View source for Mini XY Laser Engraver

== What is this? ==
We have a Makeblock Mini X/Y Laser Engraver which anyone may use. It is very lightweight and portable so it is easy to borrow or set on larger objects for engraving jobs. It doesn't cut anything besides paper, but is fine for engraving things. 
* [https://openlab.makeblock.com/topic/57a95d6ec3e2e36a27ec98d7 https://openlab.makeblock.com/topic/57a95d6ec3e2e36a27ec98d7]

==== Safety ====
A pair of laser safety goggles came with this laser. At present time it does not have a laser safe enclosure so much care should be taken to ensure the beam does not strike anyone in the face.

==Where did this come from?==
During the summer of 2016 Instructables had a Makerspace challenge in which we competed. We had over 10 Featured Instructables which was good enough to win a $200 gift certificate to Make Block. Steve, Heath, and Nathan each kicked in some extra funds which allowed us to purchase this device. We also received a $50 3D Hubs Gift Code and 5 Instructables prize packs in this same contest.


==How do I use it?==
If you are familiar with our other [[Laser]], then you have an idea of how it works. This unit requires different software to drive however. Here are two different packages which are supposed to be able to drive this device:
* [https://github.com/xeecos/LaserXYPlotter/releases https://github.com/xeecos/LaserXYPlotter/releases] - OSX and Windows
* [https://github.com/Makeblock-official/MLaser https://github.com/Makeblock-official/MLaser] - OSX and Windows

Other software: BenBox for Windows should also be compatible with this laser:
* [https://forum.makeblock.com/t/trouble-using-xy-plotter-laser-engraver-with-benbox-software/6838 https://forum.makeblock.com/t/trouble-using-xy-plotter-laser-engraver-with-benbox-software/6838]
* [http://learn.makeblock.cc/laserxy2/ http://learn.makeblock.cc/laserxy2/]
* [http://download.makeblock.com/XY%20Plotter%20V2.0%20User%20Guide%20DownLoad%20Pack（English）.zip http://download.makeblock.com/XY%20Plotter%20V2.0%20User%20Guide%20DownLoad%20Pack（English）.zip]

These should take a vector (.svg) file as input and convert to Gcode needed to control the machine. However they can be finicky. It's been reported that sometimes hidden elements in .svg files created in Inkscape can induce undesired lines being engraved in a job. More testing and notes should follow.


[[Category:Laser]] [[Category:Tools]]