The Full Guide: CorelLaser 2024 M3 Board

Laser engraving and laser cutting have become essential tools for small businesses, makers, and hobbyists in Malaysia. From acrylic signage and wooden plaques to wedding gifts and corporate souvenirs, efficiency and accuracy are key. One of the biggest workflow improvements today is the ability to engrave and cut in one go—without stopping, re-aligning, or running separate jobs.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through CorelLaser 2024 with the M3 controller board, explaining how it works, why it’s popular, and how you can use it to engrave and cut in a single, smooth process.

Introduction

Many laser users start by engraving first, stopping the machine, then re-running the job for cutting. While this works, it wastes time and increases the risk of misalignment—especially for acrylic and small detailed items.

With CorelLaser 2024 paired with an M3 board, you can:

• Set engraving and cutting layers in one file

• Control job order automatically

• Run the entire process in a single click

This guide will help you understand the system from basic setup to advanced workflow, even if you’re new to laser machines.

What Is CorelLaser 2024?

CorelLaser 2024 is a laser control plugin that works inside CorelDRAW. Instead of exporting files to a separate laser software, you design and control your laser directly from CorelDRAW.

Why CorelLaser Is Popular

• Familiar interface for CorelDRAW users

• No need to learn complex standalone software

• Fast setup for engraving and cutting jobs

• Widely used across Asia, including Malaysia

Unlike CorelDRAW alone (which is only design software), CorelLaser adds:

• Laser power control

• Speed settings

• Layer-based engraving and cutting

Understanding the M3 Laser Controller Board

The M3 board is the controller that connects your laser machine to CorelLaser. It translates your design into machine movement and laser firing.

Key Functions of the M3 Board

• Supports raster engraving (images, text, shading)

• Supports vector cutting (outlines, shapes)

• Allows layer and color mapping

• Executes jobs in a defined sequence

Common Machines Using M3 Boards

• CO₂ laser machines (40W–150W)

• Entry to mid-level laser systems

• Machines commonly sold in Malaysia and China

Benefits of Engrave & Cut in One Go

Running engraving and cutting in a single job offers major advantages:

1. Save Time

No need to restart the machine or resend files. Perfect for bulk orders.

2. Perfect Alignment

Engraving and cutting stay locked in the same coordinate system.

3. Less Material Waste

No mis-cut parts due to shifting or wrong positioning.

4. Professional Results

Ideal for:

• Acrylic signage

• Wooden awards & plaques

• Wedding doorgifts

• Corporate branding items

Software & Hardware Requirements

Software Requirements

• CorelDRAW (compatible versions with CorelLaser 2024)

• CorelLaser 2024 plugin

• Windows OS (Windows 10 or above recommended)

⚠️ CorelLaser does not support macOS natively.

Hardware Requirements

• Laser machine with M3 controller board

• CO₂ laser tube (recommended:

  • 40–60W for hobby & gifts

  • 80–100W for business use)

CorelLaser 2024 Interface Overview

Once installed, CorelLaser appears as a toolbar inside CorelDRAW.

Main Features

• Laser parameter panel – power, speed, passes

• Layer & color mapping

• Frame / Outline preview

• Job simulation

Each color or layer can be assigned:

• Engraving (raster)

• Cutting (vector)

• Marking or scoring

Step-by-Step: Engrave and Cut in One Go

Step 1: Prepare Artwork in CorelDRAW

• Use bitmap images for engraving

• Use vector lines for cutting

• Assign different colors:

  • Black → Engrave

  • Red → Cut

• Set cutting lines to hairline thickness

Step 2: Assign Layers in CorelLaser

• Select engraving objects → set to Raster

• Select cutting paths → set to Vector

• Ensure job order:

  1. Engrave first

  2. Cut last

This prevents parts from moving before engraving finishes.

Step 3: Set Laser Parameters

Example settings (may vary by machine):

Wood (3mm plywood)

• Engrave: 250–300 mm/s | 15–20% power

• Cut: 10–15 mm/s | 20–40% power

Acrylic (3mm)

• Engrave: 200 mm/s | 20–25% power

• Cut: 8–12 mm/s | 30–50% power

Step 4: Frame & Focus

• Use Frame function to check position

• Adjust focus height accurately

• Secure material flat on the bed

Step 5: Start Job (One Click Process)

• Send job via CorelLaser

• Machine engraves first, then cuts automatically

• Monitor airflow, flame, and cutting quality

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

Pro Tips for Faster & Cleaner Results

• Use masking tape on wood to reduce burn marks

• Optimize DPI (300–400 is enough for most jobs)

• Group engraving layers logically

• Save preset settings for repeat jobs

Troubleshooting M3 Board Issues

Laser Not Firing

• Check laser enable

• Confirm power supply connection

Job Freezing

• Reduce file complexity

• Restart CorelDRAW & CorelLaser

Communication Error

• Check USB cable

• Reinstall driver

Comparison: M3 Board vs Ruida Controller

Who Should Use CorelLaser + M3 Board?

• Hobbyists starting laser engraving

• Small laser businesses

• Wedding & souvenir makers

• Schools & training labs

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can older laser machine run CorelLaser 2024?
A: YES, you need to upgrade motherboard to Lihuiyu M3

Q: Can I engrave photos and cut shapes together?
A: Yes, raster engraving + vector cutting is fully supported.

Q: Is CorelLaser beginner-friendly?
A: Yes, especially if you already use CorelDRAW.

Conclusion

CorelLaser 2024 paired with an M3 board offers a simple, efficient, and professional workflow. The ability to engrave and cut in one go saves time, improves accuracy, and increases productivity—especially for small businesses and custom work.

With proper setup and understanding, this system can easily handle daily production needs in Malaysia’s growing laser engraving market.

You can download CorelLaser 2024 software for >> Free Here <<