Dec. 30, 2024
5 Best Control Software for Laser Engravers & Cutters
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1. LightBurn
LightBurn serves as a premier choice for laser engraving and cutting software, noted for its outstanding compatibility with a broad range of laser machines and its rich feature set that appeals to seasoned professionals.
Users can effortlessly create innocent sketches or intricate vector graphics from ground zero. Furthermore, it facilitates the editing of designs, arrangement of layouts, and modification of existing graphics.
LightBurn stands out due to its advanced functionalities, setting it apart from many other software options. As an all-encompassing laser control program, it ensures optimal results, allowing complete mastery over the machine. It excels even when working with laser engravers that feature a rotary attachment, ensuring precision and accuracy.
Features
Pricing
LightBurn is a software that comes at a price, but it remains budget-friendly. A single payment ranging from $99 to $199 is required based on the selected licensing option, granting you lifetime usage of the software.
2. xTool Creative Space (XCS)
xTool Creative Space (XCS) has emerged as a popular choice among users of xTool laser machines. This versatile software is freely available across multiple operating systems, including Windows, MacOS, iPadOS, iOS, and Android. Additionally, it allows for data synchronization via a single personal account with cloud storage capability.
With XCS, users have the choice to modify existing designs or produce new ones from the ground up. It provides tools for adding shapes, styling text, and performing a variety of functions such as grouping, aligning, and reflecting designs with minimal effort. Additionally, it supports basic image editing tasks such as cropping, sharpening, and object removal.
One notable feature is AImake, an AI design generator that creates diverse images and artworks based on user-supplied prompts, enhancing creativity and innovation.
Moreover, XCS includes rigorously tested preset parameters for a wide range of materials, empowering users to achieve optimal results in cutting and engraving.
Features
Pricing
XCS is free to use indefinitely, eliminating the need for ongoing monthly or yearly fees while regularly receiving updates with new features.
XTOOL S1
Best Laser Cutter for Beginners
Safe and easy for home use, making it ideal for both DIY and business projects.
3. Imag R
Imag R functions as a web application aimed at laser engraving. It offers a free option for casual users, albeit with advertisements. For those looking for an account and enhanced features, an Imag R license is available for a monthly fee of $10.
The user interface is straightforward: simply upload your desired image to the platform, and you gain access to numerous basic editing tools—including cropping, resizing, text addition, and material application. For more intricate adjustments, advanced settings allow modifications in brightness, grayscale, contrast, and sharpness. Once editing is complete, users can effortlessly download the image for laser engraving use.
An offline version of Imag R is also on offer, featuring additional capabilities like background removal, a slicer, and a puzzle maker, though it requires a subscription fee of $11 per month.
Features
Pricing
Imag R is available for free for basic online usage, but a subscription fee applies for account creation or offline features.
4. LaserGRBL
LaserGRBL has gained recognition as a basic software option for laser engraving. Although it may not possess extensive features, it is an frequently-used tool for novice engravers and offers essential functionalities.
As open-source software, LaserGRBL is provided free of charge and maintains compatibility with a diverse array of laser machines, delivering reliable quality in engraving tasks.
Features
Pricing
LaserGRBL is completely free for download from its official website.
5. LaserWeb
LaserWeb is versatile and user-friendly software designed for laser cutting. It can operate on various systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and Raspberry Pi, though online connectivity is a requirement.
Among its notable features is the ability to integrate multiple file types into one project seamlessly. Users can work with images or drawings from formats such as JPG, SVG, PNG, and DXF, converting them into G-code suitable for laser cutting operations. Additionally, it shares compatibility with machines that are equipped with preview cameras.
Another impressive aspect is the included job cost estimator, which aids users in monitoring their production budget and expenses for projects.
Features
Pricing
For utilization on Windows or Mac systems, a one-time payment of $69.99 is required, while use on iPads incurs a fee of $18.49.
The laser engraver market is saturated with options—some of remarkable quality and others that don't quite cut it. Here are key parameters to consider for selecting your first laser engraver.
Machine quality: assess the materials used in the frame and overall sturdiness.
Laser quality: evaluate the availability of various laser options and the potential for upgrades to more powerful models.
Support: consider the availability of resources (guides, videos) and support channels (website, social media) as well as spare parts.
Below is a compilation of trusted brands, all personally tested and recommended. Each brand comes with a review outlining my insights regarding their product offerings.
BrandMachineLaserSupportScoreOpinionReviewOrtur4.9best for innovationreviewAtomstack5.0best power/techreviewAlgoLaser5.0best quality/techreviewIkier5.0best power/pricereviewAufero4.5best motor speedreviewSculpfun4.7best for air assistreviewNEJE4.9best product rangereviewComgrow4.5best quality/pricereviewFoxAlien4.3best robustnessreviewLonger4.2best for pricereviewTwoTrees4.5best price/optionsreviewYoraHome4.7american qualityreviewxTool*4.7infrared laser opt.reviewTyvok4.3best work sizereviewACMER4.5full enclosed framereview* xTool does not use LaserGRBL but proprietary software
ezcad products are globally distributed across various industries, emphasizing quality. Our goal is to offer customers superior, high-value products, fostering a better future together.
It's advisable to focus your search on reputable brands, as lesser-known options may not offer reliable products or after-sale support, leaving you stranded when issues arise.
Currently, it's relatively easy to locate laser modules with powers ranging from 1.5W to 70W.
Please take note! I am referencing optical power: this is the most significant parameter.
Be cautious; often the indicated power is electrical, which can be roughly four times the optical power—meaning a 5W laser might misleadingly be termed as 20W.
Additionally, some sellers utilize convoluted power equivalences, leading to advertisements portraying powers as high as 150W.
Smart buyers should always prioritize optical power specifications!
These are primarily found in lower-priced models, suitable for engraving wood and leather, cutting paper, and handling thin materials like plywood and balsa.
The reduced power affords a smaller focus point, allowing for high-detail engraving. Machines equipped with these lasers are typically more affordable, retailing around $200-250.
This represents the standard laser diode in mid-range machinery. Be mindful regarding lens types; it’s crucial they utilize a FAClens (fast axis collimation).
Lasers above 5W equipped with a FAC lens can engrave varied materials such as stone, wood, acrylic, and perform surface marking on steel. They can also cut through acrylic up to 3mm and plywood up to 5mm (with the possibility of more when employing an air assist system) through multiple passes.
Reserved for top-tier models introduced recently, these lasers are created by coupling multiple diodes, enhancing both power and performance.
Though more costly—from $500 for a 10W, peaking at $900 for a 20W—they rival CO2 lasers in performance while remaining compact and user-friendly.
Machines with a 10W optical power can readily cut through 10mm thickness in a single pass, with air assist enabling cuts of up to 20mm in thickness.
Among available models, the Comgo Z1, priced at approximately $350, stands out as one of the best engravers on the market for its optimal price-to-quality ratio.
Indeed, such powerful machines exist! In February, iKier and Atomstack rolled out their first 70W optical power laser modules and equipped machines, presenting an incredible comparison to CO2 laser engravers but at a lower cost with added robustness.
The air assist system integrates a high-pressure pump with a fine nozzle that directs airflow precisely at the laser ablation point.
Benefits of an air assist system comprise increased cutting depth, heightened speed, and cleaner edges. Additionally, they safeguard the laser lens by blowing away soot and residue generated during the engraving process.
Typically, only high-end machines come with built-in air assist systems, exemplified by the notable Sculpfun S10.
Constructed using two aluminum rails, T-shaped machines work efficiently on areas around 20cm x 20cm. Suitable for small projects like pens, wallets, or photo frames, they serve as the most affordable options, rarely featuring air assist or powerful lasers due to space constraints.
Examples include devices like Aufero Laser 1 and Atomstack P7 or Neje Master 2s.
Featuring a square aluminum profile frame, this design is the most widely adopted among reputable brands. While many brands produce at least one model in this category, variances exist—some prioritize plastic parts while others boast full-metal constructs. Notable features include cable guides (drag chain) that prevent wiring damage and limit/homing switches for enhanced safety and functionality.
Models in this category encompass the Sculpfun S9, Atomstack A5, and Aufero Laser 2.
Higher-end models may utilize heavier metal rails, like the FoxAlien Reizer, allowing for compatibility with larger laser heads.
This option is rather rare, with the NEJE brand offering a model capable of working on 81cm x 46cm surfaces. This is the Neje 3 MAX featuring a 10W laser at a competitive price point (considering it includes a drag chain).
Others brands may provide expansion kits that allow for enlarging the working surface for a minimal additional cost.
For continuous use, it's best to avoid laser modules provided with your engraver, particularly those from budget sources like eBay or Amazon. Most of these are designed for occasional use and tend to wear out quickly under high-powered operation.
Opt Lasers is an excellent supplier, known for producing high-quality modules, each hand-assembled to rigorous standards, and offering tailored consulting for diverse needs.
For those seeking exceptional performance, Opt Lasers represents the “Ferrari” of lasers, combining superior craftsmanship with varied options suitable for serious professionals.
Laser modules presenting optical power from 2W to 15W (equivalent to about 60W of electrical power) utilize durable aluminum blocks, manufactured with precision CNC machining. Universal mounts facilitate easy connection to existing machine setups.
Check out Opt Lasers for high-end equipment.
For many applications involving small workloads, a laser diode engraver suffices. However, for faster engraving or cutting thick materials, a 40W or higher CO2 laser is necessary.
These devices usually come at a higher price point, larger size, and increased complexity, typically using proprietary control software.
Prices generally range from $400 and rise based on laser power and work surface dimensions.
For the best outcomes, select products suited for your needs, considering shipping expenses and reviews before making a decision.
While laser diodes can accomplish slight marking on metals, true metal engraving effectively requires a fiber laser. These systems usually start around 50W, enabling them to engrave or carve on most common metals, delivering impressive detail.
Interested in gaining further insights into laser controller software? Contact us today to schedule an expert consultation!
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