1.3 Laser Focus

Did You Focus The Laser?

The fastest way to mess up a cut is not focusing the laser.

Out-of-focus beams can make the laser beam overpowered (resulting in flareups) or underpowered (resulting in scored workpieces).

The Importance Of Focus

Precision: A focused laser beam produces sharp, detailed cuts and engravings.
Efficiency: Concentrating the beam's energy makes the process faster and uses less power.
Penetration: A focused beam cuts deeper and more consistently through material.

Heat Control: Focusing limits heat spread, preventing burn damage and creating cleaner edges.
Safety: Proper focus keeps the beam on the intended path.
Equipment Longevity: Less wear and tear on the laser system components when the beam is focused correctly.

How To AutoFocus In LightBurn

Navigate To The Move Menu
Make Sure The Laser Head Is Positioned Over Your Work
Hit Focus Z
Repeat As Many Times As Needed

Video Reenactment

Please

PUT Your Hand On The E-Stop The First Time Running Auto-Z In A Session

Manual Focusing On The Boss

Navigate To The Menu By Hitting Z/U
Hit Enter
Use the < and > keys to raise and lower the bed

The Z-Axis Sensor

The focus height of the Boss is determined by bringing the laser head to the work surface, using that as it's reference point, and raising back up to the correct focal height.

There is a plastic sensor that sits behind the laser head that is a noted weak point of the Boss design.

The Z-Axis Sensor will quickly and easily be destroyed if exposed to flame.

In order to avoid this, it will be required to keep flare-ups to a minimum and will require diligence when dialing in your settings.

Extra Credit

This video dives a bit more into the importance of laser focus and how to focus manual and automatic machines.

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