Laser Cutter: Focus Ramp Tests

A few ramp tests with various Focus Distance + Home Offset settings as noted:

The bottom test was at 15 mm, which (contrary to previous estimates) seems to center the narrow band round 0.0 mm. Given the depth of field, a millimeter one way or the other likely doesn’t matter, particularly given the mmm lack of flatness in many materials.

The controller settings making it happen:

What they mean:

• Home Offset = distance to retract after the autofocus “pen” = switch activates so the tip of the pen clears the material
• Focus Distance = distance beyond Home Offset to put the focal point at the surface of the material (or wherever you want)
• Enable Homing = makes autofocus work at the push of a button
• Homing Speed = how fast the platform moves while focusing

Getting the focus right really makes the laser cut like it should!