ALIG

A.L.I.G. - Advanced Laser Imaging Generator

Laser Latency Calibration Engine

Hardware & Power Settings Panel

Description

A high-precision CAM dedicated to advanced raster engraving and hardware calibration.

ALIG gives you total control over the G-Code generation process. Whether you are using a standard hobbyist controller or a professional industrial setup, you can fine-tune every parameter to match your hardware's response.

• Universal Compatibility: Supports standard S (Spindle) commands for GRBL, Marlin, and FluidNC, as well as high-speed M67 (Analog) commands for Mach4/PoKeys57CNC systems.
• Smart File Optimization: Built-in Grayscale Clustering and quantization (2-256 steps) to drastically reduce G-Code size and ensure jitter-free motion.
• Hardware Calibration: Adjust laser latency (ms), overscan, and power curves (Gamma/Contrast) with a real-time visual preview.
• Portable: Standalone executable—no Python installation required.

How to Download & Run

Configuration Safety: If you updated your version and encounter errors, rename your previous alig_config.json in order to avoid conflicts with new configuration keys. This will allow the software to generate a fresh, compatible settings file on the next launch.

If you just want to use the software without installing Python, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Releases section (or find it on the right side of this page).
2. Click on the latest version.
3. Under Assets, download the .exe file.
   • Note: Do NOT use the "Download ZIP" green button at the top, as it only contains the source code.
4. Run the .exe on your Windows machine. No installation is required.
5. Note that the last configuration used is automatically saved via alig_config.json in the same folder of the exe file.

Last version change

(08/03/2026) v0.99b :

• PyQt6 Framework Migration: Complete transition of the entire UI from CustomTkinter to PyQt6. Significant performance gains and improved memory management.
• Interactive Workspace Navigation: Added real-time Zoom and Pan (Drag-to-move) capabilities.
• Full Internationalization (i18n): English, Français, Deutsch.

Click to view full version history

(24/02/2026) v0.981b :

• Vertical Rastering Mode: Introduced full support for vertical scanning trajectories. Users can now choose between Horizontal and Vertical engraving directions.
• Dynamic Histogram Engine: Replaced heavy Matplotlib dependencies with a custom, high-performance histogram. Features real-time percentage-based distribution, integer-rounded axis scaling, and a dedicated "OFF" zone visualizer for better power range analysis.
• Export System Overhaul:
  • Added Preferred Format setting to define a default file extension (e.g., .gcode, .nc, .txt).
  • Introduced "Export As..." option to allow manual naming and location selection.

• FreezeFix: Resolved a critical UI freeze occurring when returning to the dashboard.

  (22/02/2026) v0.98b :

• Advanced Latency Calibration Engine: Implemented a robust G-Code generator for latency testing, allowing users to fine-tune laser timing (ms) with real-time offset calculation in millimeters.

• Predictive Latency Simulation: Upgraded the G-Code parser to factor in machine latency, providing a high-fidelity visual preview of how timing offsets will affect the final physical engraving.

• Core Performance Optimization: Re-engineered the internal parsing logic and generator loops for faster G-Code processing. Replaced the heavy Matplotlib dependency with a custom, lightweight histogram engine to significantly reduce memory footprint and startup time.

• Refined Geometry Controls: Optimized the Raster direction settings to prioritize Horizontal stability for this release, ensuring maximum reliability before the introduction of Vertical mode.

• Stability & UI Polishing: Fixed various UI scaling issues and improved the "Prepare" workflow with visual success/error feedback directly on action buttons.

  (18/02/2026) v0.9781b :

• Real G-Code Parser Simulation: Re-engineered the simulation engine to process actual G-Code commands for 100% fidelity between preview and final laser output.

• Interactive Dashboard: Added a new landing page featuring usage statistics (total lines, G-Code generated).

• Project Thumbnails: Implemented automatic generation of visual previews for every processed G-Code, stored in an optimized thumbnail gallery.

• Machine Calibration Suite: Introduced a dedicated calibration view with built-in tests for laser latency (alignment) and power scaling grids.

• Advanced Settings Page: Added a new configuration interface to manage machine parameters and UI themes without editing JSON files manually.

• UI/UX Overhaul: Completely redesigned the TopBar and navigation flow for smoother transitions between Raster, Calibration, and Dashboard views.

• Internationalization (i18n): Initial support for multi-language handling (English/French) to prepare for global community use.

  (14/02/2026)

• v0.9781b : Modular Architecture: Split project into core/ and gui/ folders; New Loupe Feature: Added interactive magnifying glass (hold left-click); UI Improvements: Refined control panel layout.

  (12/02/2026)

• v0.978b : Added Simulation window with real-time stats; Fixed overscan/burn issues via "Overscan Chopping" for frequent M67 refreshes; Enhanced Safety Protocol using G4 "Safety Flushes" before rapid moves

• v0.9771b : Fixed DPI calculation based on line step and suppressed x-resolution parameter.

  (11/02/2026)

• v0.977b : Added Grayscale Steps & G-Code Clustering Features: Users can now select the number of power quantization levels (2-256) reducing .nc file size and prevents controller buffer overflow.

• v0.976b : Added Pointing Features: Users can now include a dedicated "Pointing Command" at the origin anchor point. This ensures precise physical alignment of the laser head before the engraving process begins.

• v0.975b : Added matrix inversion for deep engraving, strict input validation, and dynamic UI feedback on the G-code generation button.

• v0.974b : Added "Force width" parameter to automatically adapt the X-step / Rationalized internal logic for settings storage and profile exportation.

• v0.973b : Added firing mode selection (M3/M4), fixed framing logic & UI, optimized graphic performance and image/output folder UI.

  (10/02/2026)

• v0.972b : Added optional integrated framing with customizable pause commands (M0/M1)

• v0.971b : Added DPI input field / Controller Max Value / Import / Export of configuration profiles.

• v0.97b : Added Calibration tools (generation of two patterns to help calibrate settings).

• v0.96b : Added custom origin point / frame check option.

• v0.94b : Added analog ouput choice for M67 and S support.

• v0.93b : Origin selection added / improved display.

  (08/02/2026)

• v0.92b : Switched pre-moves from G0 to G1 to ensure a constant velocity and eliminate the sawtooth effect on the image edges.

  (05/02/2026)

• Project born.

Roadmap & Known Issues

Phase 1: Core Stability & UX (Towards v1.0)

Goal: Providing a rock-solid, theme-responsive tool for high-quality rastering and universal 2D G-code processing with advanced visual feedback.

• Calibration tools: Integrated utilities to fine-tune line interval, overscan compensation, and power-scaling profiles.
• Code Consolidation & Stress Testing: Heavy workload testing to ensure 100% stability on massive G-code files.
• Onboarding Experience: First-run setup wizard for essential machine configuration.(pending next release)
• 2D G-code Parser & Preview: 2D G-code Parser & Preview: Implementation of a dedicated G-code checker using the parser to visualize any ALIG's G-code.(pending next release)

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Phase 2: Advanced Features & Post-1.0

• Async Streamed Parsing: Implement a buffered G-code processing system to allow real-time simulation rendering while the generation is still in progress (eliminating UI freezing on large files).
• Universal G-code checker and editor: Improvement of the G-code parser with a built-in trajectory visualizer to support and clean any standard 2D G-code file.
• Smart Calibration Analysis: Implementation of a computer vision module to analyze user-uploaded photos of calibration tests. The system will automatically suggest parameter corrections (latency) based on visual results.
• Dynamic Latency Profiling (Spline Calibration): Multi-speed latency test generator and spline-based interpolation engine. Automatically predicts and compensates for mechanical/buffer lag across the entire feedrate range instead of using a single fixed value.
• Adaptive Raster Optimization (Scanline Trimming): Smart trajectory logic that detects non-blank boundaries per line to eliminate 'dead air' travel, significantly reducing engraving time by only scanning active areas.
• Project-Based Sessions & Dashboard Persistency: Transform dashboard thumbnails into interactive project shortcuts. Clicking a thumbnail will restore the full environment, including the original image matrix and all associated parameters (feedrate, power, raster mode, etc.).
• Large File Management: Option to split massive G-code files for better buffer management.
• Dithering Implementation: Dithering algorithms integration.
• Auto-Contour Detection & Trace: Automatic edge tracing to generate vector-like boundaries with support for hatch filling.
• Material Profiles: Preset configurations that adjust power, feedrate, and thermal correction parameters based on the selected material.
• [Under consideration] Diagonal Rastering (45°): Advanced trajectory logic to engrave at 45-degree angles.
• [Theoretical] Hybrid Engine: Implementation of SVG path parsing to allow hybrid projects (Raster engraving + Vector cutting) in a single G-code file.
• [In discussion] 3D Relief Engraving Mode: Implementation of multi-pass logic with Z-axis decrement for deep carving. Currently seeking user feedback/interest due to hardware power constraints.

Known Issues:

• Real-time Translation: UI components do not update instantly when the language is changed; a manual restart is required.(pending next release)
• Incomplete Light Theme: Styling is currently optimized for Dark Mode; Light Theme may exhibit contrast issues.(pending next release)

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Support & Contributions

A.L.I.G. is an open-source project developed and maintained independently. If this tool has helped you improve your CNC workflow or save valuable time, you can support its ongoing development. Contributions help fund testing materials, hardware validation, and continued feature improvements.

• Donations: Support A.L.I.G. on Buy Me a Coffee
• Feedback: If you encounter any issues or have suggestions for new features, feel free to open an Issue.

Author: Alexandre "MoMo"

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⚠️ WARNING & SAFETY DISCLAIMER

[!CAUTION] ALIG is a G-code generator (CAM). It does not control your machine.

Laser engraving involves real physical risks. Always:

• Wear certified safety goggles
• Verify your machine is in Laser Mode
• Check overscan travel limits
• Inspect generated G-code before execution

Full safety documentation is available in the Wiki.