Engraving test
Look for the square with the tone and detail you want. More power and less speed darken the engraving; too much burns or hollows out the material. Note its position and use those settings.
FREE TOOL
Cutting and engraving test grids for diode lasers
Choose your machine's power and your material, then download an SVG with a power and speed grid to find your best settings. It also includes a kerf and fit test.
✓ Free, no sign-up
✓ SVG in millimeters for any laser software
✓ Generated in your browser: nothing is uploaded
Before you cut
Wear eye protection rated for your laser's wavelength, ventilate the area and never leave the machine unattended: materials can catch fire. Suggested values are a starting point, not a guarantee.
Settings table by color
Assign each layer color the settings in its row. Numbers are engraved next to each test, and the blue frame is cut last so you keep the finished template.
| Color | Power | Speed | Passes | Position |
|---|
Fit slots
Try an offcut of your material in each slot. The one that fits snugly, without forcing, shows the width to draw in your designs for that material.
| Slot | Drawn width (mm) | Difference (mm) |
|---|
How to use the test grid
- 1
Choose your laser's power, the material and its thickness. If you already know where your machine works best, adjust the ranges.
- 2
Download the SVG (or the .lbrn2 project with the settings already loaded) and import it into your laser software. With the SVG, assign each color the power and speed from the table.
- 3
Lay the material flat and in focus and run the test on an offcut. Stay next to the machine for the whole job.
- 4
Cut the outer frame last to keep the finished template. Pick the square with the result you want and use its settings; if none works, repeat with another range.
How to read the results
Cutting test
The first square that drops out cleanly, without staying attached at the corners, shows the minimum combination that cuts through. To be safe, choose a combination one step slower.
Kerf and fit
The 20 mm square gives you the kerf. The slots show which width fits your material exactly, which can differ from the thickness printed on the package.
Frequently asked questions
What is a power and speed test grid?
It is a grid of squares where each one is engraved or cut with a different power and speed combination. Comparing them on your own material shows at a glance which settings give the result you want, without guessing.
Does it work for my 5, 10, 20, 30, 40 or 60 W diode laser?
Yes. Choose your machine's optical power (or enter another) and the tool suggests a speed range to start with. A more powerful machine can go faster for the same result, but the exact value depends on focus, lens condition and material, so testing is always worthwhile.
How many passes do I need to cut my material?
It depends on power, focus and thickness. The cutting test lets you compare which combination cuts through in one pass and which needs more; if none does, repeat with more passes or a lower speed.
What is kerf and how do I measure it with this tool?
Kerf is the width of material the laser removes when cutting. Cut the 20 mm square from the kerf test, measure it with calipers and enter the size: the tool works out the difference from the 20 mm drawn.
Can I import the file into any laser software?
The SVG is in millimeters and uses one color per combination, which most laser software understands; it does not store power or speed, so you enter them by assigning each color the settings from the table. If your software opens .lbrn2 projects, download that file: it has one layer per test with its power, speed and passes already set.
Are the suggested values safe?
They are general estimates to get you started, not manufacturer data. Always test on an offcut, with proper eye protection, good ventilation and without leaving the machine unattended.
What is the outer frame of the template for?
It carries the title, power, material and thickness engraved at the top. If you cut it last, you end up with a finished piece with all the tests done, which you can keep with your material as a reference for future jobs.