Determining laser parameters without the opportunity for testing

We’ve all been there: the customer comes with something one of a kind and you only have one attempt to get the perfect engraving result and no suitable parameters ready.
In many cases, it isn’t possible to test the customer’s material or workpiece for the perfect parameters. Here you can find out how to get good laser settings despite this.

Resort to experience

Material database:
In our material database, we provide laser parameters for a variety of materials. These are adjusted to your laser and its laser power, and provide an initial reference point.
Similar material:
Perhaps you have processed a similar material, then you can keep these settings.

Tip - DIY sample: Take a look at our DIY laser samples, where we have stored laser parameters for many materials and applications. Perhaps the exact material you are looking for is there.

Step by Step

Step-by-step instructions for the perfect result

Can’t rely on the above points? Don’t worry! We will explain, step by step, which parameter settings you should change in the laser software to determine the appropriate parameters:

Choose the appropriate laser source for your material:

Decide which laser source is suitable for the material. Here you will find an overview of the processing options for the CO₂ and fiber laser source:

Flexx

	Engrave	Cut	Mark
Acrylics	✔	✔	✔
Glass	✔	-	-
Plastic sheets	✔	✔	✔
Leather	✔	✔	-
Metal*	✔	-	✔
Paper	✔	✔	-
Plastics	✔	✔	✔
Stone	✔	-	-
Textiles	✔	✔	-
Wood	✔	✔	-

_{^{*Cutting metal films up to 0.5 mm thickness possible. Individual tests recommended.}}

CO₂

	Engrave	Cut	Mark
Acrylics	✔	✔	-
Glass	✔	-	-
Plastic sheets	✔	✔	-
Leather	✔	✔	-
Metal*	-	-	-
Paper	✔	✔	-
Plastics	✔	✔	-
Stone	✔	-	-
Textiles	✔	✔	-
Wood	✔	✔	-

_{^{*Cutting metal films up to 0.5 mm thickness possible. Individual tests recommended.}}

Fiber

	Engrave	Cut	Mark
Acrylics	-	-	✔
Glass	-	-	-
Plastic sheets	-	-	✔
Leather	-	-	-
Metal*	✔	-	✔
Paper	-	-	-
Plastics	✔	-	✔
Stone	-	-	-
Textiles	-	-	-
Wood	-	-	-

_{^{*Cutting metal films up to 0.5 mm thickness possible. Individual tests recommended.}}

Choose the appropriate lens:

Which lens you use for the job always depends on the material and the graphic that is being engraved. The rule of thumb is: The finer and more detailed the graphic, the smaller the focal length of the lens should be. The 2" lens is an “all-round lens” that can cover many applications.
An overview of how to choose the right lens can be found in our tips and tricks section:

How to choose the right lens

Find the perfect resolution:

The perfect resolution depends on the material, as well as the size of the graphic. Read here how to choose a resolution suitable for your job.

How to choose the right resolution

Adjust the speed:

Always adjust the engraving speed to the graphic! For small or detailed graphics, move slower (up to 30%), for large-scale engravings, use higher speeds.

Adjust the laser power:

Adjust the power to the engraving speed, i.e. for low speeds of up to 30%, use less laser power (up to approx. 20%), for higher speeds over 30%, the power can also be increased.

Tip: Especially with materials with which you have little experience, it is advisable to keep the laser power as low as possible and to start multiple passes. So you can simply and safely get the perfect result.

The basic rule for determining parameters is:
High speed and low laser power

The right positioning

We recommend using the positioning aids in the laser software to achieve accurate alignment of positioning your workpiece with the engraving and cutting software.

Placing the workpiece in the zero point and securing it is a best practice for accurate processing. For materials and parts that don’t stay stationary easily, you can also use Lego bricks to fix them in place which are adaptable to each individual workpiece.

Never move or remove the workpiece once it has been positioned in the laser!