Firmware Version: 07.17.17 (20260709)       Control Software: LightBurn 2.2.00

1. Problems Found

Two issues may occur independently or at the same time:

2. Cause Analysis

These issues are associated with Scanning Offset Adjustment function and Lightburn software's compatibility with Thunder machines. The test results do not, by themselves, indicate hardware damage.

During bidirectional engraving, the laser fires on both the forward and return passes. A small difference between the positions of the two scan directions can result in doubled edges, which appears as ghosting.

During unidirectional engraving, the laser fires in one direction and returns without firing. If the start-position compensation does not match the current scan buffer, the entire image may shift. 

LightBurn’s Scanning Offset Adjustment provides two relevant settings:

• Line Shift compensates for the difference between forward and return scan lines, primarily addressing bidirectional ghosting. This compensation is applicable to all laser control software (LightBurn, RDWorks, and LaserMaker) and is used to optimize bidirectional engraving.

• Initial Offset compensates for a shift in the starting position of the engraving. It is primarily used to correct the overall offset that may occur during unidirectional engraving.

Note: These issues are more noticeable on the Titan series because Titan machines operate at higher speeds and acceleration rates, resulting in relatively larger scanning offset compensation values.

However, similar issues may also occur on other models, such as the Nova and Bolt series. The same troubleshooting methods and adjustment guidelines below can be used to test, identify, and resolve these issues.

3. Troubleshooting and Corrective Actions

Select the procedure corresponding to the engraving mode you use most frequently:

Method A: Primarily Using Bidirectional Engraving for Higher Speed

Enable Scanning Offset Adjustment in LightBurn and retain the default value for "Line Shift." 

• Result: Ghosting in bidirectional engraving is eliminated; the image is centered, and both text and grayscale images appear clear and well defined. 

• Note: With this setting, unidirectional engraving may still exhibit an overall leftward offset. This is a LightBurn software compatibility issue that has been reported to LightBurn and is awaiting resolution. For this method, evaluate the result based on bidirectional engraving performance. 

Follow the steps below:

Note:The Line Shift field normally already contains a default value and does not need to be modified.

If no value is displayed, click Read after connecting the machine. If the value is still not displayed after clicking Read, manually enter the value indicated on the golden calibration card supplied with the machine. Refer to this https://support.thunderlaser.com/portal/en/kb/articles/how-to-add-reverse-compensation-setting-in-software#Before_you_use_the_laser_machine

Method B: Primarily Using Unidirectional Engraving for Fine Detail and Small Text

Transfer the compensation value from "Line Shift" to "Initial Offset"; in other words, use Initial Offset with the default Line Shift value set to zero. 

• Result: The image remains centered during unidirectional engraving, with no overall displacement, and strokes in small text are more uniform. 

• Note: With this setting, ghosting may reappear during bidirectional engraving. Evaluate the result based on unidirectional engraving performance. 

Follow the steps below:

Comparative Test Results

Test Item	Image Offset in Titan Unidirectional and Bidirectional Engraving Modes
Machine and Firmware Information	Machine: Titan Pro 35 Mainboard Model: RDC6442G-LY-1G-GT5-DC (EC) LightBurn Version: 2.2.00 Mainboard Firmware Version: 07.17.17 (20260709)
Scanning Offset Adjustment Status		Unidirectional Engraving Test Result		Bidirectional Engraving Test Result
Disabled			Image shifted to the left		Image shows ghosting and misalignment
Enabled: Line Shift at the default value			Image shifted to the left		Image centered with no offset
Enabled: Initial Offset using the default Line Shift value			Image centered with no offset		Image shows ghosting and misalignment
Enabled: Both Initial Offset and Line Shift use the default value			Image centered with no offset		Image shifted to the right

4. Text Slant (Unaligned) During Engraving

NOTICE: The X scanning buffer parameter can only be modified in RDWorks or LaserMaker currently.

Tests on the Titan Pro 35 also showed visibly slanted strokes in some text, including "Model/Thickness." This reduced the clarity of small lettering. 

The issue was associated with the transition between scan lines during unidirectional X-axis engraving. The X scanning buffer parameter affects the buffer distance between scan segments. In comparative tests at 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 mm below, 40 mm produced the straightest strokes and the best overall result. As shown in the test results below：

Note: The default value is 10 mm. Individual machines may vary slightly. If this issue occurs, adjust the parameter based on actual test results.

How to change the X scanning buffer?

Follow the steps below:

Open RDWorks, select User >> Processing>> Read>> Set X scanning buffer to 40 mm >> Write to save to the control board.

 Important:Only adjust this parameter if the engraving result is unsatisfactory. Increasing the buffer distance may increase processing time, and the optimal value may vary slightly between machines. Test the setting on the affected machine and use the smallest value that produces a satisfactory result.

After modifying and writing the parameter to the mainboard in RDWorks, you can close RDWorks and return to LightBurn to test the engraving result with the updated setting. Alternatively, you can perform the test directly in RDWorks.

Note for macOS Users:RDWorks does not support macOS. Until LightBurn provides a compatible method for adjusting this parameter, macOS users may try using LaserMaker to modify the X Scanning Buffer parameter.

5. Routine checks 

• After startup or a change in material or settings, engrave a short test before starting a production batch. Check position, ghosting, and stroke alignment.
• Keep the offset settings matched to the engraving mode: use the default Line Shift for bidirectional engraving; for unidirectional engraving, move that value to Start Offset and set Line Shift to zero. 
• For small or detailed text, uunidirectional engraving with Initial Offset compensation may be used. 
• If strokes remain slanted, test a longer X scanning buffer in RDWorks. 
•  After upgrading LightBurn or the mainboard firmware, it may be necessary to reinput the scan-offset compensation values and the X scanning buffer in RDWorks as described in Sections 3 and 4.

Still need help?

For specific technical questions or help requests, please open a Ticket with picture or video, so our Support team can assist you ASAP. 

For the information provided in the ticket, please refer to this link：

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