Laser / Workshop reference
Laser material tests, kerf & repeatable settings
Turn a measured test coupon into a documented setting for a known material and machine.
In everyday language
Make a sample you can learn from
A material test compares labeled settings on a sample. It helps you investigate one material on one setup.
Choose what matters for the project: a readable mark, edge quality or a clean cut. Label the test choices before running a suitable supervised test.
What to notice: Judge the outcome against the goal. A darker mark is not automatically a cleaner or more useful result.
Is the darkest square always the winner?
No. Readability, scorching, fit and surface quality can matter more than darkness.
No need to know the vocabulary first
A few words, explained
- LightBurn
- A program for preparing cutting and engraving jobs for supported laser machines.
- Kerf
- The width of material removed by a cut.
How it works
A controlled grid compares selected settings while other variables stay fixed. Measured kerf describes that tested setup, not every cut the machine can make.
When to consider it
Test only identified materials approved for the laser, with the specified enclosure, extraction and fire controls in place.
Where it does not apply
Do not laser unknown plastics, PVC/vinyl or unidentified coatings. Never leave a running laser unattended; a successful mark does not establish safe fumes or fire behavior.
Before the first cut
- Confirm material identity, thickness and machine approval before testing; stop if the composition is uncertain.
- Focus and frame the job using the machine's procedure. Use an approved test range and check the preview and units.
- After the machine is safe to inspect, compare cut-through, edge quality and fit. Measure kerf and save the exact conditions, not just a power percentage.
If the result looks wrong
Stop the machine and make it safe to inspect before checking the tool or workpiece.
Saved setting no longer works
Check material batch, thickness, focus, optics, air assist and units before increasing power.
Fit is too tight or loose
Measure a coupon and confirm kerf compensation is applied once, not in both artwork and software.
Use the matching calculator
Calculator outputs describe geometry, time or cost—not permission to operate at those values.
Make the setup repeatable
In Machine & Bit Settings, keep these details in the standard fields, additional fields and setup notes. Record a test date only after testing that exact setup.
- Material identity and batch
- Lens, focus and air assist
- Speed units, power, passes and interval
- Measured kerf and test date
No cutting settings are automatically supplied or saved by this guide.
References & exact specifications
These public references explain the tool families or software features. Locate your exact part number and machine manual before setup; product families are not interchangeable.
- LightBurn: Material Test
- LightBurn: Focus Test and Z-axis requirements
- Epilog: fire and hazardous-fume warnings
Guidance reviewed September 2026. Diagrams are original simplified explanations, not manufacturer drawings.