LithoGrave Lite

LithoGrave Lite, developed by Pro Design Lab, is an outstanding application in the Photo & Graphics category, specifically under the Converters subcategory. As a tool optimized to convert BMP images into basic CNC gcode, its sole focus is on engraving lithophanes in materials like Dupont's Corian. The latest version, 1.0, ensures compatibility with a range of CNC control programs including Mach3 and TurboCNC.

The program, available for free download under a Shareware license, is exclusively designed for Windows operating systems, including thoroughly tested versions such as Windows XP and Windows 7. The installation file, LithoGrave.exe, is easy to set up and user-friendly.

Key features of LithoGrave Lite include various engraving options: a 45° angle engraving option, horizontal engraving in alternating directions, and a doubled resolution horizontal line engraving for higher quality output. Users have the ability to adjust pixel-to-pixel resolution to change the final image size, engrave borders around images, and tweak Z depth resolution for finer detail.

Additionally, the program provides valuable customization options like setting the XY start point of the image in the material, adjusting Z safe settings, and determining the maximum depth of engraving. Skipping image scan lines in the final gcode can effectively reduce engraving time by lowering resolution. The flexibility to choose gcode file names, extensions, and save locations is another user-friendly feature.

Though LithoGrave Lite is not an image to vector converter, it excels in producing gcode for raster engraving. It works solely in inch units, with the absence of metric support being one of its few limitations.

PROS:

• Free download.
• Easy to use and setup.
• Multiple engraving options.
• Thoroughly tested on Windows XP and Windows 7.
• Customizable settings for enhanced control and precision.

CONS:

• Supports only raster engraving; no vector conversion.
• Exclusively for Windows; not available for other operating systems.
• Inch units only, with no metric support.

Whether one is a hobbyist or a professional, LithoGrave Lite version 1.0 by Pro Design Lab stands out as a reliable and efficient program for converting BMP images into precision CNC gcode for lithophane engraving.

You may want to check out more software, such as Da-Lite Screen Designer, Machete Lite or Message Viewer Lite, which might be similar to LithoGrave Lite.