Follow these comprehensive steps to download the software, install the necessary drivers, connect your Artilume T1, and successfully complete your first engraving.
1. Software Download & Driver Installation
- Download LightBurn: LightBurn is our recommended professional engraving software, compatible with both macOS and Windows. You can download the trial version directly from their official website: https://lightburnsoftware.com/
- Install the CH340 Driver: If this is your first time connecting the engraver to your computer, you will likely need to install the CH340 driver so your system recognizes the machine. You can download the appropriate driver for your operating system from our Download Center: Download Center – ARTILUME. (Note: Once installed, please restart your computer to ensure the driver functions properly.)
2. Connecting the Artilume T1 to LightBurn
- Open LightBurn, click on Devices in the bottom right corner of the screen, and select Create Manually.
- Select GRBL from the controller list, and choose Serial/USB for your connection method.
- Name your device (e.g., "Artilume T1") and enter the workspace dimensions: X-axis 150mm and Y-axis 200mm.
- Origin Setting: Set the laser Origin to Front Left, then click Finish to complete the setup.
- Select your newly added "Artilume T1" from the device list and choose the corresponding COM port. When the console displays "Ready", your machine is successfully connected!
3. Importing & Adjusting Your Design
- In the top menu, click File -> Import to bring the image you want to engrave into your LightBurn workspace (supports JPG, PNG, DXF, SVG formats, etc.).
- Use the top toolbar to adjust the dimensions (Width / Height) of your design to fit your material.
4. Enabling the "Fire" Function (For Precise Positioning)
To safely observe exactly where the laser will hit your material, enable the low-power Fire function:
- Click on Device Settings (the small wrench icon) located in the top menu bar.
- Under Basic Settings, check the Enable Laser Fire Button box. Set the Laser On When Framing power to 1%, then click OK.
- Next, go to the top menu, click Window, and ensure the Move panel is checked and visible.
- A Fire button will now appear in your Move panel. Click it to turn on the low-power targeting laser.
5. Setting Parameters & Framing
- Parameter Settings: In the right-hand Cuts / Layers window, double-click your active layer to set the appropriate Speed and Max Power based on your specific material.
- Origin Alignment: In the Laser window (usually in the bottom right), set the "Start From" dropdown to Absolute Coordinates, and set your Job Origin to the bottom left corner.
- Homing & Framing: Click the Home button to return the laser module to its zero position. Then, click Frame. The laser will trace the outer boundary of your engraving area on the material. Use this light path to perfectly align your material before you start.
6. Preview & Engrave
- Click the Preview icon (the monitor symbol) in the top toolbar to open the Preview screen.
- Once you have verified that the engraving path and the estimated job time look correct, put on your laser safety goggles, and click the Start button to begin your first engraving!
