Install a camera
Mount, focus, and connect a fixed workspace camera.
Beam Bench supports a fixed overhead or lid-mounted camera that the operating system exposes as a webcam. The app captures still frames for visual job placement.
Choose a camera
- Connection: a UVC-compatible USB webcam is the simplest option.
- Resolution: 1080p is usually sufficient for a full-bed view.
- Lens: choose enough field of view to see the work area without a strong fisheye effect. Beam Bench does not currently correct lens distortion.
- Software cameras: a phone or network camera must first appear to the operating system as a normal webcam.
Mount it
Use a rigid overhead or lid mount. Keep the camera fixed relative to the bed whenever capturing and placing a job.
Head-mounted cameras are not currently supported. Beam Bench does not compensate for camera motion with the laser head.
Aim the camera as square to the bed as practical. Centering it and increasing the camera-to-bed distance reduces perspective and edge distortion. Focus at the material height you normally use.
Connect and test
- Connect the camera to the computer running Beam Bench.
- Verify it in an operating-system camera app.
- Create or activate the correct machine profile in Beam Bench.
- Open the Camera panel and click Refresh.
- Choose the camera from Device.
- Click Update Overlay to request permission and capture a frame.
On macOS, allow camera access when the operating system prompts. If permission was denied, use System Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera and enable Beam Bench.
Position the overlay
Start with Align the overlay:
- Click Fit to Bed.
- Click Adjust Overlay and move, scale, or rotate the frame.
- Click Save Alignment.
Use point-pair alignment when you need a repeatable fit from known coordinates.
Verify it worked
- Update Overlay captures a clear current frame.
- The camera remains stationary when the lid or enclosure is in its normal capture position.
- Several known bed features line up after alignment.