The grbl controller is developed for Monport 40W CO2 laser engraving machines and most other 40W machines, which can engrave and cut glass, leather, plastic, wood, etc. Its firmware and ports can also be used to control similar engraving machines and some CNC machines of other manufacturers. It can be used as upgrade substitute for nano controller.

Ⅰ. Monport grabl control board structure and working principle

The basic structure of the upgraded controller is shown in the figure, which is mainly composed various interfaces of stepper motor, PWM, limit switch, and these interfaces bring more possibilities to the machine.   

1. USB Connection       

This part is mainly responsible for connecting the machine to PC. When replacing the control panel, we must pay attention to ensure that the USB interface is connected to the machine normally.

2. PWM   

Pulse width modulation (PWM) is a technique to obtain analog results by digital means. Monport 40W machine mainly adopts PWM interface. If there are other precision strength requirements, 5V and 12V can also be selected according to specific requirements.

3. Limit Switch          

Limit switch can be used for controlling machinery as part of a control system, as a safety interlock, or as a counter enumerating objects passing a point. Monport K40 needs to be connected to the " x+” axis and “y+” axis of limit switch.

4. Stepper Motor 

Stepper Motor is a brushless DC electric motor that divides a full rotation into a number of equal steps. The motor's position can be commanded to move and hold at one of these steps without any position sensor for feedback (an open-loop controller), as long as the motor is correctly sized to the application in respect to torque and speed. Monport K40 is only connected to X axis and Y axis of stepper motor. It is worth mentioning that the rotary axis can also be connected to the stepper motor.

Ⅱ. Advantages of grabl control board  

K40 laser engraver upgrade controller has many advantages, the biggest of which is its lightburn compatible. Here are some benefits of using Monport K40 upgrade controller.        

1. Easy to setup  

This GRBL setting is very user-friendly, which just connects the controller and your computer with a USB-Type C cable.

2. Lightburn compatible

By using this GRBL controller, you can replace the nano controller and makes Lightburn work with your machines. As the most popular software in the field of laser engraving machine, Lightburn will definitely make your engraving experience better.

3. Three-axis controller

The GRBL control features an XYZ three-axis drive and full functionality. Automatically adjust the X, Y, and Z axes’ position as the engraving starting point. 

4. Acrylic protection

This controller is protected by an acrylic cover which is dustproof and can extend the board service life. Monport's unique shell protection measures can better protect personal safety when installing the control board, and the whole board is simpler and cleaner. Acrylic shell can protect internal parts from dust interference. 

5. Lower price

Thanks to its professional and complete product production line, grbl control is cheaper than similar products, covering all the advantages of similar motherboards in the market. It also has many other advantages, bringing customers a better visual and safety experience.

6. Shipping fast 

After you place an order, Monport warehouse will automatically deliver the goods, and the board will be delivered in two weeks.

7. Widely-used

Grbl is one of the most popular firmware of CNC controller. The combination of grbl and CNC controllers such as Arduino is used by many fans. A real advantage of grbl is that it eliminates the need for parallel ports on computers. The application equipment on the upper stream gives you better modification space.  

 Ⅲ. How to connect to Lightburn 

Here are the steps of how to set up Lightburn software when you connect Monport motherboard.

The defult setting of your Lightburn will be like the top square.

You need to configure the “Start From” & “Job Origin” as pointed in the picture.

3. Click “Edit”and choose “Machine Settings” 

4. Configure the setting as the after-sales attached file.       

Ⅳ. Conclusion

If you are looking for K40 laser machine upgrade controller, water chillers, accessories or parts, find the most cost-effective products at Monport. We have shown a variety of laser engravers, so you can find the equipment of your dreams at an affordable price!