Here we are using a 50x50mm piece of aluminium, so I am setting the overall dimensions to 38x38mm which is the bounding box on the image. Set the height and width to match you stock. Let’s start slow as you can always increase it later. On the following screen you can set the cut speed and the size of the image to be etched. Once you have something you think looks acceptable, click Next. You can also experiment with the options like ‘Centerline’ that can also achieve good tracing results.

The best images to use are ones that are high contrast. This automatically traces round the outline of the image. Import the source jpg file into LaserGRBL, and choose ‘Vectorize’ option. Save the image as a Converting an Image to Engraving Paths with LaserGRBL (Right click on image to download) or look for your own free SVG skull images on Google. First we are going to need a source image to generate the toolpaths. Using LaserGRBL opens up a lot of creative options so you can engrave an image with you CNC router or mill. With a few modifications you can take the output from Laser GRBL and covert it so it is compatible with pretty much any CNC router. This engraving method is great for creating customised metal gifts like metal drinks bottles, dog tags, jewellery, nameplates and locker key fobs. The good news is that LaserGRBL produces GRBL compatible gcode so you can use it to etch and engrave an image with your CNC router. LaserGRBL is a fantastic free program designed for converting images, pictures and logos into gcode paths so they can be etched with a laser engraver.

Free engraving software for cnc mills