Features Overview

Rayforge provides a comprehensive set of features for laser cutting and engraving. This section covers all the major capabilities and how to use them effectively.

Operations

Operations define how Rayforge processes your designs. Each operation type is optimized for specific tasks:

• Contour Cutting: Cut along the outline of shapes
• Raster Engraving: Fill shapes with engraving patterns
• Depth Engraving: Create 3D relief effects from images
• Shrink Wrap: Create efficient cutting paths around multiple objects

Workflow Features

• Multi-Layer Operations: Assign different operations to layers in your design for complex workflows
• Holding Tabs: Add tabs to contour cuts to keep pieces in place during cutting
• G-code Macros & Hooks: Automate tasks with custom G-code snippets

Quality Enhancement

• Overscan: Improve engraving quality
• Kerf Compensation: Improve dimensional accuracy

Hardware Integration

• Camera Integration: Use a USB camera for workpiece alignment, positioning, and background tracing

Quick Feature Reference

Feature	Description	Learn More
Multi-Layer Operations	Assign different operations (engrave, cut) to layers	Guide
3D G-code Preview	Visualize toolpaths before sending to machine	UI Guide
Holding Tabs	Auto or manual tab placement for contour cuts	Guide
Overscan	Reduce burn marks at raster engraving endpoints	Guide
Kerf Compensation	Adjust paths to compensate for material removed by laser	Guide
2.5D Cutting	Multi-pass cuts with configurable step-down for thick materials	Operations
Camera Alignment	Position designs using live camera feed	Camera Guide
Path Optimization	Minimize travel time and improve quality	Operations
Variable Substitution	Use variables in macros and hooks	Macros Guide

Best Practices

Operation Selection

• Use Contour for cutting out shapes and profiles
• Use Raster for filling areas with engraving (wood, leather, etc.)
• Use Depth Engraving for 3D effects on materials like acrylic or coated metals
• Use Shrink Wrap when you need to cut around multiple objects efficiently

Layer Organization

Organize your designs by operation type:

1. Layer 1: Engraving operations (run first)
2. Layer 2: Scoring or marking operations
3. Layer 3: Through-cutting operations (run last)

flowchart TD
    A[Design File] --> B{Select Objects}
    B --> C[Layer 1: Raster/Depth<br/>Engraving]
    B --> D[Layer 2: Light Contour<br/>Scoring]
    B --> E[Layer 3: Full Power<br/>Cutting]

    C --> F[Execute in Order]
    D --> F
    E --> F

    F --> G[Material stays in place<br/>during engraving]
    G --> H[Cut free at end]

    style C fill:#e3f2fd
    style D fill:#fff3e0
    style E fill:#ffebee
    style H fill:#e8f5e9

Why this order?

Engraving first prevents the material from moving if it's cut free. Cutting last ensures all other operations complete while the material is secured.

Power and Speed

Start with conservative settings and gradually increase:

• Too fast/low power: Incomplete cuts, light engraving
• Too slow/high power: Charring, melted edges, fire risk

Always test on scrap material first!

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Explore each feature section to learn how to get the most out of Rayforge.