Connectivity of Laser Engraver
3D Printers & Laser Engravers Laser Engravers

Connectivity of Laser Engraver

In the field of modern manufacturing and creative design, laser engraving machines are becoming more and more popular due to their precision and versatility. This blog will detail the steps on how to connect a laser engraving machine to a computer, mobile phone, and operate it through an APP.

Connecting to Computer

Connecting a laser engraver to computer is a common method for complex designs and operations. Here are the steps for connection:

1. Check devices and interfaces:

Make sure the laser engraver is turned off and check if there is a USB or other type of interface, such as a serial port (RS232), on the machine.

2. Connect the data cable:

Use the appropriate data cable (USB cable or serial port cable) to connect the laser engraver to the corresponding port of the computer.

3. Install the driver:

If the computer prompts that the driver needs to be installed, install it according to the prompts. For USB connections, most modern operating systems can automatically recognize and install the driver. For serial connections, you may need to download and install specific drivers from the manufacturer’s website of the laser engraver.

4. Start the control software:

Open the control software that is compatible with the laser engraver, such as LightBurn, CorelDRAW, Adobe Illustrator, etc. These software allow you to design graphics and send instructions to the laser engraver.

5. Configure the software settings:

In the control software, set the correct port and parameters to match your laser engraver. For example, if you are using a USB connection, you need to select the correct USB port in the software.

6. Test the connection:

Perform a test in the software to ensure that the connection between the computer and the laser engraver is successful. This may include sending a test pattern to the machine, or using the software’s “Connection Test” feature.

7. Adjust engraving parameters:

Set the engraving speed, power, resolution and other parameters in the software to suit your material and design needs.

8. Start engraving:

Once everything is set up, you can start uploading the design file to the laser engraver and start the engraving process.

  • Here are some additional precautions:
    Make sure the laser engraver is powered off and avoid any possible electric shock or short circuits before connecting the data cable.
  • If your laser engraver supports wireless connection, you can also connect the machine to the computer via Wi-Fi, but this usually requires additional setup and software support.
  • Make sure your computer operating system is compatible with the laser engraver’s control software.
  • Always follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines and operating manual when connecting and operating the laser engraver.

Connect to Mobile Phone

For users who want to operate on mobile devices, many laser engravers also support connection and control through mobile phone APP:

1. Turn on the machine power

insert the TF card into the machine, and click “Tools-Wifi” on the touch screen to record the WIFI and IP name displayed on the touch screen.

2. Download APP

Search for “Phecda” in the mobile phone’s application store, download and open the software.

3. Connect to Wi-Fi:

Turn on “Wireless LAN” in the phone settings, connect to the machine’s WIFI signal, enter the default password: 12345678, and connect.

4. Connect device:

Return to the startup interface of the “Phecda” software, click the “Connect” icon in the upper right corner of the software, enter the machine’s IP address, and click Connect.

5. Operation interface:

After the connection is successful, you can select the pattern in the material library in the APP, set the parameters for engraving, or use the brush function to draw the pattern, enter the text content, and select the picture in the album for engraving.

6. Parameter settings:

Set the style of the engraving pattern in the “Mode Settings” interface, adjust the brightness and contrast, and select the engraving material or customize the power and speed in the “Parameter Settings” interface.

7. Start engraving:

Move the laser head above the engraving material, adjust the focal length, and then upload the pattern file through the APP and start engraving.

Safety matters

When using a mobile phone APP to operate a laser engraving machine, safety is a very important consideration. Here are some key safety precautions:

1. Wear laser goggles:

When the laser is working, you must wear laser goggles to protect your eyes from laser damage.

2. Keep the work area tidy:

Keep the machine’s work area flat and clean, and clean up residues regularly to prevent fires.

3. Avoid unknown materials:

Do not engrave or cut any unknown materials, as the vaporization or melting of many materials will release harmful fumes and cause personal injury.

4. Do not operate when unattended:

Do not operate the machine when unattended to prevent the machine from malfunctioning and causing a fire.

5. Good ventilation:

Make sure the space is well ventilated when operating the machine so that the machine can exhaust smoke normally.

6. High-speed moving parts:

The machine contains high-speed moving parts, be careful not to pinch your hands.

7. Children need to be supervised:

If children use the machine, please use the machine under adult supervision to avoid personal injury.

8. Emergency handling:

If you encounter an emergency, please turn off the power directly.

9. APP operation precautions:

When using APP to engrave and cut, you need to insert a TF card, otherwise you cannot upload the engraving file.

10. Equipment monitoring:

The equipment must be monitored by professionals during operation so that abnormal situations can be handled promptly and appropriately.

11. Avoid looking directly at the laser:

Avoid looking directly at the laser light with your eyes to prevent eye injuries.

12. Warning signs:

Use lasers in controllable areas and add warning signs.

13. Professional training:

Do not use without permission, and only professionally trained personnel are allowed to operate.

14. Beam path closure:

The beam path should be closed as much as possible to prevent laser light leakage.

15. Avoid entering the beam:

Avoid entering the beam and its reflection range.

16. Ventilation of processing environment:

Pay attention to the ventilation or exhaust condition of the laser processing environment.

17. Equipment grounding:

It is forbidden to start the machine without a grounded machine, and all parts of the machine must be completely reliable in the case of electrostatic damage.

18. Circulating water inspection:

After each start, the submersible pump must be checked for dehydration. If it is not out of water, it is strictly forbidden to start the machine.

19. Avoid flammable and explosive items:

It is strictly forbidden to place flammable and explosive items near the laser machine equipment. When working, the machine must cover the top cover of the machine to prevent the laser from deviating from the fire or harm.

20. The operator must not leave:

During the operation of the machine, the operator must not leave to avoid unnecessary losses.

Please always follow these safety guidelines to ensure personal safety and normal operation of the equipment when using the laser engraver.

APP Connection

Using APP to connect the laser engraving machine provides a convenient and intuitive operation method:

1. Turn on the machine power and insert the TF card:

First, turn on the power of the laser engraver and make sure that the TF card has been inserted into the machine.

2. Record Wi-Fi information:

Click “Tools-Wifi” on the touch screen of the laser engraving machine and record the Wi-Fi name and IP address displayed on the screen.

3. Download and install APP:

Search for the corresponding APP name in the mobile phone’s application store, download and install.

4. Connect to mobile phone Wi-Fi:

Open the settings of the mobile phone, enter “Wireless LAN”, connect to the Wi-Fi signal of the laser engraver, and enter the default password (usually 12345678) to connect.

5. Connect the device:

Return to the startup interface of the APP, click the “Connect” icon, enter the IP address of the machine, and click Connect. After the connection is successful, there will usually be a prompt display.

6. Operation interface:

After the connection is successful, you can operate in the APP. Select a pattern from the library, set parameters for engraving, or use the brush function to draw a pattern, enter text content, and select pictures from the album for engraving.

7. Adjust engraving parameters:

In the APP, you can adjust the graphic size, laser parameters such as brightness, contrast, etc., and select the material to be engraved. The APP will provide pre-set parameters or allow you to customize the settings.

8. Start engraving:

After confirming that all settings are correct, click the “Start” button and the machine will start engraving according to the set parameters.

9. Monitor the engraving process:

Some APPs support real-time monitoring of machine status and timely alarms to ensure that the engraving process proceeds smoothly.

What should I do if the APP cannot connect?

1. Check the connection cable and power supply:

Make sure the laser engraver is properly connected to the computer or power supply, and check whether the connection cable is loose or not plugged in properly, especially the USB or other interface cable.

2. Reinstall or update the driver:

Make sure the driver required for the laser engraver is properly installed. Sometimes, the driver may need to be updated or reinstalled to ensure compatibility with the device.

3. Check system compatibility:

Confirm that your computer operating system is compatible with the laser engraver and ensure that the software and hardware requirements of the laser engraver are met. If not, you may need to upgrade the operating system or change to a compatible computer.

4. Check software settings:

Recheck the configuration of the laser engraver software to ensure that the correct connection port and device type are selected and set.

5. Check USB settings:

If the problem is caused by the USB connection settings of the computer, it can be solved by updating the system settings. For example, select “All system control options” or “System security” in the “Control Panel” interface, select the USB settings you need in the “Hardware Management” tab, then go to “Energy Management” and make sure that “Allow the computer to turn off hardware to save energy” is not checked.

6. Check Wi-Fi connection:

If the laser engraver is connected via Wi-Fi, make sure that both the mobile phone and the laser engraver are connected to the same network and the signal strength is sufficient.

7. Check APP version:

Make sure you are using the latest version of the APP. Older versions of the APP may have compatibility issues.

8. Check device compatibility:

Verify that you have selected the correct APP version that matches your device. If it does not match, uninstall and re-download the correct version.

9. Check permission settings:

For MacOS users, sometimes the system restricts third-party software from opening. You need to adjust security settings or allow these applications to be installed. Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General and select “App Store certified developers” under “Allow applications downloaded from the following locations”.

10. Contact technical support:

If you have tried the above solutions and still cannot solve the problem, it is recommended that you contact the manufacturer of the laser engraver or the after-sales support team for further help and support.

Summary

Through the above steps, you can easily connect the laser engraving machine to a computer or mobile phone, and use the APP for efficient and flexible operation. Whether you are a professional designer or a DIY enthusiast, these connection options can meet different work needs and creative realizations.

Cecily
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