Cutting .250 MDF on my Roly MK2

[CryoTech]

Still learning on my Roly MK2 (30W) and I have 2 questions.

First question. Trying to cut .250 MDF cored maple. In running the Lightburn material test card, a clean cut occurs at 20 in @ 100% x 7 passes. The edges are a bit charred, but not that bad. Generally speaking, if I am looking for cleaner cuts, is it better to decrease power, or increase speed, or increase passes? Which variable should you try to adjust first?

Second question. I can run a material test card just fine, then make just one adjustment (let’s say power %), re-home the laser, set to current position and rerun the test and the text on the material card won’t print. Some times it prints, sometimes it doesn’t. No problems at all with the cut portion of the test. Any ideas? Thank you.

[LAHobbyGuy]

The LaserMATIC was designed to be used in mm/min (as are all diode lasers) and absolute coordinates, using the front left corner of the honeycomb to position your work. For cleaner edges, you increase speed and passes to get the desired result, or simply wipe the edges of the material with some cleaning vinegar. As far as the text only sometimes outputting, that has to be a user issue. If the layer is turned on, it will output.

[CryoTech]

Thank you for your response Rich! In checking my Lightburn general settings, I did indeed have inches/min selected instead of mm/min. I made the change and hope to get back to my material tests this afternoon to see if this helps.

As to absolute coordinates, I really like this feature and it is the only “start from” position I have been using. However, unless I am missing something, the material test does not allow you to position your work on the work area grid. I guess I thought using “current position” would help me position the material test in “uncut/engraved” areas in an attempt to save or reuse material.

[LAHobbyGuy]

...However, unless I am missing something, the material test does not allow you to position your work on the work area grid. I guess I thought using “current position” would help me position the material test in “uncut/engraved” areas in an attempt to save or reuse material.

The material test allows for exact positioning by adjusting the X&Y coordinates. You can change these to whatever you want and then hit preview to see where it will output on the work bed.

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[CryoTech]

Thank you Rich! Makes total sense. You have been very helpful (as well as others on this forum). I am learning a lot. Appreciate it!