Cut and engrave in mLaser¶
Start every unfamiliar job as a small proof, using a known material and an existing known-good process. Build speed only after the result repeats.
1. Prepare the drawing¶
Remove duplicate lines, open contours, tiny fragments, overlapping geometry, and text that was not converted as required by the export workflow. Export in a format/version mLaser accepts. In mLaser, verify the imported width and height with a known dimension; a unit mismatch can turn millimeters into inches or reverse.
Group geometry by what it must do: engraving/marking, inside cuts, outside cuts, and construction geometry that should not run. Assign distinct layers/colors only if you can verify what process each receives.
2. Select the physical setup¶
Confirm the active laser source, head, lens/nozzle arrangement, gas, and material. A fiber process row must not be assumed correct for CO₂, and vice versa. Inspect the accessible protective window and nozzle; replace damaged consumables instead of tuning around them.
3. Apply a process¶
Choose the Gweike-supplied material/thickness baseline that matches the actual source and gas. Review every layer for speed, power/duty behavior, frequency where applicable, pierce method, focus/height, gas selection, lead-in, and whether output is enabled.
Manual baseline vs workshop result
A parameter library is a starting point. Source power, lens, nozzle, gas delivery, alloy, surface, and machine condition change the result. Record any tested local process under a new descriptive name; keep the factory baseline intact.
4. Order and simulate¶
Run inner features before an outside profile wherever appropriate so the part remains supported. Avoid path orders that cross a released part or repeatedly heat one small area. Use mLaser's sorting and simulation tools, then watch the entire animated path for unexpected travel, duplicated cuts, reversed order, or a layer that never runs.
5. Establish position¶
Choose the intended job origin and understand whether mLaser will use absolute coordinates, a user origin, or current position. Run a no-emission frame and confirm it clears clamps, table edges, gaps, and previous cutouts. See frame and origin.
6. Calibrate and run¶
Calibrate the fitted floating head when the workflow requires it, particularly after a head/nozzle/material change or unexplained height behavior. Start extraction and gas, close every guard, and run a small coupon while remaining present.
Do not look into a cutting reflection or open enclosure. Stop for fire, collision, abnormal sound/sparks, cooling/gas/extraction loss, or any safety alarm.
Engraving differences¶
Engraving usually needs a dedicated layer and deliberate hatch/fill or line strategy rather than a cutting lead-in. Confirm the intended depth and heat input on a coupon. Thin sheet can warp from dense fill; spread passes or adjust the pattern rather than assuming more power is the answer.
Verify the result¶
Measure geometry in both X and Y, inspect both faces, and note the direction of dross or taper. If size is wrong before compensation, use scale and kerf. If the edge or penetration is wrong, follow the cut-quality diagnostic.