ANTBELT G1 · DEVELOPMENT UPDATE
Building a compact galvo system for everyday creators
A public look at the product direction, working hardware, controller development, software, engraving trials, accessories, and the path toward phased shipments beginning in August 2026.
AUGUST 4 · WORKSHOP RECORD
Electronics and housings move into batch assembly preparation
The latest workshop footage shows multiple G1 controller and electronics assemblies arranged together, with wiring and cooling components prepared alongside a batch of machine housings. This records ongoing assembly and integration work beyond a single display prototype.
WORKSHOP VIDEO00:08
Evidence boundary
This record supports batch assembly and integration preparation. It does not mark final QC, packing, or shipment as complete. Unit integration, power and communication checks, engraving validation, inspection, and packing preparation remain separate follow-up stages.
PRODUCT DIRECTION
One platform, three power paths
G1 is being developed as one connected experience: mechanics, electronics, optics, firmware, desktop and mobile software, accessories, and safe operating guidance. The 2.5W, 6W, and 12W paths share the same compact product direction and are selected by workload.
Why US$99: the 2.5W Starter uses launch pricing to make the compact galvo workflow accessible to more creators. We develop the mechanical platform, control system, AntBelt Studio software, and workflow together, which helps us control cost without removing the core G1 machine. This is a limited launch price, not a stripped-down deposit; final validation and release decisions remain in progress.
HARDWARE DEVELOPMENT
From controller boards to integrated machines
G1 is not being developed as a housing around an unrelated off-the-shelf workflow. The controller, optical alignment, module interface, firmware communication, and mechanical platform are being tested together on working builds.
IN ACTIVE DEVELOPMENT
Controller electronics
Current boards and open integration builds connect controls, motion, optics, and device communication. Private schematics and supplier information are intentionally not published.
REPEATED BENCH CHECKS
Optical alignment
Alignment fixtures and repeated optical checks help us compare placement, calibration, and consistency before a module moves into an integrated machine.
FIXTURE DEVELOPMENT
Repeatable preparation
Physical jigs give the team a repeatable reference for mounting, inspection, and comparison instead of relying on one successful prototype.
SYSTEM INTEGRATION
Module preparation
Optical modules, controller communication, firmware, connectivity, and mechanical interfaces are being developed as one coordinated product system.
ASSEMBLY PREPARATION
More than one prototype part
Prepared optical and motion assemblies show repeatable build work beyond a single demonstration unit. Final calibration, traceability, QC criteria, and release validation remain separate steps.
SOFTWARE AND WORKFLOW
A real application, not only an interface concept
AntBelt Studio is being built around a clear three-step path: prepare artwork, preview placement, and engrave. Desktop remains the detailed workspace; mobile is intended for lighter positioning and on-site operation.
- Artwork import, layout, parameters, preview, and job delivery
- Desktop and mobile-side workflows
- Controller communication and firmware integration
- Material guidance developed from recorded trials
CURRENT ARCHITECTURE
From artwork to device services
The current architecture connects desktop and mobile interfaces with import, vector processing, preview, job control, USB communication, calibration data, status feedback, and safety-state handling. Dashed cloud features are roadmap items, not released functions.
SELECTED SOURCE EXCERPTS
Geometry becomes a machine-ready job
These excerpts show current work on DXF parsing, contour handling, point simplification, object bounds, vector paths, and device-oriented job output. They document a working codebase without publishing private credentials or partner information.
VERSIONS, TESTS, AND FEEDBACK
Software improves through repeated builds and real questions
AntBelt Studio is not treated as a one-time interface release. Working versions move through implementation, focused checks, device-side trials, issue recording, and the next revision. These records show the development trail while keeping unfinished features clearly labeled.
VISIBLE BUILD TRAIL
Multiple internal versions, not one screenshot
The recorded Windows artifacts progress from 0.1.19 through 0.1.26 and include setup, portable, checksum, and test-guide files. This supports an active iteration trail; it is not presented as public release or final-device acceptance.
SELECTED MODULE CHECKS
14 focused software tests passed
DXF import, image tracing, and vector editing checks passed in this recorded run. These are selected-module tests, not a claim of full-system, real-device, or laser-safety validation.
USER-REQUESTED · EXPERIMENTAL
A user asked about desktop Wi-Fi, so we built a test path
A community question prompted interface work, connection settings, a TCP transport adapter, and focused local checks. The option remains deliberately labeled “Wi-Fi Test”; USB is still the default and real-device Wi-Fi stability validation remains in progress.
ENGRAVING AND SYSTEM TESTS
Testing is how settings become guidance
We keep working sheets and repeated samples because one attractive result is not enough. The useful information comes from comparing placement, line behavior, fills, contrast, detail, and material response across different attempts.
WORKING TEST SHEETS
Parameter and repeatability trials
These are development records rather than polished presentation samples. They help the team compare settings and visible output before a recommendation is turned into customer guidance.
- Line and fill behavior
- Small-detail rendering
- Positioning and repeat attempts
- Material-specific starting points
ROTARY AND LONG-FORMAT DEVELOPMENT
Round objects now; selected projects up to 80 × 2000 mm next
The same accessory direction supports two different workflows: controlled rotation for selected cylindrical objects, and a moving-carriage concept for projects that exceed the standard 80 × 80 mm galvo field.
WORKING ROTARY TEST
Roller workflow on real builds
Current tests examine object support, contact, rotation, focus, clearance, alignment, and visible continuity on selected cylindrical forms.
EXTENSION MOTION TEST
Moving and engraving in controlled steps
These frames document real extension hardware in use. Alignment, travel, repeatable positioning, and the transition between work areas remain central validation tasks.
TARGET DIRECTION · IN VALIDATION
How the 80 × 2000 mm path is intended to work
The current direction reverses the accessory orientation and uses a moving roller carriage to advance a selected long workpiece beneath the engraving system. The target is up to 80 × 2000 mm for supported projects.
Still being validated: full-length accuracy, repeatable setup, supported materials, segment alignment, safe clearances, operating steps, and final guidance.
PUBLIC DEVELOPMENT RECORD
24 original development videos you can play without leaving the page
These are the same YouTube records and titles shown in the original development page. Landscape videos appear first; the one portrait-format short appears last. No player loads until you click, and only one video player stays active at a time.
01 · First power-on testPower-up, motion initialization, and a first visible engraving result.
02 · Galvo and modular headsGalvo workflow and the physical direction for interchangeable modules.
03 · Mobile app workflowConnection, positioning, preview, engraving, and inspection from mobile.
04 · Live engraving recordAn attended engraving cycle from setup through the finished output.
05 · Round wood engravingPlacement, line contrast, and the finished surface on a round wooden blank.
06 · Leather-style sampleContrast and edge definition on a leather-style sample under validation.
07 · Color board testLogo contrast and fill consistency on a colored coated board.
08 · Disc engravingCentering, positioning, and visible detail on a small circular workpiece.
09 · Wood engraving with voiceoverA narrated desktop test from setup to finished result.
10 · Cup sleeve workflowA kraft cup sleeve used as a small packaging application.
11 · Kraft card fine detailDense artwork used to examine small-scale line rendering.
12 · Wood bottle openerAlignment and engraving on a functional wooden object.
13 · From idea to first orderArtwork, setup, and a finished commercial-style sample.
14 · Workshop demoA practical engraving task completed on a working build.
15 · Full feature overviewGalvo speed, modular direction, software, and use cases.
16 · Optical testing recordA raw record of optical alignment and bench testing.
17 · Ice-cream keychain sampleA small personalized project and its finished piece.
18 · User material testAn attended process on a user-selected material.
19 · Campaign launch archiveThe original G1 launch countdown retained in the public record.
20 · Full prototype silent recordA longer continuous prototype and workshop development record.
21 · Prototype engraving testA visible functional engraving test on a working development build.
22 · Setup to finished resultWorkshop preparation, attended engraving, and the resulting sample.
23 · Real disc desk testSmall-disc positioning, engraving, and immediate inspection.
24 · Campaign countdown shortA short-format campaign archive video.
READINESS AND DELIVERY
What we are doing next
ACCESSORY SYSTEM · PRICING LAST
Choose the workflow after seeing the development evidence
The product and test record comes first. These optional paths extend materials, air handling, software choice, optical output, cylindrical work, and selected long-format projects.
AntBelt Studio Update Support$1Symbolic support for continued software development
Materials kit$45Practice blanks and first projects
Filtration$89A cleaner desktop workflow
2.5W laser module$49Entry optical-output module path
Rotary roller + long-format path$99Selected cylindrical and extended workpieces
6W laser module$129Balanced optical-output module path
12W laser module$199Higher optical-output module path
Rotary chuck$249Cups, rings, short cylinders, and round forms
LightBurn Software Core$99An optional third-party workflow for experienced usersWe are building the complete experience
Our goal is not only to make a small engraving machine. It is to make fast galvo engraving more approachable—while developing the hardware, software, accessories, and support path together.
Continue with AntBelt G1