Materials Used

Microcontroller Boards

Arduino Uno

Arduino Uno

Main controller for small CNC setups.

MKS Gen L

MKS Gen L

All-in-one CNC controller board.

Stepper Motors

NEMA17

NEMA 17

Used for X/Y axis motion.

NEMA23

NEMA 23

Higher torque for heavy-duty motion.

Motor Drivers

A4988

A4988

Basic stepper driver up to 2A.

DRV8825

DRV8825

Higher current stepper driver with better precision.

Aluminum Extrusions

2020 Aluminum Extrusion

2020 Aluminum Extrusion

Light frame construction.

2040 Aluminum Extrusion

2040 Aluminum Extrusion

Main structure for stability.

Belts & Pulleys

GT2 Belt

GT2 Belts

Used for X/Y/Z motion.

Pulley Set

Pulleys

Match GT2 belts for proper motion.

Power Supplies

12V 10A PSU

12V 10A PSU

Power for electronics and motors.

24V 5A PSU

24V 5A PSU

Used for higher power modules like lasers.

Bearings & Screws

Linear Bearings

Linear Bearings

Used for smooth axis motion.

Screw Kit

Screw Kit

M3/M4/M5 screws for assembly.

Display Screens

TFT LCD

TFT LCD

Touchscreen interface for controlling the machine.

Laser Modules

500mW Green Laser

500mW Green Laser

Low-power laser for engraving.

5W Laser

5W Laser

Medium-power engraving.

10W Laser

10W Laser

High-power cutting / engraving.

Endstops / Limit Switches

Mechanical Limit Switch

Mechanical Limit Switch

Basic micro-switch for axis limits.

Optical Endstop

Optical Endstop

Infrared sensor for precise limit detection.

Lead Screws & Rods

M8 Lead Screw

M8 Lead Screw

300mm / 400mm / 500mm variants.

Smooth Rod

Smooth Rods

8mm / 10mm diameters for axis motion.

Cooling & Fans

40mm DC Fan

40mm DC Fan

Cooling electronics or laser modules.

Heatsink

Heatsink

For stepper drivers or power modules.

Miscellaneous

Cable Drag Chain

Cable Drag Chain

Organizes wires for moving axes.

How It Works

1. Laser Module

The laser module emits a focused light beam that engraves or cuts the surface of your chosen material. Power and focus define engraving quality and depth.

2. Stepper Motors

Stepper motors move the laser along the X, Y, and Z axes with precision. This controlled movement ensures accurate engraving paths.

3. Control Board

The control board interprets commands from software and controls the laser and motors. It’s the main brain of the entire machine.

4. Software

Software like LaserGRBL or LightBurn converts images or text into G-code. This G-code tells the board how to move the laser for engraving.

5. Power Supply

The power supply ensures the laser and motors receive the correct voltage and current to run smoothly and safely.

6. Limit Switch

Limit switches define the physical boundaries of the CNC machine. They prevent over-travel, enable homing, and protect motors and mechanics.