Laser Cutting and Engraving from CAD

Use vector paths for outlines and raster scans for filled marks

A vector operation follows lines and curves. A raster operation scans across an area to make a surface image or filled mark.

A vector path can cut through a sheet or make a shallow score, depending on the material and settings. Raster engraving typically changes the surface without cutting out the part. A bitmap picture of an outline is not automatically a usable vector cutting path.

Practice choosing cut or engrave

Offset the path toward the waste by half the kerf

Kerf is the width of material removed by a cut. In the simple model below, the laser follows the center of a constant-width kerf. Half the removed width lies on each side of the path.

For an outside part boundary, move the path outward by kerf / 2. For an opening, move the path inward toward the material being removed. Without compensation, a cutout part becomes smaller and a hole becomes larger.

For a desired outside width W, the path-to-path width is W + k, where k is kerf. For a desired opening width H, it is H − k. These are whole-width changes; the offset at each edge is only k / 2.

Measure a test cut in the same material and setup. Kerf can vary with thickness, focus, and settings, and cut edges may taper. If software already compensates the path, do not apply the same allowance again. See Tolerances and Fits for fit requirements.

Practice an outside dimension Practice an opening

Treat power, speed, and pulse settings as a matched setup

Power controls laser output; speed controls how quickly the spot travels. With other conditions held fixed, higher power or slower travel generally puts more energy into a length of cut. That can also increase scorching or melting rather than improve the edge.

Frequency or pulse settings control how pulses are delivered. Controls may use pulses per second, pulses per distance, or a machine-specific scale; read the manual's definition. A percentage from one machine is not a transferable recipe for another.

Use the posted procedure and the manufacturer's starting settings for the exact machine, material, and thickness. Confirm the result on an approved test piece. Check that the cut separates and that engraving is readable before running the complete job.

Manufacturer guidance for selecting a starting setup

Epilog's material settings guidance treats its recommendations as starting points. A settings table cannot identify an unknown sheet or replace approval for a material.

Confirm the material and stay with the operating laser

Only process materials approved for that machine. Suitable grades of wood and acrylic are common CO₂-laser examples, but coatings, adhesives, thickness, and machine capability matter. A material that can be marked is not necessarily one the machine can cut through.

Do not cut or engrave PVC or vinyl containing PVC. Do not guess the identity of an unknown plastic. Never leave an operating laser unattended. Use the required extraction and follow the machine procedure for a flare-up or other abnormal condition.

Use Equipment Operating Procedure, Fire Safety, and Personal Protective Equipment for the shared safety rules.

Manufacturer safety reference

Epilog's Fire Warning (Fusion Ascent manual, p. 1) states the unattended-operation prohibition and warns that PVC produces toxic and corrosive gases. These are process-specific limits, not a claim about this shop's inventory.