Add laser functionality to your CNC
Create projects using hybrid laser and CNC machining all within one software package.
Create projects using hybrid laser and CNC machining all within one package.
The laser module can only be purchased as an add on to any of our Cut2D, VCarve or Aspire version 11+ products.
This hybrid solution allows you to take advantage of the same drawing, machining and layout tools you are already used to. Simply create your project, choose which parts you want to cut on your CNC and which parts you want to laser and view all elements of the finished hybrid project all in your simulation.
The laser module can be purchased directly from within your V&Co account.
Will the Laser Module support my Laser?
Unleash your creativity with the Laser module
Hybrid Machining
Hybrid Machining
Familiar interface and tools
Familiar interface and tools
Laser Toolpath Simulation
Laser Toolpath Simulation
Check out our hybrid CNC and Laser projects available for free
Laser hardware compatibility
Initially we aim to support the following machine tools (and controllers) using the most common commercially available solid-state laser diode modification kits.
- X-Carve (GRBL)
- Shapeoko (GRBL)
- Ooznest (Duet2)
- OpenBuilds (GRBL)
- Digital Wood Carver (PlanetCNC controller)
- Avid CNC (Ex Controller System / Centroid)
- Onefinity (Buildbotics)
Laser Cut and Fill Toolpath
Laser Cut and Fill Toolpath
Laser Cut and Fill Toolpath
Laser Cut and Fill Toolpath
The laser cut and fill toolpath generates toolpaths which either cut out or mark material. You can adjust the speed and power of the laser to allow you control the degree of etching as well as the number of passes the laser makes. The tool automatically takes into account the kerf of the laser to ensure that the cut out parts will be the size you would expect. The hatch fill strategy is used for marking and shading different regions of your part. This can be used to engrave text, curves and shapes onto parts.
Laser Picture Toolpath
Laser Picture Toolpath
Laser Picture Toolpath
Laser Picture Toolpath
The laser picture toolpath is a simple tool that allows you to take an image and produce an engraving. You can adjust the power and speed to control the degree of etching as well as the line spacing to fine tune the balance between fast and low detail and slower but with high detail. You can set the angle or even choose your own curves for the laser engraving. This makes it possible to make a wide variety of different laser engravings from a single image. You can combine this tool with 3D toolpaths allowing you to laser engrave accurately onto shapes that you have machined using the conventional CNC toolpaths.
Laser Toolpath Direct Output
Laser Toolpath Direct Output
Laser Toolpath Direct Output
Laser Toolpath Direct Output
Both the laser cut and fill and the laser picture toolpaths have the ability to output your toolpaths directly to the machine. Using VTransfer (included) you can control GRBL-controlled machines from within the software, this shortens the feedback loop between designing and making, allowing you to iterate quickly on your designs. (VTransfer is not in the demo version of the software).
Simulation & Visualization
Simulation & Visualization
Simulation & Visualization
Simulation & Visualization
The laser toolpaths can be simulated like conventional toolpaths. When simulating a laser toolpath the material will “char” like conventional wood might. You can see the results of changing power and speed in the software and the simulation of the burning effect can be calibrated to match your machine.
Laser Tool Database
Laser Tool Database
Laser Tool Database
Laser Tool Database
The conventional tool database can be used to manage your laser tools. This allows you to store commonly used settings for the materials you use most often.
Laser Sketch Engraving
Laser Sketch Engraving
Laser Sketch Engraving
Laser Sketch Engraving
Laser Sketch Engraving converts high-quality images into precise laser toolpaths. The resulting toolpaths highlight the essential details of your picture or model, enabling you to create visually striking results without needing to laser an entire image. This technique produces impressive stylistic results with minimal design input. In Aspire and VCarve, this toolpath can also accept 3D models as input, allowing you to incorporate them seamlessly into your laser designs.
Laser Module free trial
Follow the simple steps below to try our laser module for free.
Install a free trial version of one of our core products
Download and install a free trial version of Cut2D, VCarve or Aspire.
Select the trial laser module
Install your selected trial software, open, and select "Help > Trial – Laser Module" from the top menu. Then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the install of the module.
Get started with our video tutorials
Learn all you need to know with our easy to follow laser module tutorials which include sample files to get you started!
Online Training Videos
Our online training video's guide you through the process of getting started with our software.
Learn how to use Vectric software in your own time from the comfort of your own home. All of the tutorial videos have been created to enable you to follow along and learn at your own pace.
