LightBurn, currently the only decent solution in the world of professional non-metal laser cutting and engraving, is changing its licensing policy from October 1, 2024. Versions will be named differently. The price will increase significantly in most applications.

It was

Previously, there were four versions of LightBurn:

1. GSode for $60 – for amateur and/or self-made machines based on GRBL controllers.

2. DSP for $120 – for professional machines based on Ruida, Trocen, LightObject, TopWisdom autonomous controllers.

3. Galvo for $150 – for fiber/CO2/UV markers based on EZCad2/EZCad2-lite software.

4. DSP + Galvo for $210 – for those who have laser machines and markers in their fleet.

Versions could be upgraded one to another:

1. GCode -> DSP for $60.

2. GCode/DSP -> Galvo/DSP+Galvo for $90.

The license was valid indefinitely, but updates could only be downloaded for one year from the date of purchase. A $30 license upgrade was required to continue access to updates for another year. When renewing the license before the expiration of the valid term, the user received an additional two months as a bonus.

One license allowed installing LightBurn on three workstations (computers). The number of machines connected to the workplace was not limited.

It became

Currently there are two versions. And they will be called in a new way:

1. LightBurn Core for $99 is a rebranded version of GCode.

2. LightBurn Pro for $199 is a rebranded version of DSP+Galvo.

The DSP and Galvo versions will no longer be sold as separate products. All existing users will receive a free upgrade to LightBurn Pro.

License updates will be called “software updates” from now on. Until the end of 2024, it will be possible to extend the renewal for a year at the old prices – for $30. From the beginning of 2025, new pricing will begin:

• $50 for a year of software updates purchased after the expiration of access to updates;

• $45 per year of software updates if you renew before the expiration date;

• $40 for a year of software updates if you continuously purchase access to updates for 2 years or more.

If the license was purchased in 2024 or earlier, any continued software updates will cost $40.

Reasons

According to the developer, all this is done for the convenience of users. In order not to get confused, which version should be chosen for purchase. And they didn’t waste the time of technical support workers. Everybody wins.

Behind the scenes is the fact that the typical use case in most cases is either DSP or Galvo. A relatively small number of customers have both types of equipment at once. Therefore, professional users will appreciate such care.

But go nowhere in particular – or continue eat cactus use extremely crooked software from controller manufacturers or switch to the light side. Let it noticeably increase the price.

The news is posted on the Aitishnik blog. Maybe. Here I am talking about the not-quite-yytish and not-yythy directions of development of a typical aytishnik. And in Vkontakte https://vk.com/itmancan I publish the process – instant photos and short notes. They will also reach Khabr, but much later. Who is interested in following the process of the departure of an IT person from IT to the material world, how you can change a glamorous office to a strict production workshop – do not pass by and subscribe.