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1. Setup for First Use
Read the Quick Start Guide to see what’s in the box, machine assembly, and initial setup for first use. Video tutorials are also available on our YouTube channel.
1.1 Software Setup
Download our software Snapmaker Luban (Luban hereafter), and update it to version 3.14.0 or later. This manual uses version 3.14.0 to generate the G-code file.
1.2 Firmware Setup
Update the firmware to version 1.12.0 or later via Wi-Fi or USB flash drive.
: Download our firmware > Insert the USB flash drive into the Controller > Turn on the machine > Swipe left on the Touchscreen > Tap Files > USB > Tap the firmware file to update.
2. Workflow
3. Prepare Files
Design your model in Fusion 360, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or other software. Alternatively, you can download images from websites like pinterest.com, vectorstock.com.
Luban supports seven file formats: .svg, .stl, .png, .jpg, .jpeg, .bmp, and .dxf.
4. Generate the G-code File
4.1 Basics
The following steps instruct you to generate the G-code file via Luban V3.14.0.
① Open Luban, and select Laser G-code Generator 
.
② Click Case Library
to Load 4-axis models, or Add models from your computer.
③ In Job Type, select 4-axis canvas, and then input the length and diameter of your material.
④ In Configurations, set the position, size, rotation angle, and processing mode. Click Process .
⑤ In Configurations, set Dwell Time at 5 ms/dot and Fix Power between 28%-35% to engrave our provided laser material using the 1600mW Laser Module. Tick Auto Tool Path Preview to check the finished work before engraving.
⑥ Click Generate G-code .
4.2 Parameters
4.2.1 Processing Mode
Four processing modes are available in rotary laser engraving—B&W, GREYSCALE, VECTOR, and HALFTONE. For instructions on B&W and GREYSCALE, see Snapmaker 2.0 Laser V1.0.0 .
4.2.2 VECTOR
This effect is for engraving vector images. The engraved image will be in black and white, with no grey.
Show Original Image: Clears the selected mode to show the original image.
Invert: Inverts black and white, and vise versa.
B&W: Sets the proportion of the black pixels based on the original image. The bigger the value is, the more black pixels the image has.
Impurity Size: Determines the minimum size of impurities that allows being shown. The bigger the value is, the fewer impurities the image has, or we can say the fewer details the image has.
4.2.3 HALFTONE
This effect simulates continuous-tone imagery through the use of dots, varying in size or spacing, thus generating a gradient-like effect.
Type: Determines the cell type. Cells comprise small dots.
Line: Cells in a linear shape.
Round: Cells in a round shape.
Diamond: Cells in a diamond shape.
Size: Sets the dot size.
Angle: Sets the rotation angle of cells relative to the coordinate system.
Threshold: Color over the value will turn white.
4.2.4 Auto Tool Path Preview
When enabled, the software will automatically preview the finished work after settings are changed. You can also disable it if this function takes too much time.
5. File Transfer
You can click Load G-code to Workspace or Export G-code to File to transfer the G-code file. What media you transfer to, Touchscreen or Luban, determines how you calibrate the focal length, set the work origin, and start engraving. The Touchscreen instructs you to fix the material, calibrate the focal length, and set the work origin. So if you are a novice, we recommend you transfer the file to Touchscreen. If you are not, Luban is an alternative.
5.1 Transfer the G-code to Touchscreen
Turn on the machine. Transfer the G-code file to Touchscreen via Wi-Fi or USB flash drive.
5.1.1 Transfer via Wi-Fi
: Click Load G-code to Workspace > Wi-Fi > Refresh 
> Select your machine in the drop-down list > Click Connect > Tap Yes on the Touchscreen to grant Wi-Fi connection > Click Send to Device via Wi-Fi in Luban > Tap Got It on the Touchscreen to receive the G-code file. After the G-code file is transferred, see 6. Calibration .
Tip : Find the file later on the Touchscreen: Swipe left on the Home Screen > Files > Local .
5.1.2 Transfer v ia USB Flash Drive
: Insert the USB flash drive into the Controller > Click Export G-code to File > Save the G-code file to your USB flash drive. After the G-code file is transferred, see 6. Calibration .
Tip : Find the file later on the Touchscreen: Swipe left on the Home Screen > Files > USB .
5.2 Keep the G-code in Luban
5.2.1 Connect Luban to Machine
Should you keep the G-code file in Luban, you can set the work origin and start engraving in Luban by connecting the machine via Wi-Fi or USB cable.
: Click Load G-code to Workspace > Wi-Fi > Refresh > Select your machine in the drop-down list > Connect Luban to your machine > Tap Yes on the Touchscreen to grant Wi-Fi connection.
> Select a port in the drop-down list > Connect Luban to your machine.
5.2.2 Set the Work Origin and Start Engraving
Fix the Material , and wear the Laser Safety Goggles.
With the machine connected to Luban, set the Laser Power to a small value (e.g. 1%) to avoid laser damage. Turn on the Laser Power toggle.
Adjust the Z offset to calibrate the focal length. Carefully lower the laser spot to the material surface until the spot appears the smallest one. Next, adjust the X , Y , and B offsets to Set Work Origin , and click Run Boundary to check the work area. If the work area is inappropriate, reset the work origin.
If your material is long or heavy, see 7.3 Attach the Tailstock . Now you are all set. Click Run
in Workspace
to start engraving.
Tip : If you connect via Wi-Fi, the machine won’t stop engraving even if the Wi-Fi disconnects halfway. If via USB cable, your computer and machine must be connected throughout the engraving.
6. Calibrate the Focal Length
Calibration walks you through calibrating the focal length step by step.
6.1 Calibration Mode
Two calibration modes are available. Swipe left on the Touchscreen, and tap Settings > Rotary Module . Toggle Auto Focus to select a mode.
Both modes will guide you to engrave some lines. Under the Auto Focus mode, the machine will automatically recognize and save the optimal Z-axis height after engraving lines. Under the Manual Focus mode, you need to select the thinnest line engraved and save its corresponding Z-axis height.
Tip : If you have calibrated the focal length, see 7. Start Engraving and Cutting . The focal length set in Calibration can be reused.
6.2 Material Settings
Tap Calibration on the APP List. Input the length and diameter of your material.
6.3 Fix the Material
Loosen the 3-jaw Chuck counter-clockwise by turning two chuck wrenches. Insert one end of the material onto the three stepped jaws, and tighten the Chuck clockwise.
Caution the sharp jaws. Use two chuck wrenches to loosen or tighten the jaws. Do not tighten the Tailstock yet.
6.4 Calibrate the Focal Length
6.4.1 Auto Focus
Use the X , Y , Z , and B offsets to lower the Laser Module until its lens hood touches the highest surface of curved material. This step helps the machine know the height of the material surface, and calculate a Z-axis height range to engrave lines. Tap Next , and wear the Laser Safety Goggles.
Use the X , Y , and B offsets to Set Work Origin . Tap Run Boundary to check the work area. If the work area is inappropriate, reset the work origin. After that, tap Start to engrave lines.
If the lens hood bumps into the machine, turn off the machine immediately or press the Emergency Stop Button 
.
Tap Complete to finish the calibration.
6.4.2 Manual Focus
Use the X , Y , Z , and B offsets to lower the Laser Module until its lens hood touches the highest surface of curved material. This step helps the machine know the height of the material surface, and calculate a Z-axis height range to engrave lines. Tap Next , and wear the Laser Safety Goggles.
Put a piece of paper on the top surface of the material. Adjust the Z Offset until the laser spot appears the smallest one.
Use the X , Y , and B offsets to Set Work Origin . Tap Run Boundary to check the work area. If the work area is inappropriate, reset the work origin. After that, tap Start to engrave lines.
If the lens hood bumps into the machine, turn off the machine immediately or press the Emergency Stop Button .
Recognize the thinnest line engraved on the material, and then scroll up or down on the Touchscreen to select the corresponding line. Tap Complete to finish the calibration.
7. Start Engraving and Cutting
How It Works: Work Origin
Setting the work origin helps the machine find out how to engrave or cut the material. The work origin (X0, Y0) on the material corresponds to the coordinate origin (X0, Y0) in Luban.
How to Set the Work Origin
7.1 Preview the File
After the G-code file is transferred, tap Files and select the G-code file in USB or Local . Preview the file, and tap Ready .
7.2 Select a Mode
Select a mode to set the work origin. Under the Auto Mode , you will learn how to replace a material, and set the work origin. The Manual Mode is for those who are familiar with work origin steps, even without step-by-step instructions.
7.2.1 Auto Mode
Select the Auto Mode . Follow the on-screen instructions to Fix the Material . Make sure you have worn the Laser Safety Goggles. The focal length set in Calibration is fixed in Auto Mode , so you are unable to adjust the Z Offset in this step. Use the X , Y , and B offsets to Set Work Origin , and tap Run Boundary to check the work area. Do not tap Start yet.
7.2.2 Manual Mode
Select the Manual Mode . Fix the Material , and make sure you have worn the Laser Safety Goggles.
The focal length set in Calibration is also reused in Manual Mode , but you can still adjust the Z-axis height (the focal length) by tapping the Z Offset . Use the X , Y , Z , and B offsets to Set Work Origin , and tap Run Boundary to check the work area. Do not tap Start yet.
7.3 Attach the Tailstock (Optional)
Clamping the material with the Chuck and Tailstock improves stability and precision. If your material is long or heavy, use the Tailstock.
Select two holes on the Base to attach the Tailstock.
Use the H2.0 screw bit to loosen the set screw, and screw the Handwheel forward until the Tailstock Center presses against the central point of the bottom surface of the material. Align the groove on the Tailstock Center with the set screw, and tighten the set screw.
7.4 Check Before Engraving
Check the following steps before engraving and cutting:
If you are all set, tap Start on the Touchscreen.
8. Remove the Finished Work
Remove the finished work by turning two chuck wrenches.
Tips and Tricks
How to Use the 3-jaw Chuck
The 3-jaw Chuck consists of three reversible jaws, and each can be installed in either way. The way you install the jaws affects how the Chuck clamps materials. In this section, you will learn how to install and use the jaws, lending more fun to your making journey.
Caution the sharp jaws during installation and use.
① How to Install the Jaws
By default, the jaws are installed for inward-clamping. If you want to reinstall it into outward-clamping, disengage the three jaws first, and see b. Outward-clamping .
Inward-clamping Outward-clamping
a. Inward-clamping
- The jaws are numbered, and we install them in reverse order (3 → 2 → 1).
- Slide the Jaw 3 into the channel, and press it inward. Rotate the spiral on the scroll plate through the groove between the teeth.
- Advance the scroll plate, and repeat for Jaw 2 and Jaw 1. Slide all jaws into channels, and keep turning the chuck wrenches until all jaws close up in the center.
b. Outward-clamping
- The jaws are numbered, and we install them in positive order (1 → 2 → 3).
- Slide the Jaw 1 into the channel, and press it inward. Rotate the spiral on the scroll plate through the groove between the teeth.
- Advance the scroll plate, and repeat for Jaw 2 and Jaw 3. Slide all jaws into channels, and keep turning the chuck wrenches until all jaws close up in the center.
② How to Use the Chuck
Inward-clamping is designed primarily for clamping the external surface of workpieces, and outward-clamping basically for internal surfaces. In other words, outward-clamping can clamp both solid and hollow workpieces, but inward-clamping is solely for solid ones.
Inward-clamping with Solid CNC Material
Inward-clamping with Hollow Laser Material
Outward-clamping with Hollow Laser Material
How to Glue the Nut into the CNC Platform
If the nut is screwed out of the CNC Carving Platform, glue it back in the following steps.
Before use, wear protective gloves to prevent contact with the toxic AB glue. Wear our provided mask to avoid inhaling the pungent smell of the glue. Do not misuse the A glue lid on the B one.
① Clear the sawdust on the nut.
② Squeeze out the A glue and B glue in a 1:1 proportion.
③ Mix the A glue with the B glue using the red mixing stick, and stir them evenly.
④ Tweeze the nut out, and apply the mixed glue to the screw thread of the bottom of the nut.
⑤ Tweeze the nut back into the hole of the CNC Carving Platform, and press it for a while.
⑥ Wait at least 24 hours to ensure that the mixed glue is cured before reuse.