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Concepts

This section explains fundamental concepts for understanding laser cutting and engraving with Rayforge.

Why Read This Section?

Understanding the underlying concepts helps you:

  • Make better decisions about settings
  • Troubleshoot problems independently
  • Optimize quality and efficiency
  • Understand why things work the way they do

Core Concepts

Understanding Operations

Learn what operations are and when to use each type.

Topics covered:

  • Contour vs Raster vs Depth operations
  • When to use each operation type
  • How operations process geometry
  • Operation execution order

Read this if: You're confused about which operation to choose, or want to understand how Rayforge generates toolpaths.

Coordinates and Origin

Understand how Rayforge handles coordinate systems and positioning.

Topics covered:

  • Job origin vs machine origin vs workpiece origin
  • Coordinate transformations
  • Absolute vs relative positioning
  • Common coordinate-related mistakes

Read this if: Your jobs appear in the wrong position, or you don't understand how positioning works.

Power vs Speed

Learn the relationship between laser power, cutting speed, and material interaction.

Topics covered:

  • How power and speed affect cutting
  • Multi-pass strategies for thick materials
  • Finding optimal settings
  • Reading burn marks and adjusting

Read this if: You're struggling to find the right settings for your material, or cuts aren't going through.

G-code Basics

Understand what G-code is and how Rayforge generates it.

Topics covered:

  • What is G-code and how it controls machines
  • Common G-code commands explained
  • How Rayforge generates G-code from operations
  • When and how to edit G-code manually

Read this if: You want to understand the output, customize G-code, or troubleshoot machine behavior.

Laser Safety

Essential safety practices for laser cutting and engraving.

Topics covered:

  • Eye safety and laser classes
  • Material hazards (never cut PVC!)
  • Fire prevention and emergency procedures
  • Proper ventilation and PPE
  • Emergency stop procedures

Read this if: You're new to laser work, or want a safety refresher. Everyone should read this.

Learning Paths

For Beginners

  1. Start with Laser Safety - Mandatory
  2. Read Understanding Operations - Understand what operations do
  3. Read Power vs Speed - Learn to find settings
  4. Skim Coordinates and Origin - Know it exists for troubleshooting
  5. Skip G-code Basics for now - Come back when curious

For Intermediate Users

  1. Review Laser Safety - Refresh your knowledge
  2. Deep dive into Power vs Speed - Optimize your workflow
  3. Read Understanding Operations - Master operation selection
  4. Study G-code Basics - Understand the output
  5. Read Coordinates and Origin as needed

For Advanced Users

  1. All articles - Deep understanding enables creative solutions
  2. Focus on G-code Basics - For customization
  3. Master Coordinates and Origin - Complex positioning
  4. Use Power vs Speed - Material science optimization

Complementary Resources

Practical Guides

Once you understand the concepts, apply them:

Reference Documentation

Look up specific details:

Feature Documentation

Learn about specific features:

How to Use This Section

Quick Reference

Jump directly to the concept you need - each article is self-contained.

Sequential Reading

Read in order for a structured learning experience:

  1. Laser Safety (essential)
  2. Understanding Operations
  3. Power vs Speed
  4. Coordinates and Origin
  5. G-code Basics

Problem-Driven Learning

Use the index to find concepts relevant to your current problem:

  • Job in wrong position? → Coordinates and Origin
  • Not cutting through? → Power vs Speed
  • Wrong operation type? → Understanding Operations
  • Customize G-code? → G-code Basics

Contributing to Concepts

Found an explanation unclear? Have a better way to explain something?

Help improve the documentation:

  1. Click "Edit this page" at the top
  2. Make your improvements
  3. Submit a pull request

Or open an issue on GitHub with suggestions.

Glossary

Quick definitions of key terms:

Operation - A processing step that converts geometry to toolpaths (Contour, Raster, etc.)

Toolpath - The actual path the laser head follows

G-code - Machine control language that tells the controller what to do

Origin - The reference point (0,0) for positioning

Power - Laser intensity, typically 0-100%

Speed - How fast the laser head moves, in mm/min

Feed rate - Same as speed (CNC terminology)

Workpiece - An imported shape or image

Layer - A container for workpieces with a workflow

Workflow - The operation and transformers applied to a layer

For more terms, see the full glossary (if available) or search the documentation.