# 3D Laser etching?
**URL:** https://forum.sienci.com/t/3d-laser-etching/5503
**Category:** š„ Laser
**Created:** [March 31, 2022, 4:24pm UTC](https://forum.sienci.com/t/3d-laser-etching/5503 "2022-03-31T16:24:41Z")
**Posts on this page:** 16
**Page:** 3
### Author:  [@gwilki](https://forum.sienci.com/u/gwilki)
#### Post date: [April 6, 2022, 6:31pm UTC](https://forum.sienci.com/t/3d-laser-etching/5503/41 "2022-04-06T18:31:40Z")
@Lutraphobia Just to be clear, Iām not telling you that you must use the profile operation. I am saying it is one option for what you want to do. Another option is a v carve operation.
The Long Mill does use grbl 1.1h
I have no idea why Jtech has a newer version for no Z. If itās important to you, I would imagine you could ask them
I have never edited a post processor, so I have no advice to offer. One of the reasons that I have not done it is that there are a lot of things that can go wrong and Iāve never needed a custom post processor.
With respect, since you donāt need to edit one to do what you want to do, I would strongly advise that you not do it. Itās your call, though.
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### Author:  [@Lutraphobia](https://forum.sienci.com/u/Lutraphobia)
#### Post date: [April 6, 2022, 10:03pm UTC](https://forum.sienci.com/t/3d-laser-etching/5503/42 "2022-04-06T22:03:41Z")
Great advice - Iāll ask Jtech if they can make a 1.1h compatible PP with a Z. š
Understood that using pocketing tool is just one option. š Iāll just get v-carve pro and the laser add on at some point. Making it simple and consolidating my tool paths and workflows may be worth the money.
I wonder if they have veteransā discounts or sales at certain times of the year?
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### Author:  [@gwilki](https://forum.sienci.com/u/gwilki)
#### Post date: [April 7, 2022, 10:38pm UTC](https://forum.sienci.com/t/3d-laser-etching/5503/43 "2022-04-07T22:38:04Z")
Well, here is my test piece. Itās small - only 4 x 6. Itās cut in 1.25" MDF.
I took the stl of mount rainer that @Lutraphobia posted on this thread and cropped and resized it. Then I took the contour graphic and played a bit with it. It likely is not spot on, but as this is a throw-away piece, I wasnāt concerned.
I created 3 tool paths in VCarvePro. A roughing pass and a finishing pass for the topo map and a profile pass for the contour lines.
I chose a 1/4" ball nose for the roughing pass, a 1/8" ball nose for the finishing pass and a .005 diameter end mill for the contours. .005 is the diameter of my laser spot. I set the spindle speed to 500, which is 50% laser power. I set the feed rate to 3500 mm/min.
The roughing and finishing passes were done using the named bits. The contours were done using the laser.
I set Z0 on the surface of the material for the roughing and finishing passes, using grbl inch as the post processor.
Before setting up the laser pass, I set $30=1000 and $32=1. Then, for the laser pass, I tried something different. I set its focus on the surface of the material and also used grbl inch as the post processor. That way, the Z axis moved up and down as if I was using an end mill (which, to VCP, I was). Using the feature in Vectric to āproject tool path onto 3D modelā meant that the laser followed the contour of the topo carved by the router.
The pic is not very good, but the lines are a consistent width and level of darkness from the highest point in the model to the lowest. The max height of the model is just under 1.25"; the lowest is just under .25". I am using a G8 lens and the focal length is less than the 1" difference between the highest and lowest point in the model. So, I believe that if the Z axis was not following the contour of the model, the results would not be as precise as they are.
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### Author:  [@Lutraphobia](https://forum.sienci.com/u/Lutraphobia)
#### Post date: [April 8, 2022, 12:41am UTC](https://forum.sienci.com/t/3d-laser-etching/5503/44 "2022-04-08T00:41:31Z")
I. FREAKING. LOVE. THIS.
Awesome test, details on how you accomplished it, and outcome.
Thank you very much @gwilki for helping here. Canāt wait to get my laser from Sienci to get started on this. I think you just made it super simple with the details described below.
> [@gwilki](#):
>
> Then, for the laser pass, I tried something different. I set its focus on the surface of the material and also used grbl inch as the post processor. That way, the Z axis moved up and down as if I was using an end mill (which, to VCP, I was). Using the feature in Vectric to āproject tool path onto 3D modelā meant that the laser followed the contour of the topo carved by the router.
Many thanks!
-Lutra
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### Author:  [@Lutraphobia](https://forum.sienci.com/u/Lutraphobia)
#### Post date: [June 21, 2022, 8:42pm UTC](https://forum.sienci.com/t/3d-laser-etching/5503/45 "2022-06-21T20:42:47Z")
Finally, I received my laser a few days ago! So happy!
I installed it yesterday and burned this logo as a test:
Looks like I need to back off on the power a bit and increase the travel speed I am thinking. The lines are a bit bolder than what I intended it to look like.
Anyway, QQ to @gwilki or anyone else. When I screwed in the laser lens, it was quite a loose fit.
Yes, I put the correct spring in (7mm for G2 if I recall correctly). With the laser on and trying to focus it turning the ring I find that itās super touchy. I thought it would be more of a perfect fit. When you touch the focus dial the beam bounces around a lot.
Anyone else have this issue?
Thanks!
-L
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### Author:  [@Brummett](https://forum.sienci.com/u/Brummett)
#### Post date: [October 29, 2024, 5:20pm UTC](https://forum.sienci.com/t/3d-laser-etching/5503/46 "2024-10-29T17:20:07Z")
@gwilki - are you using the grbl inch post processor then from J Tech? ([Vectric Laser Post Processor | J Tech Photonics, Inc.](https://jtechphotonics.com/?p=3851))
I wanted to do this for Sunshine Canyon in Colorado and show the various routes to Gold Hill for Xmas presents for family. However, I just installed the SLB which using grblHal and not grbl. Will this be an issue?? Iāve not used a post processor before so that part is a bit muddy still until I try.
Great thread!
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### Author:  [@gwilki](https://forum.sienci.com/u/gwilki)
#### Post date: [October 29, 2024, 6:39pm UTC](https://forum.sienci.com/t/3d-laser-etching/5503/47 "2024-10-29T18:39:08Z")
@Brummett Iām using the grbl mm, but the grbl inch will work just as well. Like you, I have the SLB, running grblHal. No worries.
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### Author:  [@Spamming\_Eddie](https://forum.sienci.com/u/Spamming_Eddie)
#### Post date: [October 30, 2024, 8:11am UTC](https://forum.sienci.com/t/3d-laser-etching/5503/48 "2024-10-30T08:11:55Z")
hey Lutraphobia,
A bit late but what the heck. I have the same issue with the laser-lenses. Itās why I cannot work with a standard macro offset to the mill and have to dial in the laser using a dimpel set with a v-bit. I canāt use the focussing tools either and have to eyeball that aswell.
I like to think itās more accurate, but wonky them lenses are and itās a miracle they dont shift during jobs (yet)
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### Author:  [@\_Michael](https://forum.sienci.com/u/_Michael)
#### Post date: [November 10, 2024, 7:32pm UTC](https://forum.sienci.com/t/3d-laser-etching/5503/49 "2024-11-10T19:32:45Z")
Iām a bit late on this but I know that with Vectric and the laser module you can use the āProject onto 3D Modelā so that the laser stays in focus.
Iām not sure about the J Tech post processor though, maybe @gwilki knows. Iām not sure if all of their PPās remove the Z moves. This maybe mute if your laser has a focus range. Mine needs to be a constant distance to not get fuzzy lines.
I havenāt done a relief map yet but itās on my bucket list. My laser rides 20mm above the surface and isnāt too wide so I think I could use Project onto 3D model as long as the mountains werenāt too high and steep.
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### Author:  [@Spamming\_Eddie](https://forum.sienci.com/u/Spamming_Eddie)
#### Post date: [November 11, 2024, 3:52am UTC](https://forum.sienci.com/t/3d-laser-etching/5503/50 "2024-11-11T03:52:27Z")
Daaaim, need to look into that function.
I do project onto 3d pieces cause the sienci module has a few lenses that have a rather large focal range but it is still limited. Project onto a model with z movement would make things so much easier.
Thanks for the headsup, this would revolutionize the way to do projections! Wait, this means Iām going to have to betrail lightburn, isnt itā¦ Ohno tears!
So psyched to try this out! Ill report back on it, if I remember where this post is.
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### Author:  [@gwilki](https://forum.sienci.com/u/gwilki)
#### Post date: [November 11, 2024, 1:32pm UTC](https://forum.sienci.com/t/3d-laser-etching/5503/51 "2024-11-11T13:32:27Z")
@_Michael Sorry for the late reply, Michael. I missed your referral somehow. As far as I know, the Jtech post for laser stops Z movement. In fact, a quick comparison between it and the standard grbl mm seems to show that is the only difference.
I have run my laser in VCarve using the grbl mm post and setting āproject on 3D modelā in a profile toolpath. I fake the tool. I have two fakes in my tool database. One is an endmill with a .005 diameter, which is the diameter of the laser spot. The other is a fake vbit.
I caution anyone trying this to do test pieces and to have your hand on the panic button the first time. Iāve had no issues, but my process comes with no guarantees. š
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### Author:  [@\_Michael](https://forum.sienci.com/u/_Michael)
#### Post date: [November 11, 2024, 2:15pm UTC](https://forum.sienci.com/t/3d-laser-etching/5503/52 "2024-11-11T14:15:48Z")
> [@Spamming\_Eddie](#):
>
> Wait, this means Iām going to have to betrail lightburn, isnt itā¦ Ohno tears!
I think that LB is worth having just for photos if nothing else. It is vastly superior to the Vectric Laser Module when it comes to images, both in image manipulation and the actual burning.
> [@Spamming\_Eddie](#):
>
> if I remember where this post is.
FYI if your not aware you can bookmark a post, the option is under the three dots menu. Then you can view your bookmarks in the drop down when clicking your avatar in the top right. I have found it useful.
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### Author:  [@Spamming\_Eddie](https://forum.sienci.com/u/Spamming_Eddie)
#### Post date: [November 11, 2024, 2:26pm UTC](https://forum.sienci.com/t/3d-laser-etching/5503/53 "2024-11-11T14:26:34Z")
Yeah, I looked at a vectric tutorial using a model and an etch. It didnāt show any results, but I saw I didnāt get to use this for free. I am prohibited from investing anymore untill I can generate a somewhat steady cashflow so my enthausiasm ended right there.
It went into a mind-drawer, to be openend at a later time. Untill then I have to mud wrestle my carve-laser combos old school.
Iāll manage.
Bookmarks I make, but have never looked back. I suck at online things.
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### Author:  [@\_Michael](https://forum.sienci.com/u/_Michael)
#### Post date: [November 11, 2024, 3:22pm UTC](https://forum.sienci.com/t/3d-laser-etching/5503/54 "2024-11-11T15:22:35Z")
> [@Spamming\_Eddie](#):
>
> I am prohibited from investing anymore
Is it Vectric that you donāt have? Iām only asking because I donāt think the Laser Module is worth the money considering you can just set up a fake tool like Grant said.
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### Author:  [@Spamming\_Eddie](https://forum.sienci.com/u/Spamming_Eddie)
#### Post date: [November 11, 2024, 3:29pm UTC](https://forum.sienci.com/t/3d-laser-etching/5503/55 "2024-11-11T15:29:16Z")
I have a v12 vectric pro version but not the laser module.
I may ask Grant to maybe elaborate on the fake tool thing. Can it turn on off laser, toggle power etc? I Couldnāt comprehend itās workings so I set it aside to look into when I have a long job running and time to be bored.
I miss being boredā¦
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### Author:  [@\_Michael](https://forum.sienci.com/u/_Michael)
#### Post date: [November 11, 2024, 3:32pm UTC](https://forum.sienci.com/t/3d-laser-etching/5503/56 "2024-11-11T15:32:03Z")
> [@Hybrid laser/router projects](https://forum.sienci.com/t/hybrid-laser-router-projects/12274/8):
>
> @Phildo Here are two screenshots of my āfakeā tools - one end mill and one vbit. Re: the end mill. The diameter of .005 is the spot size of my laser using the 3 element lens. I suspect that yours will be similar, but Sienci will have those specs. Speed = power. I donāt the use the $30=255 setting recommended by Ikenna. I use 1000 recommended by Lightburn. That way, setting to fractions of full power is very simple. In the laser\_end mill attachment, the speed is shown as 500. That is 50% powerā¦
This may be what you need!
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