New! Simple Kit To Turn ANY 3D Printer Into A Powerful Laser Engraver

[@rebeccanielsen4935]

Got one of these laser engraver and stopped working after watching your video I was able to get it back up. I’m working thank you so much for taking the time to go step-by-step

[@johnmaseda716]

This is a great review. Your other content is supreme among 3d printing tutorials. Your presentation is clean, to the point, and thorough. Thank you. I appreciate the focus on the setup and use case of this module. Thanks for the links.

[@stevemarks6913]

Managed to get my 10watt laser. Nice and easy to connect. Need to do a lot more reading on the best software. Fantastic to see at work, though I'll have to remember the safety goggles. Cheers Rick.

[@johnwalkerlee]

Great video. The bracket really confused me at first but this video cleared it up! I was actually shocked at how fast the 10W cuts, was expecting it much much slower.

[@nickysantoro9194]

Your a legend. The go to guy for 100% of 3d issues.

[@jtjames79]

Do not look into laser with remaining eye.

[@mrcoolgs100]

Wow! I didn't know this was possible! Please, yes make an Artillery Sidewinder X2 bracket!!

[@williammocek8878]

Since I got my Ender 3 V3 KE, my original Ender 3 with a faulty Micro Swiss NG hot end/extruder has been sitting, unloved. I had the idea to convert it to a laser machine as the extruder does not need to be part of the equation. I saw Ricky Impey had a relevant video and my mind was made up after watching. Creality has you to thank for another $200 ish USD in their pocket. I feel that even with my limited skillset as I am new to the hobby, I am confident I can make this work for me. Keep up the good work, Ricky. You inspire the meek makers to be strong.

[@bryanwi09]

Same here! lol

[@joshuahedges4882]

how is it now

[@Hephaistos-q3b]

After seeing your previous reviews on laser engravers, I wanted to ask you if you would consider reviewing this kit. But before I came around to asking, you already did. Thank you!

[@RickyImpey]

Great timing then!

[@michellerose3796]

LOL @ 'turn on your death machine.' Thanks for that little gem in the middle of this very informative and accessible video. Great content, thanks!

[@RickyImpey]

🙂

[@nicolespencer3363]

I considered buying the ender 3 just for this laser option. But I'm leaning more towards the elegoo neptune 4 pro. It would be great if this laser could fit that also.

[@ericchaperon7088]

did you try it?

[@HelmyBedair]

Any updates?

[@rc3831]

Please make a video on use of LightBurn. Thanks in advance.

[@TechieSewing]

Not that I needed one but that's genius, even the original head stays in place! Thank you, I never knew these existed.

[@RickyImpey]

It's new but there's not been much exposure yet. I think it's really clever.

[@kenkiesal1917]

Ricky great video. Will this work with an Ender 5 S1?

[@nv7287]

I think this idea is awesome. I would love to be able to do this with my bamboo lab. I'm not too sure how it would go though that seems to be different fitting somehow - Also, I wondered about safety considerations and fumes and. I wanted to be able to cut paper. as well as engraving. So what would be the best kind of laser for that

[@marktentler4394]

Great review! Thank you very much for all links.

[@jamessung06]

Great video! I was wondering if you ever designed a bracket mount for the Sidewinder x1. It would be greatly appreciated!

[@vanhelzer22]

Great video. Thanks for the effort! Looking forward to giving the laser attachment a go👍🏼

[@mathiaskneile7754]

Is it possible to mount it on an other printer? I need to change steps/mm for the acis.. is this possible?

[@albertosanchez7374]

would love to have a bracket for sidewinder X2, which is the same as X1 in a lot of ways, so if you create one will definitely use it!

[@frankmorin2687]

Is there a way to add the creality rotary tool so one could engrave glassware / travel mugs, etc?

[@idsdad]

The nifty little gage is great for basswood, but what about acrylic 6mm?

[@BradRochford]

Interested in a bracket for the Sidewinder X2 and a review if you get it working! Thanks

[@HerraHazar]

How do you set where on the material you make the cut?

[@julesmarcu5635]

Great job explaining the installation process. I wonder if Creality will have an infrared module available soon since they seem to be the hottest thing right now. I can’t find any KZbin videos where someone has substituted an Atomstack, or a Sculpfun ir module with this kit. Have you heard of anyone doing that?

[@noahcolangelo2718]

Awesome video I want one now! Also please do the video of going throw the engraving software (potentially both you mentioned if youre up to it) as it would be extremely helpful!

[@noahcolangelo2718]

Would the promo code work for Canada? or is it already past its use time?

[@RickyImpey]

Hi, I have a feeling the US one only works in the USA unfortunately. I was only able to get codes for US and Europe on this one.

[@moonshynesflorida3239]

Thank you for the video. WIll it work on tumblers??

[@DustyNiles-rv5hx]

Would be interested in a original Microswiss attachment bracket! I had to make mine, but it is a full time unit and I have two printers with microSwiss that could benefit from this

[@wilsonferreirajr8092]

Excellent video! I own an Ender 3 V2 printer and I have the following question regarding the Laser Kit: The original working area of the printer is 220cm x 220cm. With the installation of the Kit, does the working area remain the same? Thank you.

[@webslinger2011]

Hi! Any bracket for the cr10s pro v2 as mentioned? Thanks!

[@Neil-mt1fb]

This is a great video and I have purchased one for my son however he has the Ender 3 V3 SE and isn’t on the comparability list. We’ve found a print to support the bracket installation but Y axis connection is under the machine and I can only see a motor cable and not a limiter cable. Any advice on this installation or videos would be amazing if you could support? Thanks Neil

[@norbertessel8169]

Very professional and informative review. Could someone kindly confirm it can be used with the CR 10 Smart Pro?

[@andersroe]

Ditto! I have the smart pro and want to add engraving

[@littlestar0072]

Did you guys figure out if it is compatible?

[@andersroe]

@@littlestar0072 Their website chat makes it seem like there’s not an option to add it on the smart pro

[@jesseluer3618]

Great content! New thing I didn’t know I needed lol

[@patrickdelvisohopkins]

Great content, Ricky! I'm really tempted to go for it even though I have no experience with CNC machines

[@RickyImpey]

It is a great kit.

[@patrickdelvisohopkins]

@@RickyImpey, it happened. I am now waiting for its delivery lol

[@RickyImpey]

@@patrickdelvisohopkins ha ha, awesome. Be safe but have fun👍

[@paolo69]

​@@patrickdelvisohopkinshow Is It going?

[@NEXUS-kjv]

Can I use my Lazer to make rubber stamps, and how many times do I need the Lazer to go over the Cut? I have a #6W lazer so want to get Good Detail, and need to know which #Software is best for me I'm using and #Ender 3 #Creality Machine

[@gmpinto2]

With some minor modifications, I was able to fit the bracket that came with the kit on my Anycubic Kobra Max (400 x 400). I had to clip a couple of unnecessary plastic clips protruding toward the back, replaced the screws with flat heads and bought shorter M3 screws (5mm) for the ribbon cable retainer. I also had to reposition one pin from each X/Y axis endstop because crealities config is different than Anycubic. Creality and most other printer mfg. are NC (Normally Closed) - Anycubic in their infinite wisdom made it NO (Normally open) which is not really safe. After succeeding with that, I installed LightBurn installed the module per crealities instructions and I get a error "GPIO isr service is not installed" and homing failed (with momentary grinding noise from Y-axis stepper). I can't manually home it just grinds in place... Initially I thought it was the endstop causing problems but regardless of what state the enstops are in (OPEN/ CLOSED) I still get that error message. I contacted Creality tech support but they are slow to respond. Any ideas?

[@gmpinto2]

turns-out it wasn't just the endstop switches that were cock-eyed, it was also the stepper motor pinout. I had to swap the two center wires and the steppers are now working correctly. It turns-out, that gpio error message is "normal" from creality. If you watch the setup video, you'll notice that they also have that error on lightburn!! To get this kit to work with Anycubic printers, you need to jumper the NC throw of the switch to VCC pin OR buy a switch that already has that configuration (basically any non-Anycubic endstop). then you need a 3 wire cable (JST XH-2.54mm) NOT 2-wire because when switching back, the Anycubic board will use the other wire. You also need to swap the two center wires on one end of the 4 stepper wires. This way the steppers are getting the full duty cycle, not half which is what was causing the grinding! You also need to purchase or make longer XH-2,54mm cables for the endstops and laser module as well as JST PH cables to extend the stepper motors since at least one set will have to be modified as an adaptor. You could also just swap the pins on the creality Falcon control board itself! Either way, you need extra cables! Now if I could just figure-out how to get non greyscale modes to work without crashing the creality laser control module!

[@pisolo86]

Great video! I am planning to buy this with an enclosure my main issue is that I will operate to cut plywood for my rockets in my flat. Do you have any advice? Thanks!

[@GuillaumeAudette]

Have you tried using the sonic pad with the laser? I have an ender3 s1 pro with a Sonic Pad and a laser and it seems to be possible to do it but I can't find how to connect it to the Sonic Pad.

[@josephlucey2743]

Does not work with Elegoo Neptune 2 and I have tried all the gcode parameters! Bloody annoying because you are not the only person who suggested it was compatible with different brands. Is it possible to make it work? Or do I have to buy a second hand Ender?

[@Joeswizdor]

The adapter bracket on thingiverse for neptune 2 also works on neptune 3. I am having issues right now with Lightburn and the motors. When I tell it to ‘Home’ the motors shake and then when it stops the motors are still getting a slight oscillation signal. I am gonna be pretty bummed out if it is completely incompatible

[@josephlucey2743]

I gave up trying to get it to work with my Elegoo neptune 2 and purchased a 2nd hand Creality neo. Works well. I think it is an issue with motor compatibility.

[@ShaharBarsheshet]

Great review! Thank you!

[@hunkylee]

Great video, I have also watched your sonic pad videos and found them very useful, I believe that the sonic pad can be used with the laser directly, any chance you will be doing a video on this in the future?

[@chrissolano4161]

Does this module work on curved/cylindrical surfaces?

[@LIMoto-oh5tx]

did you ever make a bracket for the s1 pro i have the laser on order and wondering what you did for your s1 pro

[@DevonsWorkshop]

Very tempting to get the death machi… laser engraver.

[@bryanwi09]

Great video! I am thinking about buying one myself. I am waiting on a new Ender V3 Plus to arrive any day and would like to get a laser module for it. I don't believe it is officially supported when I checked their website. Do you or anyone else have the STL file for the printer I am getting? The only laser module in stock is the 1.6W version for the printers. I wanted to get the 5W as I am just starting out. There is the 5W CR-Laser Falcon engraver on sale for $139 for Black Friday (usually $299) and the module to convert the printer for 5W is on sale for $103 (usually $129). Due to the stock issue, seems logical to spend the extra $20 and get the whole set up offered. Anyone have any input on this? The sales are still going on until the end of the year.

[@ryanedwards976]

I have an Elegoo Neptune 2S and wanted to know if the bracket would fit that printer. I've had experience in CNC machining and have been wanting something like this. Great review!

[@RickyImpey]

Hi, I don't have access to an Elegoo Neptune 2S but it looks from pictures that the rollers are further apart so I would say that the stock bracket probably won't fit straight on. However, it might not be that difficult to make up a bracket. It only needs to hold the laser module in the right position and prevent wobble in the x direction.

[@Kerazzy.]

I don't have a solid enclosure for my Ender 3 S1 pro but I have the Creality print tent. Do you know if this would be safe to use? I am worried as it has a metalic looking liner, so I'm concerned about reflections. Any advice would be most appreciated. Thank you for another great video ❤

[@RickyImpey]

You certainly shouldn't use one in the Creality tent without safety glasses. You are correct that any reflected light can still cause harm. You could use the Creality tent to contain the smoke though. Personally I would use some sort of extraction too if you can.

[@Kerazzy.]

​@RickyImpey thank you

[@linkdelight8493]

Nice review！

[@Cooley95]

Hi, Great video, any chance you still have the original files that came on the sd card? Thanks!

[@RickyImpey]

Hi, it's very likely that I do. Drop me an email to the address in the 'about' section 👍

[@Cooley95]

Perfect thank you!@@RickyImpey

[@waynemenzi4288]

Does this work with a sonic pad? Or do you not even need any creality software for this to work?

[@ryanlee3853]

Great video! Have the software tutorial yet?

[@kentdavison2576]

Do you know which laser would be best? 5w or 10w. I would be looking at only engraving in wood and maybe tile/metal. Cutting would not be done.

[@RickyImpey]

You would be mich happier with a 10w laser over a 5w in my opinion. The more powerful the laser, the more materials you can engrave and the faster you can go.

[@pmattarazzo]

Nice job on review as usual. Quick question. I have E3V2 with upgraded DD extruder. Will bracket work with that?

[@RickyImpey]

It hooks onto the sleeves that space the X axis carriage from the rollers and clamps onto the X axis bracket back plate. As long as those parts are still there then it should work. Worst case you make need to make a mod to the bracket.

[@dankilmer9070]

Very good , thanks man 🙂👍

[@SK-me9by]

Could use a Bracket if needed for Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro, thank you

[@pacomb]

Nice video. I have a prusa i3 steel printer with updated 200x300mm bed that I am not using, and would love to convert it to láser, but I see this module very specific for ender users, that want to use their machine as 3d printer or laser. But for someone that wants a total conversion lo laser, I am not sure

[@jacobweiss8131]

Yeah, it was definitely a great idea to get one. As soon as mine arrived, I had to cut 50 christmas ornaments for my mother 😩😂.

[@joshuahedges4882]

how is it now?

[@jacobweiss8131]

It's good, originally I wanted to use it for engraving but after I realized that I didn't have that many use cases for it I now mainly use it for cutting paper for birthday/Christmas cards or ornaments as Mentioned. Merry Christmas from Germany

[@joshuahedges4882]

@jacobweiss8131 thanks!! merry christmas!

[@peterwestmore4043]

Hi Did you get around to making any brackets just looking to use this laser on my cr10max as we have a old CR10 max and I was thinking of stripping the printer parts off and just leave it as a laser printer

[@maikelnaranjo109]

Can I change the laser type later? for example for a 20W laser

[@chadstoks9680]

Hey Ricky! Love the channel! In this video you asked if we'd be interested in a video on using Lightburn. My wife got me this exact add-on kit for my Ender 3 V2 for Christmas and I'd love to learn more about using the software. Have you done a video and I've missed it? If not, would you consider doing one for someone new to the laser engraving side of things? Thanks!

[@joshuahedges4882]

How’s it now?

[@3D_Zaga]

This is great to recicle your ender 3, I move to bambu Labs and I love my first ender 3 printer so don't want to sell it, I will convert it on a permanent laser engraver

[@Silligremlin]

Hi Ricky what’s the discount Code? For some Reason i can’t get into the Description?

[@RickyImpey]

amzn.to/44onK6f Discount code: 10QCBQO7

[@paullammermeier]

Another great video. You have been so helpful getting me started with 3D. Will the laser work for engraving clear acrylic? Can I use the sonic pad too? I use a Cricut machine to engrave clear acrylic and it takes forever. Wondering about the detail you can get with the laser?

[@RickyImpey]

Clear materials don't engrave with a laser without something applied to stop the light and create heat. With glass I use black spray paint but removing this from acrylic would be a lot more difficult. This kit bypasses the printer's control board so you wouldn't use the Sonic Pad for any control.

[@chandiatgmxde]

Hey Ricky, great content, thank you. I have an issue though: i used the falcon 10w with an elegoo neptune 4 and just hoped, rhat the stepper motors would be the same as the enders. My results are messed up. I cant seem to get x and y both to work. I basically get a line in y wirh some x sqiggles. Do you recon ive got a faulty control unit, or is it the stepper motors ? Cheers for your answer

[@811970samson]

If i understand correctly, this kit runs completely independent of the printer's hot end? I have an old ender 3 with a dead hotend, but the gantry and limit switches work fine. I was going to replace that hotend at some point but now im thinking i could remove the print head and make it a dedicated laser engraver...

[@RickyImpey]

That's correct, sounds like a great use for an old printer👍

[@nickpepper4592]

Hey do you happen to have an stl for a cr 10 smart pro bracket?

[@ianmallett78UK]

Thanks for this video, was looking to buy the laser Falcon2 but this look's as if it a better way to go. Wanted it for cutting former's in 3mm ply and Balsa for model aircraft and Hovercraft'. Would this be any good for balsa or do you think the wood is to soft? Have looked at the enclosure and with a bit of mod could fit a small fan to get rid of the fumes'. May be you could look at making one for a future video, anyway thank's for what you have shown so far, is the discount code for Amazon UK or the US only?

[@RickyImpey]

I haven't tested balsa wood but I would be very surprised if it doesn't cut it. It cuts 3mm plywood easily. The Amazon discount should work in the UK, I have a feeling it ends very soon, the extended it for us but it's due to run out.

[@joshuahedges4882]

did you get it

[@MajorStudioArt]

I’ve been trying to find out, but could I use an Ender 5 pro? I have an old one collecting dust because getting good prints on it is horrible, and so I’m trying to get a Bambu. But would like to have a laser without buying a new machine.

[@tbip2001]

Would this work on much larger stepper motors ?

[@NicholasOstrander-m3q]

Can you engrave tumblers?

[@nickpepper4592]

Are you sure this works on any creality? It says ender variety on the website. I have a cr10 smart pro to convert fir full time use since it's no longer my 3d printer of choice

[@Cowmilk222]

Would love to leaen how to make / import images!

[@HaydenFinney-c3c]

Can u make a bracket for the original elegoo neptune 2

[@matcorreo]

Do You know if the láser works with Ender 3 v3 SE ? Because I do not find the límit switches

[@eaglesonguk]

Hi Ricky. I have a CR-10-V3 and Creality say there module wont work on that printer, but wont actually say why? Any chance you can tell me If It will? Kev

[@IantheCripple]

did you do a bracket for the cr10 pro v2 at all?

[@ttthomthom]

I purchased one and are quite happy with it on my Ender 3v2. Only worry is the z-axis that keeps winding down in the middle of the engraving. I clamped it fast - but do you have a less clampy solution for my problem? Great and bullshit-free video, btw.

[@RickyImpey]

Hmmm, the first two methods that come to mind are a physical restriction to the X axis dropping like a block under it or clamping the X axis lead screw like you are doing. I can't think of any more elegant solutions at the moment 🤔

[@joshuahedges4882]

how is it now?

[@Jjrdn10]

Where can I get the bracket to fit an artillary sw x1 3d printer. I have an Ender 3. will soon be picking up a used Ender 3 pro. But actually wanted to put the laser on my artillary sw x1

[@JosephStormJr]

What do you recommend to prevent z axis from being pulled down with the added weight of the laser module?

[@Fogazi]

tighten the rollers on the z axis.

[@krekel326]

Thanks for this great video! You mentioned that this 10w laser can cut acrylic. What would a safe thickness be to be able to cut with this module?

[@RickyImpey]

I believe a 10w laser can cut up to 8mm acrylic but it's not something i've tested.

[@krekel326]

After watching a lot of videos on the subject, it looks like it mainly depends on the colour of the acrylic. White or partly transparent acrylic seems to be next to impossible with a diode based laser unfortunately. A pity because this laser is very friendly priced…

[@Michael-o2u5d]

Hi! Is the laser module compatible with the Ender-5? With K1C? with other models with a stable frame?

[@user-sk4nt5bm5r]

I have an older Ender 5 Pro. A bracket for that one would be great to turn it into a dedicated laser engraver.

[@roxannemartinez8854]

where did you find the box for the smoke?

[@54easye]

Are the homecomb dimensions fit the s1 pro? It seems to big?

[@ziomkris1]

Hi man! I'm not sure if you will even notice this comment, but since I'm not sure my 2nd unboxed Ender 3 Pro will be bought (it's kinda old machine anyway) I'm thinking of turning it into laser engraver. And I must say I love your racing tracks folder! :D

[@toddy9141]

Hey Ricky How’s tricks. Sooooo creality are sending me out a laser to review, so first port of call was to see if you had experience in this. 👍🏻 So I have one question, you say at the beginning of your review, that the separate control module does all the work, as my e3v2 has klipper (sonic pad) installed, does that mean I don’t have to re flash back to marlin? Cheers mate, and great vid yet again.

[@RickyImpey]

Hi, all good thanks. Nope you just unplug the stepper motors and plug in the wiring from the new control unit, bypassing the printer's board and power supply completely. No firmware changes, no bed tramming, just plug and go really.

[@toddy9141]

@@RickyImpey nice one mate. It’s turning up today, I’m quite excited to see what it’s all about, and do my first review 🥴👍🏻

[@RickyImpey]

@@toddy9141 send me a link when you're done 👍

[@toddy9141]

@@RickyImpey will do mate, don’t think I’ll be upto your caliber 👍🏻

[@jordandeneus8570]

What is the biggest difference if I decide to get the 5 watt laser engraver instead?

[@RickyImpey]

Engraving will take longer and you won't be able to cut through some materials.

[@stevenweber5849]

I have a any cube neo printer. Do you have any plans to convert it to laser engraver.

[@SachinFern]

Thanks for the video Ricky. I'm curious how safe these lasers are to run at home. I've heard of laser radiation and fire hazards around these engravers. Is it safe to run them without housing and fire protection?

[@RickyImpey]

'Safe' is a matter of opinion. There are dangers and you need to be aware of all of the hazards which it seems you are. You should never look at the laser light without protective eyewear and yes, there is a fire risk. You should always be present when laser engraving and have a fire extinguisher nearby. That being said, I have never had a fire and any flame has gone out on it's own after seconds.

[@emaayan]

7:52 I've considered getting one for pcb, but i was really suitably terrified that I'd forget putting my glasses from all the quick tests I'll probably do, not to mention that I've heard that any engraver needs to be enclosed with air ventilation I wish someone would make a kit with a cam that looks at you and automatically detect eyes and immediately stop itself as precaution

[@RickyImpey]

To be fair, there is also a protective guard around the laser that 'helps' with filtering the harmful light. It can't stop reflected beams that will inevitably bounce off of any reflective material though.

[@domiepotato]

It comes with a very protective plastic layer and a pair of glasses that completely block the light. I actually bought the 5W to cut acrylic with. It wasn’t the best because it was only 5 watts, but it definitely wasn’t an issue with getting light in my eye. DEFINITELY get ventilation though. My workroom smelt like a nail salon for 4 hours lol

[@joshuahedges4882]

@@domiepotato how is it now

[@stevensteele-sq4ik]

Can you attach this to a noncreality brand printer?

[@h131_1]

Great info! Succinct, to the point. I'm looking to get into Printing so this is very helpful. Subscribed for future videos. :)

[@RickyImpey]

Glad you liked the video, welcome to the channel👍

[@TheVirsago2032]

What are some of the softwares available to use for laser engraving ?

[@seiwat8564]

can i use lightburn without the control box kit?

[@maa3563]

What is the problem with the smoke?

[@DjRobEntertainment]

Think I'm going to buy this for my anycubic i3 mega, it's redundant at the minute

[@awijntje14]

Very "suitably terrifying" video!? So good to see you also tried it on other printers and mentioning the bracket issue, do you know if there are updated brackets available (I'm still considering getting a sidewinder or one of the elegoo printers). Also would love a video on preparing images for printing and maybe a bit more information on printing on different materials (like leather as my wife is into sewing and might find this interesting).

[@RickyImpey]

Ok thanks. As far as I know there aren't any other brackets available yet but it wouldn't take much to 3d print one. If there is enough interest then I could model some.

[@SK-me9by]

@@RickyImpey Could use a Bracket if needed for Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro, thank you

[@varunravi5443]

​@@RickyImpeyI have Elegoo neptune 4 max, if you can please recommend or design a suitable bracket, that will be an immense help. Truly grateful for giving me a hope of not having to another printer or a sole engraving device.

[@matcorreo]

I do not find the Conectors off the límit switches

[@krekel326]

Hi Ricky, thanks again for this video, after watching it I have decided to buy it using the link you provided. It is working great, the only downside is that I am afraid of plugin and unplug the cables many times, the chance of damaging the plugs/cables is something to keep in mind. I have a question. Nowadays you can buy a cheap 3018 CNC machine that also is something I would like to have. You can pick them up for as low as EUR 170 these days. Would this Creality laser unit also work on a standard 3018 cnc machine? The stepper motors are the same and the X axes are a lot more steady than the one on the Ender 3v2. Would this work?

[@joshuahedges4882]

how is it now

[@dylanaleba800]

when i start running the laser the Z axis drops down, how can i get this to stay in a fixed position during laser operations?