View source for Noua 60W MOPA Fiber Laser

= Noua 60W MOPA Fiber Laser =

'''⚠️ NEVER LEAVE THE LASER UNATTENDED WHILE RUNNING ⚠️'''

'''⚠️ LASER SAFETY GLASSES REQUIRED — OD4+ rated for 1064nm ⚠️'''

'''⚠️ USE PORTABLE FUME EXTRACTOR NEAR MACHINE AT ALL TIMES ⚠️'''

The Noua 50W MOPA Fiber Laser is GRM's metal marking and engraving machine. Unlike CO2 lasers, the fiber laser is designed specifically for metals and hard surfaces — it excels at permanent marking, color marking on stainless steel and titanium, deep engraving, and surface treatment. It does not cut.

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== Software ==

=== LightBurn Pro (Required) ===

The fiber laser uses an EZCad2-based Galvo controller — this requires '''LightBurn Pro'''. The standard LightBurn Core license will not work with this machine.

'''GRM Members: 75% off LightBurn Pro''' (~$50 instead of $199). Ask a staff member or volunteer for the discount code, or email [mailto:chris@grandrivermakerspace.org chris@grandrivermakerspace.org].

See the [[Laser_cutting_and_etching#Software_&_Design|Software & Design section]] of the main laser page for full details and tutorial videos.

=== Other Design Software ===

You can design in any of the following and import into LightBurn:

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Software !! Cost !! Export Formats !! Notes
|-
| '''Inkscape''' || Free || SVG || Native SVG works great with LightBurn
|-
| '''Affinity Designer''' || Free || SVG, PDF, EPS || Professional-grade vector tool
|-
| '''Adobe Illustrator''' || Paid || SVG, EPS, DXF, DWG, AI || Industry standard
|-
| '''Any 2D/3D CAD program''' || Varies || DXF, DWG || Export as DXF or DWG for best results
|}

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== File Formats ==

The fiber laser works with '''2D flat files only''' — no 3D formats.

=== Vector Files (preferred) ===
* SVG, DXF, DWG, EPS, AI
* Can be scaled to any size without losing quality
* Allows you to assign different laser operations to different layers

=== Raster Files (for photo engraving on metal) ===
* JPEG, PNG, and other pixel-based images
* Used with LightBurn's dithering/raster engraving mode
* Works well for high-contrast photos engraved onto metal surfaces

''To convert a raster image to vector: use the trace function in Inkscape, Adobe Illustrator, or Affinity Designer.''

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== Understanding MOPA Technology ==

This machine uses a '''MOPA (Master Oscillator Power Amplifier)''' fiber laser source — a significant step up from standard fiber lasers. The key advantage is independent control of pulse width and pulse frequency, which unlocks capabilities a standard fiber laser cannot achieve:

* '''Color marking on stainless steel''' — by varying pulse width and frequency, you can produce a range of colors (black, grey, gold, blue, green, red) without any coatings or chemicals
* '''Anodized aluminum marking''' — removes the anodize layer cleanly to reveal the bare metal beneath
* '''Brass and copper marking''' — MOPA handles these reflective metals better than standard fiber lasers
* '''Sensitive materials''' — shorter pulse widths reduce heat affected zones, protecting delicate surfaces

''Think of pulse width like shutter speed on a camera — shorter pulses deliver energy faster with less heat spread into the surrounding material.''

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== Startup Procedure ==

# Power on the machine (switch on back of machine)
# Press the '''Laser button''' on the front of the machine — it will light up when active. '''If this button is not pressed, the laser will not fire.'''
# Turn on the portable fume extractor — position it near the work area

⚠️ '''The portable fume extractor must be running before you start any job.''' A permanent exhaust system is not yet installed — the portable unit is your only fume protection on this machine.

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== Focusing the Laser ==

The fiber laser uses a galvo scanning system — the beam is steered by mirrors rather than a moving gantry. Focusing works differently than the CO2 laser:

* The work surface must be positioned at the correct focal distance from the lens
* Use the '''Z-axis adjustment''' (motorized up/down) to raise or lower the work platform to the correct height
* Each lens has a specific focal distance — confirm you are focused for the installed lens before running a job

=== Available Lenses ===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Lens !! Work Area !! Best For !! Notes
|-
| 254mm lens || 160mm x 160mm (6.3" x 6.3") || General marking and engraving; most everyday work || Default lens; installed on the machine
|-
| 420mm lens || 400mm x 400mm (15.7" x 15.7") || Large area marking; signage; batch processing of many small parts || Ask staff — not installed by default; requires refocusing
|}

⚠️ '''Each lens has a different focal distance.''' If you switch lenses, you must re-zero the Z height for the new lens before running a job or results will be out of focus.

=== Lens Size and Power Distribution ===

Switching to a larger lens doesn't just change your work area — it changes how the laser energy is delivered:

* The 420mm lens spreads the same laser power over a much larger area than the 254mm lens
* This means '''lower power density''' at the surface — the beam is less intense per square millimeter
* As a result, '''jobs that work well on the 254mm lens will likely need adjustment on the 420mm lens:'''
** Higher power settings
** Slower speeds
** More passes to achieve the same depth or darkness
** Different frequency and pulse width combinations

Think of it like a garden hose — same amount of water, but spread over a larger area means less pressure at any given point.

'''Practical guidance when switching to the 420mm lens:'''
* Do not assume your 254mm settings will transfer directly — they won't
* Always run a fresh test card after switching lenses
* Expect to increase power and/or decrease speed to compensate
* For deep engraving, additional passes are often more effective than simply cranking power

''The 420mm lens trades intensity for coverage. It's the right tool when you need a large work area, but the 254mm lens will always be more efficient and powerful for work that fits within its 6.3" x 6.3" field.''

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== LightBurn Settings for Fiber ==

=== Layer Types ===

* '''Fill''' — for engraving/marking filled areas
* '''Line''' — for outline marking or cutting thin lines
* '''Offset Fill''' — useful for deep engraving passes

=== Key Parameters — Fiber is Different from CO2 ===

The fiber laser has more parameters than the CO2 laser. The most important ones:

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Parameter !! What It Does !! Notes
|-
| '''Power (%)''' || Controls laser output power || Start conservatively — fiber is unforgiving on thin materials
|-
| '''Speed (mm/s)''' || How fast the galvo mirrors scan || Higher speed = lighter mark; lower speed = deeper/darker
|-
| '''Frequency (kHz)''' || Pulse repetition rate — 1 to 4000 kHz || Lower frequency = more peak power per pulse; higher = smoother finish
|-
| '''Pulse Width (ns)''' || Duration of each pulse — 2 to 500 ns || Shorter = less heat, better for color marking; longer = deeper engraving
|-
| '''Line Interval''' || Spacing between scan lines || 0.1mm is a good all-around starting point
|-
| '''Pass Count''' || Number of times to repeat the operation || Useful for deep engraving; run multiple passes rather than cranking power
|}

⚠️ '''Pulse width and frequency interact with each other.''' Changing one affects the other's effective output. Always run a test card when trying a new material or color result.

=== Color Marking on Stainless Steel — Starting Points ===

Color marking requires precise parameter combinations. These are starting points only — results vary by steel grade and surface finish:

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Color Target !! Speed !! Power !! Frequency !! Pulse Width
|-
| Black || 200–400 mm/s || 30–50% || 20–30 kHz || 100–200 ns
|-
| Grey/Silver || 500–800 mm/s || 20–35% || 40–60 kHz || 50–100 ns
|-
| Gold/Yellow || 600–900 mm/s || 25–40% || 60–80 kHz || 30–60 ns
|-
| Blue || 400–600 mm/s || 30–45% || 30–50 kHz || 60–100 ns
|}

''These are approximate ranges. Surface finish, steel alloy, and lens condition all affect results. Always test on scrap first.''

=== Line Interval ===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Interval !! Result !! Best For
|-
| 0.2–0.45mm || Faster, less detail || Large text, batch marking
|-
| 0.1mm || Balanced || Good all-around starting point
|-
| 0.05–0.06mm || Slower, more detail || Fine detail, photo engraving
|}

=== Min/Max Power ===

When double-clicking a layer to access advanced settings:
* '''Max power''' — your main power setting
* '''Min power''' — set 3–5% below max; helps reduce heat buildup on corners and curves

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== Coordinate Systems & Origin ==

LightBurn offers three coordinate modes — choose one before framing or running your job:

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Mode !! How It Works !! Best For
|-
| '''Absolute Coordinates''' || Uses machine home as 0,0 || Repeatability with fixed jigs
|-
| '''User Origin''' || You set origin on the controller; select matching dot in LightBurn's 3×3 grid || Aligning to a specific corner or edge
|-
| '''Current Position''' || Job starts wherever the head currently sits || Quick one-off jobs
|}

'''Centering tip:''' Find the center of your material, mark it lightly, move the head there, and select the center dot in LightBurn's 3×3 origin grid.

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== Framing & Preview — Always Do This First ==

Before running any job:

* '''Frame''' (square icon) — Traces a bounding box around your design. Confirms the job will land where you expect.
* '''Contour Frame / Rubber Band''' (circle icon) — Traces the outer edges of your actual design shape.
* '''Preview''' (monitor icon) — Shows an estimated run time and a simulation of the job.

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== Importing the GRM LightBurn Bundle ==

GRM maintains an approved LightBurn bundle for the fiber laser that includes the correct device profile and community-tested material libraries. '''Import this bundle the first time you use LightBurn with this machine''' — it ensures your device is configured correctly and gives you a starting point for common materials.

=== What's Included ===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Type !! Name !! Notes
|-
| '''Device Profile''' || JCZFiberPat (254mm) || Correct controller configuration for this machine with the 254mm lens
|-
| '''Material Library''' || 30w-fiber_LA-hobby-guy || Community-tested settings for a wide range of metals — good general starting point
|-
| '''Material Library''' || fiber200mm || Additional settings library; use as a secondary reference
|}

=== How to Import ===

# Download the bundle file: [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nn9l_AC8gWM1KPVEu-TMcYEQXOFvYBRM/view?usp=sharing 📥 50 Watt Noua Fiber Laser [MOPA] 254mm Lens — LightBurn Bundle]
# In LightBurn, go to '''File → Import LightBurn Bundle'''
# Select the downloaded file: ''50 Watt Noua Fiber Laser [MOPA] 254mm Lens - Lightburn Bundle to Import.lbzip''
# Check the items you want to import — at minimum select the '''JCZFiberPat (254mm)''' device and the '''30w-fiber_LA-hobby-guy''' material library
# Click '''Import'''
# Confirm the device appears in your Devices list and the material library appears in the Library panel

⚠️ '''The material library settings are community-sourced starting points — not guaranteed results.''' Always run a test card on scrap before committing to your final workpiece. Results vary by material grade, surface finish, and lens condition.

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== Material Test Cards ==

Always run a test card on scrap before committing to your final workpiece — especially important on the fiber laser where small parameter changes produce very different results.

In LightBurn, generate a material test grid varying power, speed, frequency, and/or pulse width. Run it on a scrap piece of the same material and grade, then identify the combination that produced your desired result.

'''For color marking:''' Use a dedicated color test grid that varies frequency and speed independently — this is the most reliable way to dial in a specific color on stainless steel.

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== Materials Reference ==

=== ✅ Approved Materials ===

''Note: The fiber laser marks and engraves — it does not cut. All operations are surface or depth marking only.''

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Material !! Mark/Engrave !! Notes
|-
| Stainless Steel || Yes || Excellent results; color marking possible with MOPA
|-
| Titanium || Yes || Vivid color marking; highly responsive to MOPA parameters
|-
| Brass || Yes || Marking and engraving; MOPA handles reflectivity well
|-
| Copper || Yes || Marking; higher power needed due to high reflectivity
|-
| Aluminum (bare) || Yes || Marking and engraving
|-
| Anodized Aluminum || Yes || Removes anodize layer cleanly to expose bare metal
|-
| Gold / Silver || Yes || Jewelry marking; test on scrap first
|-
| Ceramics || Yes || Surface marking
|-
| Stone / Slate || Yes || Surface marking
|-
| Coated / Painted Metals || Yes || Removes coating to expose metal beneath
|}

=== ❌ Do Not Use These Materials ===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! style="background:#ffe4e4;" | Material !! style="background:#ffe4e4;" | Why
|-
| '''Wood, acrylic, fabric, paper, leather''' || The fiber laser wavelength (1064nm) is not absorbed by organic materials — it will not mark them and may cause fire or damage
|-
| '''Polycarbonate / Lexan''' || Produces toxic fumes; catches fire easily
|-
| '''PVC / Vinyl''' || Releases chlorine gas — extremely dangerous
|-
| '''Any material of unknown composition''' || Always verify material before use
|}

⚠️ '''The fiber laser is for metals and hard surfaces only.''' If you want to engrave wood, acrylic, or other non-metals, use the CO2 laser instead.

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== Safety Rules ==

* '''Always wear OD4+ laser safety glasses rated for 1064nm while the machine is operating.''' Standard CO2 laser glasses do not protect against the fiber laser wavelength.
* '''Use the temporary walls/standups around your work area''' to protect other members and visitors in the space from stray beam exposure. Do not operate the fiber laser without these barriers in place.
* '''You can safely view your work through your phone camera''' — do not look directly at the work area without glasses.
* '''Always stay by the machine while it's running. Never leave a running job unattended.'''
* '''Run the portable fume extractor''' for every job — position it close to the work area.
* If you need to step away: pause the job before leaving.

See [[Laser_cutting_and_etching#Emergency_Procedures|Emergency Procedures]] on the main laser page for emergency contact and equipment locations.

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== Helpful Features ==

=== Batch Processing Tips ===

The fiber laser's galvo system is extremely fast — well suited for batch marking:
* Set up a grid of items on the work surface and use LightBurn's array/repeat tools to mark them in a single job
* Use '''Tool Layers (T1/T2)''' for alignment reference geometry — the laser won't fire on tool layers
* Work in rows so if something fails partway through, you don't lose the whole batch

=== Saving Your Settings ===

Keep a record of your successful parameter combinations — fiber laser settings are highly material-specific:
* Save your LightBurn project files with descriptive names including material and result (e.g., ''304-stainless-black-mark-2025'')
* Store files in Google Drive or on a flash drive
* Note the steel grade or material spec alongside your settings — the same settings on a different grade may produce different results

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== Rotary Engraving ==

The fiber laser supports rotary engraving for cylindrical objects (rings, tumblers, pens, etc.) using a rotary attachment. This is an advanced setup — ask a staff member or volunteer for assistance.

See [[Laser_cutting_and_etching#Accessories|Accessories]] on the main laser page for rotary attachment details.

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== Design Resources ==

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Resource !! Description !! Link
|-
| '''Cuttle''' || Parametric laser design templates; outputs SVG for direct import into LightBurn || [https://cuttle.xyz cuttle.xyz]
|-
| '''Etsy''' || Many free/paid laser-ready SVG and DXF files || [https://www.etsy.com etsy.com]
|-
| '''Maker World''' || Free laser-ready files from the maker community || [https://www.makerworld.com makerworld.com]
|-
| '''Thingiverse''' || Free community files including laser designs || [https://www.thingiverse.com thingiverse.com]
|-
| '''GRM Discord / Volunteers''' || Ask for help with settings, file prep, or troubleshooting || Ask at the space or in Discord
|}

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== Troubleshooting & Staff Notes ==

* '''LightBurn Pro required:''' This machine will not work with LightBurn Core. Members must have the Pro license or use the dedicated machine computer.
* '''Laser button:''' If the machine powers on but the laser does not fire, check that the Laser button on the front of the machine is pressed and lit up.
* '''Lens condition:''' The fiber lens and galvo mirrors need periodic cleaning. If marks are inconsistent or power seems low, the optics may need attention — flag for a knowledgeable volunteer.
* '''Color marking inconsistency:''' Results vary by steel grade, surface finish, and lens cleanliness. If colors are not reproducing as expected, clean the lens and re-run a test card before adjusting parameters.
* '''Fume extractor:''' Must be running for every job. No permanent exhaust is installed on this machine.
* '''Questions or issues:''' Leave a note on the whiteboard by the machine, or flag the on-duty volunteer.