Laser Settings Guide
Manufacturer-Recommended Laser Settings
Select your laser and material to see manufacturer-documented starting settings for speed, power, passes, and air assist. These are starting points — always run a test cut on scrap material first.
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Pick your laser brand, then your specific model, then your material — and click Get settings.
Note about Glowforge settings: Glowforge machines use a proprietary Proofgrade material system with settings managed automatically by the Glowforge app. When using Proofgrade materials, select the material in the app and settings are set automatically. For non-Proofgrade materials, Glowforge does not publish specific speed/power numbers — the values shown here are based on community consensus from the official Glowforge community forum and are not official manufacturer figures.
Always test on scrap first. These are manufacturer starting points. Your actual results depend on lens condition, focus accuracy, air assist strength, material batch, and ambient temperature. Run a small test grid before committing to a full job.
Frequently asked questions
Why do manufacturer settings sometimes not work for me?
Manufacturer settings are tested on specific material batches under controlled conditions. Your results vary based on lens cleanliness, focus accuracy, air assist pressure, material supplier, humidity, and how well-calibrated your machine is. Always treat published settings as a starting point and dial in from there with test cuts.
What's the difference between speed in mm/s and mm/min?
Different software uses different units. To convert: mm/s × 60 = mm/min. So 10 mm/s = 600 mm/min. xTool and most diode laser software uses mm/s. LightBurn can be set to either. Glowforge uses its own percentage-based speed system. Always check which unit your software expects before entering settings.
Should I use more passes or more power to cut thicker material?
Generally, more passes at moderate power is better than maxing out power on a single pass. High power concentrates too much heat, causing charring, melting, and rough edges. Multiple passes allow the material to cool between cuts and produce cleaner results. This is especially true for acrylic and leather.
Why does Glowforge not show specific speed and power numbers?
Glowforge uses a proprietary system where settings are managed automatically by the app, especially for Proofgrade materials. The machine calibrates based on the material selected in the app. For manual settings, Glowforge expresses speed and power as percentages (1–100%) rather than mm/s and watts, and the company does not publish specific recommended values for non-Proofgrade materials.
What is air assist and do I need it?
Air assist is a stream of compressed air directed at the cutting point. It blows smoke and debris out of the cut path, reduces charring, improves cut quality, and significantly lowers the risk of material catching fire. For most cutting operations — especially wood, acrylic, and leather — air assist is strongly recommended. Many modern diode lasers include a basic air pump; CO2 machines typically have more powerful air assist systems.
Are these settings safe for all material variants?
No. These settings apply to the specific material type and thickness listed. Different brands of the same material (e.g. different plywood suppliers) can behave differently due to varying density, glue type, moisture content, and surface treatment. Always verify your material is what you think it is, especially for leather and acrylic, and run a test cut before a full job.