CNC Laser Engraver
๐ฏ Complete builds organized by budget โ from entry-level to professional
โ ๏ธ ARDUINO VOLTAGE WARNING โ READ THIS: Arduino Uno accepts 7-12V on DC jack or 5V via USB.
DO NOT power Arduino through the CNC Shield's 12-36V input โ it will bypass the regulator and DESTROY your board!
โ SOLUTION: Use a dedicated 5V PSU OR add a buck converter to step down 12V/24V to 5V.
DO NOT power Arduino through the CNC Shield's 12-36V input โ it will bypass the regulator and DESTROY your board!
โ SOLUTION: Use a dedicated 5V PSU OR add a buck converter to step down 12V/24V to 5V.
โญ OUR CURRENT BUILD CLE PROJECT
The exact components used in our CNC Laser Engraver graduation project
โญ OUR BUILD: CLE GRADUATION PROJECT 12V SYSTEM CLE PROJECT
Al-Mansour UniversityCLE Laser Engraver โ Our Build
| Type | Component | Price | Description | Image |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ๐๏ธ Controller | MKS DLC32 V2 + TS35-R LCD Touch Screen | $62.19 | โ DEDICATED LASER CONTROLLER! 32-bit ESP32, WiFi, GRBL firmware, offline TFT touchscreen interface. |  |
| โ๏ธ Drivers | A4988 (ร3) with Heatsinks โ OUR CHOICE | $11.99 | Basic but reliable stepper drivers integrated with the MKS DLC32 board to control the NEMA 17 motors. |  |
| ๐ Motors | Usongshine NEMA 17 โ 17HS4401S (ร3) โ OUR CHOICE | $35.99 | 1.5A rated current, 1.8ยฐ step angle. Precise X and Y axis movement for the engraver gantry. |  |
| ๐ Power | 12V 20A Switching PSU โ OUR CHOICE | $18.99 | High-amperage 12V supply. Stable power distribution to MKS DLC32, all three motors, and laser module simultaneously. |  |
| ๐ซ Laser | Laser Tree 5W (5000mW true optical) โ OUR CHOICE | $39.99 | Diode laser with metal air assist kit. Engraves wood and cardboard at feed rates up to 3500 mm/min. PWM controlled via MKS. |  |
| ๐ค๏ธ Frame | 2040 T-Slot Aluminum Extrusion โ 1800mm + GT2 Belts + 16T Pulleys + Hardware Kit โ OUR CHOICE | $65.00 | 20ร40mm profile selected for superior rigidity and vibration resistance over standard 2020 profiles. Supports the 1800mm extended axis. |  |
| ๐ Limit Switches | Mechanical End Stop Switch (ร4) โ OUR CHOICE | $8.99 | Installed at max/min travel limits of X and Y axes. Enable precise homing ("Machine Zero") and act as hardware fail-safe to stop motors instantly. |  |
๐ก WHAT MAKES OUR BUILD UNIQUE: Unlike other builds that rely on an external PC connected via USB, our CLE system embeds a BMAX Mini PC (8GB RAM / 128GB) directly into the machine, paired with a 7-inch capacitive touch screen. This makes the engraver fully standalone โ no external computer needed during operation. Control is handled entirely through our custom CLE Laser Control software.
โญ AL-MANSOUR UNIVERSITY COLLEGE โ Computer Engineering Dept. | CNC Laser Engraver (CLE) Graduation Project 2026
BUDGET BUILDS $100-200
Perfect for beginners, hobbyists, and learning the basics
๐ฐ BUILD 1: BUDGET STARTER KIT 12V SYSTEM BUDGET
~$120-135Budget Starter Kit
| Type | Component | Price | Description | Image |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ๐๏ธ Controller | Arduino Uno R3 + CNC Shield | $31.02 | Standard controller setup |   |
| โ๏ธ Drivers | A4988 (ร3) with Heatsinks | $11.99 | Basic but reliable | |
| ๐ Motors | NEMA 17 Economy (ร3) | $29.99 | 1.2A, basic model | |
| ๐ Power | 12V 5A PSU + Buck Converter | $12.99 | Smaller but sufficient for basic engraving | |
| ๐ซ Laser | 2.5W Blue Laser | $25.99 | Basic engraving on wood and acrylic |  |
| ๐ค๏ธ Frame + Hardware | 2020 Aluminum Frame Kit + GT2 Belts + 16T Pulleys + Hardware Kit | $35.00 | Basic frame with all hardware included |  |
| ๐ Limit Switches | Mechanical End Stop Switch (ร3) | $8.99 | Installed at travel limits of X and Y axes. Enables precise homing and acts as hardware fail-safe to stop motors instantly. | |
โ ๏ธ NOTE: Budget build uses smaller power supply (5A vs 10A). Good for learning, but upgrade PSU if doing longer engravings.
โ
BEST FOR: Absolute beginners, learning the basics, testing if laser engraving is for you
๐ฅ๏ธ BUILD 2: DIY DESKTOP LASER ENGRAVER 12V SYSTEM BUDGET
~$175-190DIY Desktop Laser Engraver
| Type | Component | Price | Description | Image |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ๐๏ธ Controller | Arduino Uno R3 + CNC Shield V3 | $31.02 | Industry standard. CNC Shield accepts 12-36V for motors. | |
| โ๏ธ Drivers | A4988 (ร3) | $11.99 | Plug directly into CNC Shield. 12V compatible. | |
| ๐ Motors | NEMA 17 (ร3) | $35.99 | 1.5A, 42mm body โ standard for laser engravers. | |
| ๐ Motor Power | 12V 10A PSU | $15.99 | Powers CNC Shield + motors + laser. | |
| โก Arduino Power | Buck Converter (12V โ 5V) | $9.99 | โ ๏ธ REQUIRED! Steps down 12V to 5V for Arduino. |  |
| ๐ซ Laser | 5.5W Blue Laser | $39.99 | Cuts 3mm wood, engraves acrylic/leather. 12V input. | |
| ๐ค๏ธ Frame + Hardware | 2020 Aluminum Extrusion Kit + GT2 Belts + Screw Kit | $45.98 | Complete frame kit with belts and hardware | |
| ๐ Limit Switches | Mechanical End Stop Switch (ร3) | $8.99 | Installed at travel limits of X and Y axes. Enables precise homing and acts as hardware fail-safe to stop motors instantly. | |
โ ๏ธ CRITICAL: This combo uses ONE 12V PSU. You MUST use the buck converter to power Arduino (5V).
โ
BEST FOR: Hobbyists who want a single power supply with better cutting power
MID-RANGE BUILDS $200-400
Better components, more features, higher quality results
๐ BUILD 3: DUAL PSU SAFE SETUP 5V + 12V MID-RANGE
~$195-210Dual PSU Safe Setup
| Type | Component | Price | Description | Image |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ๐๏ธ Controller | Arduino Uno R3 + CNC Shield V3 | $31.02 | Arduino powered separately by 5V PSU. | |
| โ๏ธ Drivers | A4988 (ร3) | $11.99 | On CNC shield, powered by 12V PSU. | |
| ๐ Motors | NEMA 17 (ร3) | $35.99 | Powered by 12V PSU via drivers. | |
| ๐ Motor Power | 12V 10A PSU | $15.99 | For CNC Shield, motors, and laser. | |
| โก Arduino Power | 5V 5A PSU (Mean Well) | $19.99 | โ SAFEST OPTION! Dedicated 5V supply for Arduino. |  |
| ๐ซ Laser | 5.5W Blue Laser | $39.99 | Powered by 12V PSU. | |
| ๐ค๏ธ Frame + Hardware | 2020 Aluminum Extrusion Kit + GT2 Belts + Screw Kit | $45.98 | Complete frame kit with belts and hardware | |
| ๐ Limit Switches | Mechanical End Stop Switch (ร3) | $8.99 | Installed at travel limits of X and Y axes. Enables precise homing and acts as hardware fail-safe to stop motors instantly. | |
๐ก TIP: This is the SAFEST setup. Two separate PSUs: 5V for Arduino, 12V for motors/laser. Connect the grounds together.
โ
BEST FOR: Beginners who want zero risk of frying their Arduino, and longer engraving sessions
๐ฆ BUILD 4: COMPACT DESKTOP ENGRAVER 12V SYSTEM MID-RANGE
~$220-240Compact Desktop Engraver
| Type | Component | Price | Description | Image |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ๐๏ธ Controller | Arduino Uno R3 + CNC Shield V3 | $31.02 | Standard controller setup | |
| โ๏ธ Drivers | TMC2209 Silent Drivers (ร3) | $15.99 | Silent operation, better cooling |  |
| ๐ Motors | NEMA 17 High Torque (ร3) | $42.99 | Higher torque for better precision | |
| ๐ Power | 12V 15A PSU + Buck Converter | $25.99 | More headroom for motors | |
| ๐ซ Laser | 7W Blue Laser with Air Assist | $65.99 | Better cut quality, includes air assist nozzle |  |
| ๐ค๏ธ Frame + Hardware | 2020 Aluminum Kit + Linear Rods + Hardware Kit | $55.00 | Frame with linear rods for smoother motion |  |
| ๐ Endstops | Optical Endstops (ร3) | $11.45 | Precise homing for consistent results | |
โ
BEST FOR: Users wanting quieter operation, smoother motion, and better cut quality with air assist
โก BUILD 5: HIGH SPEED BELT DRIVEN LASER 24V SYSTEM MID-RANGE
~$320-350High Speed Belt Driven Laser
| Type | Component | Price | Description | Image |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ๐๏ธ Controller | Arduino Uno R3 + CNC Shield V3 | $31.02 | Standard controller setup | |
| โ๏ธ Drivers | DRV8825 (ร3) | $11.99 | Higher voltage drivers for faster speeds |  |
| ๐ Motors | NEMA 17 High Speed (ร3) | $42.99 | Low inductance motors for faster acceleration | |
| ๐ Power | 24V 15A PSU + Buck Converter | $33.98 | 24V for speed, buck converter for Arduino |  |
| ๐ซ Laser | 7W Blue Laser with Air Assist | $65.99 | Fast engraving with good power and air assist | |
| ๐ค๏ธ Frame + Motion | 2020 Aluminum Frame + GT2 Belts + 16T Pulleys | $65.00 | Lightweight CoreXY configuration for high speed | |
| ๐งต Cable Mgmt | Cable Drag Chain | $15.27 | Protects wires during high speed movement |  |
| ๐ Limit Switches | Mechanical End Stop Switch (ร3) | $8.99 | Installed at travel limits of X and Y axes. Enables precise homing and acts as hardware fail-safe to stop motors instantly. | |
โก HIGH SPEED SETUP: CoreXY belt configuration allows faster acceleration than leadscrew systems. 24V gives better torque at high speeds.
โ
BEST FOR: Users who want faster engraving speeds and are building a lightweight gantry system
HIGH-END BUILDS $500+
Professional grade components, larger format, maximum power
๐ฑ BUILD 6: WIFI LASER ENGRAVER 24V SYSTEM HIGH-END
~$500-530Professional WiFi Laser Engraver
| Type | Component | Price | Description | Image |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ๐๏ธ Controller | Makerbase MKS DLC32 V2.1 + LCD | $62.19 | โ DEDICATED LASER CONTROLLER! 32-bit ESP32, WiFi, GRBL, TFT touchscreen. | |
| โ๏ธ Drivers | DRV8825 (ร3) | $11.99 | 24V recommended. Works perfectly with DLC32. | |
| ๐ Motors | NEMA 23 (ร3) | $79.99 | High torque for heavy gantries or large format lasers. |  |
| ๐ Power | 24V 15A PSU | $23.99 | DLC32 accepts 24V directly. Built-in 5V/3.3V regulation. | |
| ๐ซ Laser | 10W Optical Laser | $280.00 | Cuts 5mm wood, metal marking. 24V PWM control. PROFESSIONAL GRADE. |  |
| ๐ค๏ธ Frame + Hardware | 2040 Aluminum Extrusion Kit + Lead Screws + GT2 Belts + 16T Pulleys + Hardware Kit | $65.00 | Heavy duty frame with lead screws for Z-axis | |
| ๐ Limit Switches | Mechanical End Stop Switch (ร3) | $8.99 | Installed at travel limits of X and Y axes. Enables precise homing and acts as hardware fail-safe to stop motors instantly. | |
๐ฑ WIFI + TOUCHSCREEN: Control your laser from phone or computer. No PC needed!
โ
BEST FOR: Professionals, makers who want wireless control and dedicated laser firmware.
๐ BUILD 7: LARGE FORMAT LASER 24V SYSTEM HIGH-END
~$650-700Large Format Laser System
| Type | Component | Price | Description | Image |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ๐๏ธ Controller | MKS DLC32 V2.1 + 7" TFT | $72.19 | Large screen, WiFi enabled | |
| โ๏ธ Drivers | DM542T Digital Drivers (ร3) | $45.99 | Professional digital drivers with higher current capacity |  |
| ๐ Motors | NEMA 23 High Torque (ร3) | $79.99 | 3A, 3Nm torque for large gantry | |
| ๐ Power | 24V 20A Industrial PSU | $39.99 | Heavy duty power supply for large motors | |
| ๐ซ Laser | 20W Professional Laser | $350.00 | Cuts 8mm wood, engraves metal, professional grade |  |
| ๐ค๏ธ Frame + Hardware | 2040 Heavy Duty Extrusion + Linear Rails + Hardware Kit | $95.00 | Professional linear rail system for large format | |
| โ๏ธ Cooling | Dual 80mm Fans + Heatsinks | $24.99 | Active cooling for drivers and laser |  |
| ๐ Limit Switches | Mechanical End Stop Switch (ร3) | $8.99 | Installed at travel limits of X and Y axes. Enables precise homing and acts as hardware fail-safe to stop motors instantly. | |
โ
BEST FOR: Professional workshops, cutting large materials, production work
๐ฅ BUILD 8: ROTARY ENGRAVING SYSTEM 24V SYSTEM HIGH-END
~$580-620Rotary Engraving System
| Type | Component | Price | Description | Image |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ๐๏ธ Controller | MKS DLC32 with Rotary Support | $62.19 | Native rotary support in firmware | |
| โ๏ธ Drivers | TMC2209 (ร4) | $19.99 | 4th driver for rotary axis, silent operation | |
| ๐ Motors | NEMA 17 (ร4) | $47.99 | 4 motors for X, Y, Z, and rotary axis | |
| ๐ Power | 24V 15A PSU | $23.99 | Standard 24V supply with enough current for 4 motors | |
| ๐ซ Laser | 10W Laser with Focus Adjustment | $280.00 | Adjustable focus for cylinders and curved objects | |
| ๐ค๏ธ Frame + Hardware | 2040 Extended Frame + GT2 Belts + 16T Pulleys + Hardware Kit | $65.00 | Longer frame to accommodate rotary attachment | |
| ๐ Rotary | Roller Rotary Attachment | $45.00 | For engraving cups, bottles, glasses, cylinders |  |
| ๐ Limit Switches | Mechanical End Stop Switch (ร3) | $8.99 | Installed at travel limits of X and Y axes. Enables precise homing and acts as hardware fail-safe to stop motors instantly. | |
๐ 4TH AXIS: This build includes a rotary attachment for engraving cylindrical objects. Perfect for personalized cups and bottles.
โ
BEST FOR: Engraving cylindrical objects, cups, bottles, glasses, and curved surfaces
๐ VOLTAGE COMPATIBILITY SUMMARY:
โข Arduino Uno + CNC Shield: NEVER power Arduino through CNC Shield! Use buck converter (12V/24V โ 5V) OR separate 5V PSU.
โข Makerbase MKS DLC32 V2.1: Safe 24V input, built-in 5V/3.3V regulation. Dedicated laser controller!
โข A4988: 12V recommended | DRV8825/TMC2209: 12-24V | NEMA23: Needs 24V
โข Laser Power: 2.5W-5W (12V) | 7W-10W (12V or 24V) | 20W (24V)
๐ Start with Budget builds to learn, move to Mid-Range for quality, go High-End for professional results!
โข Arduino Uno + CNC Shield: NEVER power Arduino through CNC Shield! Use buck converter (12V/24V โ 5V) OR separate 5V PSU.
โข Makerbase MKS DLC32 V2.1: Safe 24V input, built-in 5V/3.3V regulation. Dedicated laser controller!
โข A4988: 12V recommended | DRV8825/TMC2209: 12-24V | NEMA23: Needs 24V
โข Laser Power: 2.5W-5W (12V) | 7W-10W (12V or 24V) | 20W (24V)
๐ Start with Budget builds to learn, move to Mid-Range for quality, go High-End for professional results!
How It Works
1. Laser Module
The laser module emits a focused light beam that engraves or cuts the surface of your chosen material.
2. Stepper Motors
Stepper motors move the laser along the X, Y, and Z axes with precision.
3. Control Board
The control board interprets commands from software and controls the laser and motors.
4. Software
CLE Laser Control (or LaserGRBL / LightBurn) converts images into G-code for the machine.
5. Power Supply
Provides correct voltage and current to run everything smoothly.
6. Limit Switch
Defines boundaries, enables homing, and protects the machine.