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Laser Settings

The Laser page in Machine Settings configures your laser head(s) and their properties.

Laser Settings

Laser Heads​

Rayforge supports machines with multiple laser heads. Each laser head has its own configuration.

Adding a Laser Head​

Click the Add Laser button to create a new laser head configuration.

Laser Head Properties​

Each laser head has the following settings:

Name​

A descriptive name for this laser head.

Examples:

  • "10W Diode"
  • "CO2 Tube"
  • "Infrared Laser"

Tool Number​

The tool index for this laser head. Used in G-code with the T command.

  • Single-head machines: Use 0
  • Multi-head machines: Assign unique numbers (0, 1, 2, etc.)

Maximum Power​

The maximum power value for your laser.

  • GRBL typical: 1000 (S0-S1000 range)
  • Some controllers: 255 (S0-S255 range)
  • Percentage mode: 100 (S0-S100 range)

This value should match your firmware's $30 setting.

Frame Power​

The power level used for framing operations (outlining without cutting).

  • Set to 0 to disable framing
  • Typical values: 5-20 (just visible, won't mark material)
  • Adjust based on your laser and material

Spot Size​

The physical size of your focused laser beam in millimeters.

  • Enter both X and Y dimensions
  • Most lasers have a circular spot (e.g., 0.1 x 0.1)
  • Affects engraving quality calculations
Measuring Spot Size

To measure your spot size:

  1. Fire a short pulse at low power on a test material
  2. Measure the resulting mark with calipers
  3. Use the average of multiple measurements

See Also​