Laser Cutter Power Setting Calculator

Determine safe power settings based on material thickness and travel speed.

Thickness of material to be cut

Desired laser head travel speed

Power ≈ Thickness * Speed * Constant
3mm wood at 15mm/s suggests approximately 80W power.

Does laser power vary by material?

Yes, denser materials require more power. Acrylic, wood, and paper all require specific power/speed profiles.

Risk of too much power?

Too much power can burn material, widen the kerf, or lead to charring rather than a clean cut.

What is cutting speed?

Speed is how fast the laser head traverses the path. A balance between speed and power determines the cut quality.