Dimensions / Units
The Dimensions / Units tab of Device Settings contains settings related to units and measurement and is available regardless of device type.
The image below shows the Dimensions / Units tab for a DSP device. Click any option in the image below to jump directly to the relevant section for that option, or scroll down for a full list of options and descriptions.
The Dimensions / Units tab of Device Settings
Working Size¶
The maximum X (Width) and Y (Height) travel for your laser. This sets the size of the work area in LightBurn, but does not affect the laser itself.
Origin¶
The location of your laser's Origin, or home. If this is set incorrectly, the orientation of your laser's output will be mirrored or inverted.
For help with troubleshooting your laser's Origin, please see Troubleshooting: Wrong Orientation.
Laser Offset¶
If your laser has a red dot pointer for Framing and positioning, this setting allows you to compensate for misalignment between the pointer and the actual cutting location. Enable this setting to shift the laser's output relative to the red dot location.
See Laser Offset Setup for instructions on calculating the offset.
Enable U Axis¶
Enable this setting to apply per-layer U Axis offsets. This is not supported by all controllers.
Machine Units¶
This section controls the units that LightBurn will use for the size of your machine's work area and for the speed when cutting and engraving. The options are grouped based on device type they're recommended for.
If you prefer to design in inches but use metric units for speed, choose Inches / mm/sec for CO2 and Galvo lasers or Inches / mm/min for diode lasers.
Z Control¶
This section contains settings for your laser's Z Axis, which controls the distance between the laser and the workpiece. The options available will vary depending on what laser you're using.
Enable Z Axis¶
Enable this to allow LightBurn to control the Z Axis of your machine.
Warning
Enabling this setting means that LightBurn will always emit Z values for a running job. If using this setting, you must either enable Relative Z moves only or set a Material height value in the Cuts / Layers window.
If you do not take either of these steps, the default Material height of 0 may result in your laser head crashing into the workpiece.
Reverse Z Direction¶
If your machine's Z Axis moves in the opposite direction of what you expect, toggle this switch to flip the direction for Z moves.
Relative Z Moves Only¶
This setting treats the machine's height at the start of the job as 0, and uses that height as the starting point for all Z moves. Material height is ignored when Relative Z Moves are enabled.
This is the simplest way to work, as you set your focus according to the manufacturer's directions and LightBurn will treat that height as the correct height to start from.
Info
For DSP devices, LightBurn must be connected to your machine to use Relative Z moves.
Optimize Z Moves¶
By default, LightBurn always retracts the Z back to the starting height after completing a shape with a Z Offset. This is done to prevent the laser head from crashing into the workpiece.
With Optimize Z Moves enabled, LightBurn will only issue Z moves when the Z height actually changes. If you know your material is flat and that none of the Z moves will result in the laser moving low enough to run into anything on your work table, this can save a lot of time.
OMTech Polar¶
Enable this if using an OMTech Polar device.
Troubleshooting¶
- If you aren't seeing a setting you expected to see, check which tab you're in and make sure it's applicable to your laser.
Related Topics¶
For more help using LightBurn, please visit our forum to talk with LightBurn staff and users, or email support.