Laser Kerf & Fit Compensation Calculator
Calculate adjusted vector sizes for an outside part and a mating hole from a measured laser kerf.
Set up your calculation
An illustrative example is loaded. Replace its values with your measurements, costs or documented settings.
Tooling help: Measure kerf on a coupon
Calculation
Your result
- Draw outside part at
- 20.2 mm
- Draw mating hole at
- 19.9 mm
- Desired finished hole
- 20.1 mm
- Equivalent offset per side
- 0.1 mm
The quote handoff carries your inputs and assumptions. Only an explicit base cost is suggested as a quote cost; prices, rates and measurements remain planning notes.
Choose the tool and check the setup
Understand the cutting profile, material reference and equipment limits before applying the result.
Method & assumptions
With uncompensated centerline cutting, outside part = drawn width − kerf and hole = drawn width + kerf. For desired part P and total clearance C, draw part at P + kerf and hole at P + C − kerf.
- Kerf is the full measured cut width from the same material, focus, power and speed. Clearance is total across the width, not per side; negative values mean interference.
- Use these dimensions OR CAM/software kerf compensation, never both. Test coupons before a batch. This does not account for material taper or compressibility.
Work through the laser kerf compensation example
| Input or step | Example value |
|---|---|
| Example inputs | 20 mm finished part; 0.2 mm full kerf; 0.1 mm total clearance |
| Draw outside part at | 20.2 mm |
| Draw mating hole at | 19.9 mm |
| Desired finished hole | 20.1 mm |
| Equivalent offset per side | 0.1 mm |
These values match Load example. They illustrate the method, not recommended material, machine or pricing settings. Read the assumptions before using the result.
Common questions
Are the example settings a recommendation?
No. Replace the example with measured dimensions, actual costs and your product or machine manufacturer's limits.
What if an input is incomplete or impossible?
The result is hidden and a field or calculation error explains what needs correction.
Use this in your project
Continue with the next measurement or cost, then keep the assumptions with your quote.
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