【Luban Software】 Snapmaker Laser Engraving & 3D Printing: A Summary of the Latest 11 Major Features
In 2022, Snapmaker launched the new Luban v4.4.0 version for "3D printing", followed by a v4.10.0 update for "laser engraving". These updates have made the 3-in-1 functionality even more versatile and powerful. We will introduce the updates in two main parts: "Latest Features for 3D Printing" and "Latest Features for Laser Engraving." The free download link is provided at the end of the article:
New Features for 3D Printing
1. Improved UI/UX Interface
The main toolbar includes basic operation tools such as undo, align, group, and ungroup. It also provides four basic print preset parameters.
The main toolbar includes basic operation tools such as undo, align, group, and ungroup. It also provides four basic print preset parameters.
2. More Preset Parameters
Snapmaker introduces a new functional interface, providing 4 basic printing parameters, with the option to customize parameters, making it very user-friendly!
In version 4.4.0, there are up to 290 materials and 3D printing parameters that can be adjusted. Compared to previous versions with only about 50 adjustable parameters, this update is a significant optimization! You can access these basic parameters and even take full control of the printing process. Here are some examples of adjustable parameters:
．Speed control: Fine structure speed control, acceleration control, jerk control
．Support structures: Multi-density support, tree support, support preference
．Infill: Fractal infill, multi-density infill
．Top and Bottom: Ironing mode
．Structure fine-tuning
．Path optimization
In the print settings management interface, you can manage various print parameters, and each parameter comes with a detailed explanation.
．Support structures: Multi-density support, tree support, support preference
．Infill: Fractal infill, multi-density infill
．Top and Bottom: Ironing mode
．Structure fine-tuning
．Path optimization
In the print settings management interface, you can manage various print parameters, and each parameter comes with a detailed explanation.
Material Settings
Click on the top right toolbar to enter material selection. You will see a clear and detailed material interface, covering everything from basic to professional materials, including PVA, HIPS, Breakaway materials, and more. Also, Nylon will be supported by the upcoming dual-extruder 3D printer.
Click on the top right toolbar to enter material selection. You will see a clear and detailed material interface, covering everything from basic to professional materials, including PVA, HIPS, Breakaway materials, and more. Also, Nylon will be supported by the upcoming dual-extruder 3D printer.
The characteristics of 3D printing filaments vary in many ways. With this in mind, the new version allows you to input basic filament properties and set up a parameter file for certain filaments, so next time you use the same filament, you can directly select the custom parameter profile.
3. Simulated Print Preview Mode
Upgraded from the original fine-line preview mode to a simulated print preview mode, which looks closer to the finished print.
Note: This feature may consume more computer memory, especially for large models.
4. New Canvas Style
Snapmaker has redesigned the Canvas layout. When you zoom in or out, you can see dynamic displays of different proportions on the platform. It even optimizes the interaction of zooming and panning after zooming.
Snapmaker has redesigned the Canvas layout. When you zoom in or out, you can see dynamic displays of different proportions on the platform. It even optimizes the interaction of zooming and panning after zooming.
5. Model Trimming and Simplification
When designing models, trimming is often necessary to ensure a satisfactory final result. Now, Luban can do this. Common issues with STL files such as flipped normals, holes, broken shells, and intersecting triangles can all be detected by Luban, which then provides repair suggestions.
Building on model repair, this version adds a model simplification feature. You don't always have to print 3D models to their exact dimensions. Luban allows you to customize the simplification rate or layer height, and tailor the 3D model to your desired printing precision and efficiency. This feature makes it easy to create objects similar to low-poly models.
When designing models, trimming is often necessary to ensure a satisfactory final result. Now, Luban can do this. Common issues with STL files such as flipped normals, holes, broken shells, and intersecting triangles can all be detected by Luban, which then provides repair suggestions.
Building on model repair, this version adds a model simplification feature. You don't always have to print 3D models to their exact dimensions. Luban allows you to customize the simplification rate or layer height, and tailor the 3D model to your desired printing precision and efficiency. This feature makes it easy to create objects similar to low-poly models.
6. Quick Preview Mode Before Slicing
This is currently a tentative feature still under development, supporting only some parameters. It allows you to see a preliminary preview of the print on the canvas without slicing.
This is currently a tentative feature still under development, supporting only some parameters. It allows you to see a preliminary preview of the print on the canvas without slicing.
Note: If you wish to use this feature, go to Settings → Performance → General, and check "Enable 3D Printing Live Preview."
7. Toolpath Optimization
Snapmaker optimizes the toolpath for vector graphics processing, making the process smarter and more time-efficient.
Snapmaker optimizes the toolpath for vector graphics processing, making the process smarter and more time-efficient.
8. Support for 3MF and AMF File Formats
In Luban 4.4.0, all three functions - 3D printing, laser cutting/engraving, and CNC - now support importing 3MF and AMF formats. When importing 3MF and AMF files with multiple 3D print models, they will be imported as a group and layered. While STL files have always been widely used, the 3MF format can more effectively meet the needs of multi-color and multi-material printing. Try importing your 3D print models in 3MF and AMF formats into Luban. Try now!
Latest Features for Laser Engraving
This new version brings several important updates focused on optimizing image and graphic engraving. By fine-tuning parameters, complex patterns and intricate designs can now be engraved with greater accuracy, leading to a more refined engraving experience.
9. Dot Width Compensation
Excessive scorching in image engraving and cutting size deviations caused by laser dot offset have long been problems for many. But now, with configurable dot width compensation parameters, your machine can optimize the toolpath based on the laser spot size, reducing contour distortion and blurring.
10. Overscan
If the working speed is set too high, the machine may not be able to reach the target speed during processing due to acceleration limitations. This can result in insufficient engraving when the machine is operating in dynamic power mode.
To address this issue, the overscan ratio can now be adjusted in line fill engraving mode to ensure that the machine's actual working speed is as close as possible to the target speed. Properly adjusting this parameter can not only fix the insufficient engraving in dynamic power mode mentioned above but also solve over-scorching in constant power mode.
The basic principle of this mechanism is to add extra idle travel distance before the machine reaches its target speed. However, this also means sacrificing some processing travel distance, which may cause the machine to trigger limit switches if the overall travel distance exceeds the maximum working area. Therefore, we recommend being more cautious when adjusting this parameter.
11. Scan Offset
In Snapmaker Luban V4.10.0, you can fine-tune parameters to compensate for bidirectional scan offset caused by mechanical backlash and high-speed overshoots. This feature applies to line fill engraving mode, and you will be particularly impressed by it when there is significant mechanical backlash or when the design you want to engrave has rich details.
Discover these latest powerful features that make your laser and 3D printing designs more precise and visually appealing.
We can't wait to see the amazing creations you'll make and hear your feedback!
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