Laser cutters are remarkable tools for shaping wood, acrylic, and even metal. Achieving clean edges and minimal scorching, however, depends on selecting the right combination of power and speed. Too slow a pass can leave burn marks, while too fast may not cut through. Manufacturers often give recommended settings, but factors such as material density, thickness, and nozzle focus also play significant roles. This calculator offers a baseline speed to experiment with, especially useful when working with unfamiliar materials.
The cut speed is proportional to the laser’s power output and inversely proportional to material thickness. We include a material factor that accounts for the relative ease of cutting different mediums. The simplified formula is:
where is the laser power in watts, is the thickness of the material in millimeters, and ranges around 0.5 to 1.5 depending on density. Softer materials like cardboard require lower power or faster speeds, so might be greater than one. Dense hardwood or acrylic tends toward values below one.
The equation produces a speed in units such as millimeters per second. Many hobby-grade laser cutters provide suggested speed and power pairs for typical materials. Those suggestions reflect a compromise between cut quality and efficiency. Use this calculator to compare your equipment’s settings or to develop a table of reference speeds when you experiment with new thicknesses. Keep in mind that beam focus, air assist, and even ambient temperature can influence the best speed. Always do a small test cut and adjust as needed.
| Material | Factor Range |
|---|---|
| Cardboard | 1.2 - 1.5 |
| Plywood | 0.8 - 1.2 |
| Acrylic | 0.6 - 1.0 |
| Mild Steel | 0.5 - 0.8 |
These ranges are starting points. If your initial cut doesn’t pass through cleanly, decrease the speed or increase power slightly. For intricate designs, many users slow the speed to improve accuracy, even if it means spending more time on each cut.
Always follow safety protocols when operating a laser cutter. Keep flammable materials away from the beam path and maintain proper ventilation to remove smoke. Wear eye protection if your machine doesn’t have a built-in shield. Adjusting speed and power parameters without oversight can create unexpected flames or melt your material. Start with conservative values and work up to optimal settings through small test pieces.
Suppose your laser has a 40 watt tube and you’re cutting 3 mm acrylic. Many makers choose a material factor of 0.8 for acrylic. Applying the formula yields:
mm/s
Round the speed to the nearest value your control software allows. If you notice excessive melting at the edges, you might increase speed to 12 mm/s or reduce power slightly. Conversely, incomplete cuts suggest slowing down or raising power.
No two lasers behave exactly alike. Tube age, lens quality, and even room temperature can influence real-world results. Create a logbook with your preferred speeds for different materials and thicknesses. As you gain experience, you’ll develop a feel for how your machine responds. Remember that air-assist systems help remove smoke and debris, enabling faster speeds with cleaner cuts. Don’t forget to check lens cleanliness regularly; a dirty lens reduces effective power, meaning you may need to slow down.
A well-tuned laser cutter is a joy to use, producing precise shapes with minimal effort. This calculator gives you a quick method to estimate cutting speed based on power, thickness, and material factor. It’s not a substitute for small test cuts or manufacturer guidelines, but it offers a consistent starting point. By logging your results, adjusting for your machine’s quirks, and following safety protocols, you’ll refine your process and achieve clean, professional-quality cuts.
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