Quick-Start Guide
Everything you need to go from download to batch engraving in minutes.
What You'll Need
Step-by-Step Setup
Print the Jigware Plate
Download the Gridfinity Jigware Plate from MakerWorld. Print in PLA with 30% infill, 4 wall loops. Standard 0.2mm layers. Takes around 2 hours depending on your printer.
Print your chosen jigs
Browse the catalogue and download the jigs you need. Most jigs print in 30–60 minutes. No supports needed. Any colour PLA works — the laser won't touch the plastic.
Screw the plate into the laser bed
Place the Jigware Plate on your xTool F2 Ultra bed, aligning the holes with the M4 threaded holes. Use countersunk M4×8mm screws to secure it flat. The plate uses the stock 35mm grid pattern.
Drop in your jigs
Slide your Gridfinity jigs onto the plate. They clip into the grid and can be repositioned freely. Move them around until you find the perfect layout for your laser design.
Load items and set up your design
Place your items into the jig slots. Set up your laser design in xTool Creative Space, aligning to the jig positions. Once dialled in, this alignment is locked for every future batch.
Lase, swap, repeat
Run the laser. When done, swap in the next batch of items — everything is in exactly the same position. No re-aligning, no re-calibrating. Just fast, repeatable results.
Recommended Print Settings
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Layer Height | 0.2mm (standard) |
| Infill | 20–40% |
| Wall Loops | 3–4 |
| Top/Bottom Layers | 4+ |
| Material | PLA |
| Supports | None needed |
⚠️ Laser safety: All 3D-printed plastics will melt if directly hit by the laser beam. Jigware jigs are designed with cutouts to avoid laser paths, but always verify before running.
Item Dimensions Reference
Standard dimensions for common laser engraving items. Use these when customising jigs.
| Category | Item | Size | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog Tags | Military Standard | 28.6 × 50.8 mm | Corner radius 6.35mm |
| Business Cards | UK / Europe | 85 × 55 mm | |
| Business Cards | US / Canada | 89 × 51 mm | |
| Business Cards | Credit Card | 85.6 × 54 mm | |
| Pencils | Hex Pencil | 7 mm flat-to-flat | |
| Pencils | Round Pencil | 7–8 mm diameter | |
| Coasters | Standard Round | 100 mm diameter | 3–6mm thick |
| Coasters | Cork Round | 90–100 mm | |
| Coasters | Square Slate | 100 × 100 mm | |
| Coins | Challenge Coin | 38–45 mm | 40mm most common blank |
| Coins | UK £2 Coin | 28.4 mm | |
| Coins | US Half Dollar | 30.6 mm | |
| Keychains | Round Metal | 25–30 mm | |
| Keychains | Rectangle | 25 × 50 mm | |
| Keychains | Leather | 30 × 60 mm | |
| Keychains | Bottle Opener | 50 × 20 mm | |
| Spheres | Golf Ball | 42.7 mm | |
| Spheres | Table Tennis Ball | 40 mm | |
| Spheres | Ornament (Small) | 50–60 mm | |
| Spheres | Ornament (Medium) | 70–80 mm | |
| Drinkware | Shot Glass (1.5oz) | 35–40 mm base | 55mm tall |
| Crystals | Small K9 Block | 50 × 50 × 80 mm | UV engraving |
| Crystals | Medium K9 Block | 60 × 60 × 90 mm | UV engraving |
Customisation Guide
Modifying existing STL files
Every Jigware STL is designed to be easy to modify. The most common tweak is changing the item pocket dimensions:
- → Open the STL in your CAD tool (Fusion 360, FreeCAD, TinkerCAD)
- → Adjust pocket diameter, slot width or depth to match your item
- → Keep the Gridfinity base dimensions unchanged (42mm grid units)
- → Add 0.2–0.3mm clearance for sliding fit
- → Export and print — done!
Creating a custom jig with Tooltrace.ai
Don't have CAD skills? No problem. Tooltrace.ai lets you create a Gridfinity-compatible bin from a photo:
- → Take a photo of your item on a flat surface
- → Upload to Tooltrace.ai and select "Gridfinity" compatible
- → It traces the outline and cuts the shape into a bin
- → Download, print, and slot onto your Jigware Plate
Sharing your creations
Because all STLs are open source, you can modify them and upload your own versions to MakerWorld or Printables. The community benefits from your ideas — please share successful jigs so others can use them too! Tag your uploads with jigware and gridfinity so they're easy to find.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the jigs melt from the laser?
All Jigware jigs are designed with cutouts to avoid laser paths. The laser never hits the plastic. However, if you create a custom design, make sure the beam doesn't contact PLA — it will melt.
Can I use jigs from other Gridfinity designers?
Absolutely! Any Gridfinity-compatible bin will fit onto the Jigware Plate. Search MakerWorld or Printables for thousands of community-designed bins.
What if my items are a different size?
All STL files are open source and easy to modify. Change the hole diameter, slot width or grid size to fit your exact items. See the customisation section below.
Do I need the Jigware Plate, or can I use a standard Gridfinity baseplate?
The Jigware Plate is specifically designed to screw into the xTool F-series M4 holes (35mm grid). A standard Gridfinity baseplate uses a 42mm grid so won't align perfectly. Use the Jigware Plate for the best fit.
Can I sell items I engrave using Jigware?
Yes! Jigware is open source — use it commercially with no restrictions. You're selling your artwork and service, not the jig.
Ready to Get Started?
Browse the catalogue, download your first jigs, and start batch engraving today.
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