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Lead-In / Lead-Out

Lead-in and lead-out moves extend each contour path with short zero-power segments before the cut starts and after it ends. This gives the laser head time to reach a steady speed before the actual cutting begins and to slow down gradually after the cut finishes, which produces cleaner results at the start and end points of each cut.

How It Works​

When lead-in/out is enabled, Rayforge looks at the tangent direction of each contour path at its start and end points. It then inserts a short straight move at zero laser power along that tangent before the first cutting point and another after the last cutting point. The laser is off during these extra segments, so no material is removed outside the intended path.

Settings​

Enable Lead-In/Out​

Turns the feature on or off for the operation. When disabled, cutting begins and ends exactly at the path endpoints with no extra approach or exit moves.

Automatic Distance​

When this option is enabled, Rayforge calculates the lead-in and lead-out distance automatically based on the cutting speed and the machine's acceleration setting. The formula uses a safety factor of two to ensure the laser head has enough room to reach full speed. Whenever you change the cutting speed or the machine's acceleration is updated, the distance is recalculated.

Lead-In Distance​

The length of the zero-power approach move before the cut starts, in millimeters. The default is 2 mm. This field is only editable when automatic distance is turned off.

Lead-Out Distance​

The length of the zero-power exit move after the cut ends, in millimeters. The default is 2 mm. This field is only editable when automatic distance is turned off.

When to Use Lead-In/Out​

Lead-in/out is most helpful when you notice burn marks, over-burning, or inconsistent cut quality at the start and end points of your contours. The zero-power approach gives the machine time to accelerate to cutting speed so that the laser reaches the material at full velocity, and the zero-power exit lets it decelerate smoothly instead of lingering at full power on the last point.

It is available as a post-processing option on contour, frame outline, and shrink wrap operations.