Help Center Getting Started

🚀 Getting Started with LaserSettingsExchange

Welcome to the world's largest community for laser cutting parameters. Here's everything you need to know to get started.

Quick Start Guide

2

Test & Adjust

Always test on scrap material first, then adjust settings based on your laser and results.

3

Share & Rate

Rate the settings you try and share your own successful parameters with the community.

Platform Overview

LaserSettingsExchange is a community-driven platform where laser cutting enthusiasts share tested parameters for different materials, thicknesses, and laser models. Our database contains thousands of verified settings that can save you time and materials while achieving perfect results.

🔍 Browse & Search

  • • Search by material name or type
  • • Filter by thickness and laser model
  • • Sort by rating and popularity
  • • View detailed parameter information

👥 Community Features

  • • Rate and review settings
  • • Comment and ask questions
  • • Follow expert users
  • • Share your own discoveries

Finding the Right Settings

Step 1: Identify Your Material

Before searching for settings, you need to know exactly what material you're working with:

Important: Material Identification

Make sure you know the exact material type and thickness. "Plastic" isn't specific enough - you need to know if it's acrylic, Delrin, ABS, etc.

Step 2: Browse Our Material Database

We have settings for 0+ material configurations. Here are some of our most popular materials:

Cork

0 settings available

View settings →

Delrin (POM)

0 settings available

View settings →

Stainless Steel

0 settings available

View settings →

Anodized Aluminum

0 settings available

View settings →

Felt

0 settings available

View settings →

Step 3: Filter by Your Laser Model

Laser power and characteristics vary between models. Filter settings by your specific laser for the best results:

Popular Laser Models in Our Database:

Ortur Laser Master 3 (20.00W)
0 settings
JPT M7 20W (20.00W)
0 settings
OMTech AF2028-60 (60.00W)
0 settings
OMTech K40 (40.00W)
0 settings
Trotec Speedy 400 (120.00W)
0 settings

Making Your First Cut

🔥 Safety First!

Before cutting any material, read our safety guide and ensure you have proper ventilation and fire safety equipment.

1. Always Test First

Even with community-tested settings, always do a test cut on scrap material first. Laser power can vary between machines, even of the same model.

Test Cut Best Practices:

  • • Use a small piece of the same material batch
  • • Test in a corner or area that won't affect your final piece
  • • Try a simple geometric shape (square or circle)
  • • Check both cutting and edge quality

2. Adjusting Settings

If the community settings don't work perfectly on your laser, here's how to adjust them:

If the cut is incomplete:

  • • Increase power by 5-10%
  • • Decrease speed slightly
  • • Add additional passes
  • • Check laser focus

If there's too much burning:

  • • Decrease power by 5-10%
  • • Increase speed
  • • Improve air assist
  • • Use masking tape

3. Document Your Results

Keep track of what works for your specific setup so you can replicate successful cuts and help the community by sharing your findings.

Sharing Your Settings

Once you've achieved great results, consider sharing your settings with the community. Your contribution helps other makers and strengthens our database.

What Makes a Good Setting Share?

✅ Include These Details:

  • • Exact material name and supplier
  • • Precise thickness measurement
  • • All laser parameters used
  • • Photo of the results
  • • Any special techniques or tips
  • • Notes about edge quality

❌ Avoid These Issues:

  • • Vague material descriptions
  • • Settings that barely worked
  • • Missing safety warnings
  • • Untested parameter combinations
  • • Poor quality photos
  • • Incomplete information

How to Add a Setting

  1. 1
    Create an account - if you haven't already
  2. 2
    Click "Add Setting" - found in the main navigation or on material pages
  3. 3
    Fill out the detailed form - including all parameters and settings
  4. 4
    Upload a photo - showing the quality of your results
  5. 5
    Add tips and notes - help others succeed with your settings

Next Steps

Need More Help?

Check out our other help topics or reach out to the community.