How to Focus a Galvo Laser

Focusing your Galvo laser is required for crisp and precise engravings. This is done through an initial test engrave etch using visual and audible cues. In this video we will go through the process of finding the focus distance for your lens. We have also included a few extra recommendations to help with this process along the way.
LightBurn Documentation On Lens Focusing:
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Check out our Playlist of Galvo-related how-to’s here:
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Join the discussion in our forum at:
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[@umargul5644]

Great ❤

[@alattecharm]

I followed the instructions to find focus length as well as the calibration steps for a new lens. Is there away to adjust the focus beams? When I had my 290 lens, all the beams met in the middle when focused. Now with the new lens all the beams are spread apart. Is this able to be adjusted or will I need to manually find focus with a ruler each time? Thanks!

[@RicardoCostaBebedouroemFoco]

Please clear my doubt! Can I make 3D relief woodwork in Lightburn? Like following the contours, making the lines more realistic, I don't know if I was clear! Hug!

[@eugeneallen4373]

yes. You need to learn grayscale

[@aleksandr_kapa]

how make draw on lenses????

[@michaelv.8753]

👍

[@limitkazuyaofficial]

Hallo haii,why my software lihtburn go problem?got any solution. When i use word it not in straight line ,it make zigzag on word,cause my machine shakking and the word tha i cut not accurate,can u solve it for me,any setting for it make nice line?

[@lightburnsoftware7189]

If your lines have zigzags it could be a few things. It could be that you have the speeds set to high for your machine or that physically you need to adjust something on your laser. If you have pictures and some additional information send us an email [e-mail]

[@lazerpug]

How does this process work for a CO2 galvo? is it still based on sound?

[@lightburnsoftware7189]

For CO2 it would not be based on sound. It would be visual inspection and you can run a ramp test to help with finding the correct distance for your lens.

[@LockLT]

I find ramp test easiest way for CO2

[@authentic4225]

Can this program be used in place of Ezcad2?

[@lightburnsoftware7189]

Yes, it is an alternative design and control software.

[@authentic4225]

@@lightburnsoftware7189 When using lightburn there is no color markings although using a mop laser?

[@northamericancannonllc]

yes, lightburn uses the ezcad driver hardware. lightburn is a more intuitive software- easier to use than ezcad2. my new cloudray fiber laser came with both programs. i preferred lightburn.

[@758Redwhulf]

Why don't you guys just create a comment? Section on each profile and light burn so that people can put the notes on there about the focal height and stuff. Like that. Maybe even make it where it can show at the top of the screen at all times

[@758Redwhulf]

Sorry about all the random punctuations...i was talking to my phone and it acts crazy

[@lightburnsoftware7189]

There is an option to add project notes to any project and also a checklist when you start a job. Since each lens is its own laser profile in LightBurn your best bet would be to use the Job checklist for the focal distance. We just released a video on this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYOkXqeAnKaBg8U

[@758Redwhulf]

Or maybe even engrave on the frame of the lens with the laser lol

[@lightburnsoftware7189]

I like to use sticker labels. It is definitely a safer option.

[@758Redwhulf]

@@lightburnsoftware7189 lol. I agree.

[@richardknezevic7371]

You can just use the red dots on the laser keep it simple

[@lightburnsoftware7189]

Many Galvos do not have the red dots for focusing. (The galvo in the video is one that does not)

[@richardknezevic7371]

@@lightburnsoftware7189 thank you for that information, then I am lucky as my unit has two red dots on my unit. cheers for the reply

[@JustinAlexanderBell]

​@@lightburnsoftware7189 What are the two brass thingamabobs?

[@corey.morreale]

those are definitely red dots but once a lens has been changed those need to be adjusted as well and this method (creating a jig) will be much faster

[@eugeneallen4373]

Mine doesn't work in Lightburn yet. Hopefully LP will fix that.