Laser Speed & Power Calculator
Dial in realistic speed, power, and passes by wattage and material so you can engrave cleanly and cut through with less char, less guesswork, and less wasted stock.
- Select your laser type + wattage.
- Pick material + thickness.
- Choose goal: engrave or cut.
- Run a tiny test grid, then batch with confidence.
Laser Speed, Power & Operation Settings
Recommended Power: 90%
Speed Setting: 300 mm/min
Passes: 2
Estimated Cutting: 6.7 min
💨 Air Assist — Why It Matters
Air assist enhances cut quality by clearing smoke and debris from the laser path. It prevents flare-ups, improves edge smoothness, and allows deeper, cleaner cuts. Even a small air pump can drastically improve diode laser results.
Safety Reminder
Always wear wavelength-rated safety glasses. Never leave a laser unattended. Use proper ventilation and avoid materials like PVC or vinyl, which release toxic gases. Keep a CO₂-rated extinguisher nearby.
Manufacturer Disclaimer
These values are intended as general starting points based on common materials and machine wattages. Always consult your laser manufacturer’s documentation for approved operating parameters. Laser optics, motion accuracy, and firmware settings vary by brand. WoodWorkCalc assumes no liability for damage or injury resulting from the use of these settings.
How to use
- Choose laser type (diode/CO₂) and wattage.
- Select material and thickness, then choose engrave or cut.
- Start with the recommendation and run a small test square.
- Adjust speed first, then power, then passes (in that order).
Pro tips
- • Want less burn? Increase speed, add air assist, and reduce power slightly.
- • Want deeper engraving? Add passes before you crank power (reduces scorch halos).
- • Acrylic: flame-polished edges come from stable focus, clean optics, and good exhaust.
- • If results “randomly” changed, clean lens/mirrors and verify focus distance.
FAQs
It’s not cutting through. Should I just max power?
Usually no. Try slowing slightly or adding a pass first. Max power can over-char, widen kerf, and melt edges. Also check focus, air assist, and whether you’re recutting smoke due to weak exhaust.
Why is my engraving smoky or “dirty”?
Smoke staining is often a ventilation/airflow issue. Improve exhaust, use masking tape on wood, and increase speed while lowering power to reduce burn. Clean optics too: dirty lens amplifies heat and soot.
What’s the fastest way to find “my” perfect settings?
Run a small test grid (speed vs power) on the exact material batch. Use the calculator’s values as your starting center point, then bracket around it. Save the winning row/column as a preset.