Diode Laser Settings
Diode lasers use a blue semiconductor module, usually around 450 nm, on an open-frame or enclosed gantry. They are the most common first laser and do their best work engraving wood, leather, and coated or painted surfaces, and cutting thin wood and dark, opaque acrylic.
21 community settings from 3 machines. Select a material for its full settings, notes, and photos.
Diode Laser engraving settings
| Material | Machine | Thickness | Speed | Power | Density | Passes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laserette - Black to SilverLeather | xTool F1 | — | 900 mm/s | 90% | 160 LPCM | 1 |
| Laserette - WhiteLeather | xTool F1 | — | 200 mm/s | 65% | 120 LPCM | 2 |
| Laserette - RawhideLeather | xTool F1 | — | 200 mm/s | 65% | 120 LPCM | 1 |
| Laserette - BrownLeather | xTool F1 | — | 200 mm/s | 65% | 120 LPCM | 1 |
| Laserette - GrayLeather | xTool F1 | — | 200 mm/s | 65% | 120 LPCM | 1 |
| Laserette - NavyLeather | xTool F1 | — | 200 mm/s | 65% | 120 LPCM | 1 |
| Laserette - SageLeather | xTool F1 | — | 200 mm/s | 65% | 120 LPCM | 1 |
| Laserette - HolographicLeather | xTool F1 | — | 200 mm/s | 65% | 120 LPCM | 2 |
| Laserette - Metallic GoldLeather | xTool F1 | — | 200 mm/s | 65% | 120 LPCM | 1 |
| Laserette - Metallic SilverLeather | xTool F1 | — | 200 mm/s | 65% | 120 LPCM | 1 |
| BambooWood | xTool F1 Ultra | — | 350 mm/s | 100% | 160 LPCM | 1 |
| Black WalnutWood | xTool F1 Ultra | — | 400 mm/s | 100% | 160 LPCM | 1 |
| Black WalnutWood | xTool F1 | — | 200 mm/s | 100% | 160 LPCM | 1 |
| Laserette Journal NotebookLeather | xTool S1 | — | 400 mm/s | 20% | 55.12 LPCM | 1 |
| Acacia Cutting Board with Drip Ring and Corner HoleWood | xTool S1 | 12.7 mm | 210 mm/s | 25% | 86.61 LPCM | 1 |
| Acacia Paddle Shaped Cutting BoardWood | xTool S1 | 12.7 mm | 210 mm/s | 25% | 86.61 LPCM | 1 |
| Acacia Wood Cutting BoardWood | xTool S1 | 12.7 mm | 210 mm/s | 25% | 0.05 LPCM | 1 |
| Black/Silver Leatherette JournalLeather | xTool S1 | 19.05 mm | 290 mm/s | 10% | 0.08 LPCM | 1 |
| AcaciaWood - Acacia | xTool F1 | — | 150 mm/s | 100% | 300 LPCM | 1 |
| Vallet BoxWood | xTool F1 Ultra | — | 380 mm/s | 80% | 140 LPCM | 1 |
| Pocket KnifeWood | xTool S1 | — | 210 mm/s | 25% | 210 LPCM | 1 |
What to know about diode laser settings
- Optical vs. electrical watts
- A module sold as "40W" may mean electrical input rather than laser output. Compare settings between machines by optical power, and treat settings from a different module as a rough starting point.
- Color and transparency matter
- Blue light passes through clear and blue materials and reflects off light, shiny surfaces. Diodes can't cut clear acrylic, and white or pale materials often need more power or a darker coating to mark.
- Several passes beat one slow pass
- For thicker wood, multiple faster passes with air assist usually give cleaner edges and less charring than a single slow pass.
- Focus is critical
- Diode spots are larger than CO2 spots, so a small focus error has a big effect. Re-check focus height whenever the material thickness changes.
New to these terms? Read how laser settings work, or convert LPI and line interval with the line density converter.
Before you run these settings
Settings vary between individual machines, even of the same model: lens, focus, alignment, air assist, and the exact material all change the result. Run a small test grid on scrap from the same sheet first, never leave the laser unattended, and never cut PVC or vinyl.