you the fan

[@3DPrintscape]

Hi, the laser would need to be removed and the fan will need to be plugged back in but its not much work to do that.

[@Brandon-xo2we]

How did you get your Z-axis to stay up? Mine keeps falling due to the weight of the laser. Each time I try to move my Z-Axis while the laser is installed it will start pushing my bed down with the laser, because it can't "Home". I also have the Ender 3-V2 Neo.

[@3DPrintscape]

Hi. I havent had an issue with the z axis moving down but i have talked to some people that have. One thing i suggested was to try to put a clip or something on the z axis rod where you want the axis to be.

[@lucentv]

Will this thing laser cut fabric? I do custom action figures and it would be great to make intricate capes and other soft goods.

[@3DPrintscape]

Hi. It would probably cut fabric but im not sure how accurate it will be. You may be better off with something like a cricut.

[@glendeva100]

which watt do you reommend for light stainless steel metal

[@3DPrintscape]

Hi. I wouldnt go lower than 5. I actually just picked up a 10 watt laser to test with.

[@JoegreenOpera]

Hi Rob. I just ordered the 5W laser, and was wondering if I plugged the fan into the other lead, could I just leave the laser mounted on my Ender 3 Pro, and just disconnect the power to the laser up top when wanting to 3D print?

[@3DPrintscape]

Hi. You can but the issue will be the fan being blocked by the laser. Im not sure if it will get enough airflow to regulate the hotend with the laser there.

[@Rsm583]

Do you think it would be possible to use a mutant flex plate system with a wood burner? What are your thoughts on using a wood burner?

[@3DPrintscape]

Hi. What type of wood burner are you thinking of? The laser can burn into the wood but its not like an actual wood burner.

[@Rsm583]

It is the equiv to a soldering iron with interchangeable tips for wood burning@@3DPrintscape

[@3DPrintscape]

@@Rsm583 Ok, thats what i was thinking of. Im not sure how that would work, but if you mount it properly and get the height right it I think it would work similarly to this. It would basically be the same as putting a pencil on the printer for drawing.

[@AndrewAHayes]

Air assist makes for much better quality engraving and cutting, I guess this will probably come as an upgrade video!

[@3DPrintscape]

Hi. Thanks for the tip.

[@madeinpavao]

it works, but only when using outlined, if I want it all black out it doesnt

[@3DPrintscape]

Hi. You may have to change the picture setting or threshold.

[@madeinpavao]

@@3DPrintscape it did fix it. I have another problem now, there are thin horizontal lines where shouldn’t have nothing. Like in the space between the letters and such. What could be the cause of that ?

[@3DPrintscape]

@@madeinpavao Could be print temp or something on the track/wheels.

[@Rsm583]

I am interested in giving this setup a try. Have you tried making an acrylic engraving yet?

[@3DPrintscape]

Hi. I havnt done anything with acrylic yet but plan to.

[@timothytapio4252]

@@3DPrintscape Any update on acrylics? Other materials? I just got my 5W yesterday and chomping at the bit to get it set up and engraving. Still several other items in the queue to get done (like some mods then a couple print jobs in PETG)😀😀

[@3DPrintscape]

@@timothytapio4252 I have one on acrylic, kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmrUeZqCn9WNmLM . I will make others when I get my printers back (I moved and still dont have them yet).

[@Plumpkatt1]

I have this laser ordered but am worried I have too high of expectation? I really want the 10 watt one but figured Ill try this to see if its ok. I have Prime so I can return it if it dont work out since its a third of the price of the 10 watt. My question is, do you think you can accurately cut out thin sheet metal using this?

[@3DPrintscape]

Hi. I dont think this will be able to cut through metal.

[@thilduhhh]

Can you use the 5w laser on the new Ender3 S1 Plus?

[@3DPrintscape]

Hi. Ya you should be able to.

[@nielpapenfus4321]

What do you think of the 10w laser?

[@3DPrintscape]

Hi. I like it a lot but it really depends on what your wanting to do with it. If your just doing engraving its overkill. If you doing cutting its great.

[@DaBuGzLiFe]

Hello, could a Y-axis roller be used in conjunction with this setup?

[@3DPrintscape]

Hi. Honestly, im not sure. The software provided is very basic and limited.

[@timothytapio4252]

Never seen creality workshop...is it still around?

[@3DPrintscape]

Hi. Ya its still around, not sure how often its updated though.

[@f0xvibes]

Thinking about buying a 5w laser with electric power of 40w. Is 40w to much for the ender 3 fan port? I'm running my ender 3 with a skr mini...

[@3DPrintscape]

Hi. The laser im using in this video is 40w in and it works fine, so you should be good.

[@randomadventures125]

Mine is putting gaps in the engrave any ideas

[@3DPrintscape]

Hi, where are the gaps?

[@pedropd06]

Been trying to set this up following your video, everything works fine, but when I hit prints it starts about 20mm off the bed.

[@3DPrintscape]

Hi. What z height do you have set in the creality workshop software?

[@jimmorgan7765]

43mm 3mm for material + 20mm for plate + 20mm for fixed focus.

[@3DPrintscape]

@@jimmorgan7765 Take a look at the gcode file that it made and see what the z offset is set to in that. Im guessing its 20mm.

[@xyngg4894]

Has your wife came in and said “Robert! It smells like burning wood in here” thats what I’m worried about. Great tutorial thanks!

[@3DPrintscape]

Hi. Not yet, but i gave her a heads up when i was working on it :).

[@timothytapio4252]

I have an Ender 3 S1 Pro and the control is different (touch screen)...so, I do the firmware after I install the laser...then do I use Creality Print to create something, then have to run it through a slicer as well?

[@3DPrintscape]

Hi. Ya the process will pretty much be the same, just need to find the right controls in the menu to control the fan and axis placement.

[@kengregory1237]

My ender 3v2 moves the X axis over 50 mm before starting instead of starting at the corner where I set it. Y starts where its suppose to. any help would be appreciated

[@3DPrintscape]

Hi. It sounds like you may not be disabling the steppers then setting it to the corner of the piece. That should reset the current x and y value at 0 there. If thats not it, there may be something in the slicing tool moving it.

[@trappe10393]

I'm trying to dial in the settings to get a clean QR code, but can't seem to quite get it right. Have you been able to get a clean QR code, or do you have any recommendations of settings to dial in? I get a lot of burn marks on the outside, particularly on the edges.

[@3DPrintscape]

Hi. I haven't tried to do a QR code. What material are you trying to use?

[@trappe10393]

@@3DPrintscape Wood, walnut to be specific.

[@3DPrintscape]

@@trappe10393 ok, i will try to look into it more.

[@maxwittrock1247]

Hi do you know if it is possible to connect it to a anycubic mega s?

[@3DPrintscape]

Hi. I think it should be. It just needs to have the output for the fan that you can tie into.

[@mertturk4741]

hi sir, I got my laser (dontz laser 24v 1.6 w) today, I assembled to the my printer ender 3 pro what you showed on the video but the laser has 3 output one pwm one vcc one gnd. so I disconnect blue and yellow wire and input the vcc and gnd but the laser does not work could you please help me?

[@3DPrintscape]

Hi. Can you send a link to the exact laser you bought?

[@annahager4317]

What make is the laser you are using? Will this engrave stainless steel?

[@3DPrintscape]

Hi. Its the 5w Sovol layer. Based on the description it can engrave stainless steel but i havent tried it. "can directly engrave coated or brushed stainless steel and ceramics"

[@annahager4317]

@@3DPrintscape thank you, just what I was thinking of buying.

[@mertturk4741]

Nice video! I wonder can I use DONTZ laser 24v-1.6 w for ender 3 pro? I will follow your step can I do it or it is not possible?

[@3DPrintscape]

Hi. Based on the specs i think it will work.

[@mertturk4741]

@@3DPrintscape thank you ;)

[@3DPrintscape]

@@mertturk4741 You're welcome

[@mertturk4741]

@@3DPrintscape hi sir, I got my laser today, I assembled what you showed on the video but the laser has 3 output one pwm one vcc one gnd. so I disconnect blue and yellow wire and input the vcc and gnd but the laser does not work could you please help me?

[@3DPrintscape]

@@mertturk4741 What laser did you end up getting? It should just have the two 3 in connectors and you use the one i show in the video.

[@LegitLeeVelez]

hello I tried to register an account to be able to download the laser program but thy never send me an email for my password to login can you help me I did send them an email but I don't know how long it will take to fix this issue !

[@3DPrintscape]

Hi. Can you ping me on discord, i will see if i can upload it somewhere for you.

[@LegitLeeVelez]

@@3DPrintscape I don't have a discord but I can give you my email so you can email me the program just let me know and I will send you my email thank you for the reply

[@3DPrintscape]

@@LegitLeeVelez My email is [e-mail]

[@TOMA21207]

I have strange problem it is impossible to create account on the Creality forums so I'm unable to download this sofware, anyone encounter similar problem?

[@3DPrintscape]

Hi. I have heard that a lot recently. There is a link off Reddit to a google drive that has it available to download without an account.

[@timothytapio4252]

when I flash the firmware to support the laser and upgrade the control, when I switch back to the hot end in order to print, does the FW let me select print instead of engrave? I'm doing some mods currently, then need to set up for PETG (I've never done) and print a few things....then it will be laser time. Also, how much smoke is generated? My windows managed to self destroy their hardware for open/close (honest)

[@3DPrintscape]

Hi. You shouldnt need to change the firmware to run the laser, it just uses the fan control. There is a lot of smoke and it can smell bad lol.

[@timothytapio4252]

@@3DPrintscape Creality does list a firmware for the laser and a separate update for the control panel...I'm confused. It may end up as a try and see....

[@3DPrintscape]

@@timothytapio4252 Interesting, maybe they changed things up since I made this video.

[@smallears1234]

How deep can this cut in wood?

[@3DPrintscape]

Hi. I was able to cut through the 2mm test board, so depending on the wood density i would say i could get between 1-3mm deep.

[@jayrenner211]

No safety protection. Those glasses are probably not even rated for laser use so kiss your eyes goodbye. No safety protection for someone walking into the room. No laser abatement curtains, etc... NO SALE.

[@3DPrintscape]

Hi. I agree the glasses are not the best but im not sure how to actually see what their rated for, they just come with the kit. I dont run any real work out in the open like that, it was just for the video.