Creating cutting tests is essential for finding the right settings on a laser cutter. Using an xTool makes this even easier. The accompanying Creative Space software has a built-in function for creating test grids. You specify the range within which you want to test, and a grid appears with increasing speed, power, and even the number of passes per square.
How to make a laser cutting test on the xTool:
- Select a Shape
- Enter the Size (e.g. 10 x 10 mm)
- Go to Array > Material test array
- Enter the parameters in the pop-up
- Right-click on the grid and choose Ungroup
- Place the lines in the correct layer: Score / Engrave / Cut
- Let's test it!
Extensive explanation
After opening Creative Space, start by choosing a shape. Give it a size of 10 x 10 mm—small enough to save material, large enough to produce clear results. Then go to Array > Material test array to automatically multiply the shape.
A pop-up will open where you can enter the parameter range. Each box will now have a unique combination of speed, power, and passes. By default, everything is in the Score layer. Right-click the whole thing and choose Ungroup , so you can move the lines and text to the appropriate layers, such as Engrave or Cut . Finally, add a cropping frame with low speed and high power to neatly cut the grid.
Not sure which values to enter? Don't panic – you can hardly do anything wrong. Start with a broad range and refine later. Prefer to work with a ready-made file? These test files will help you get started.
Test files to download
- Wood 0.5 - 3 mm score_0.5-3.0mm_wood.xcs
- Wood 4 - 9mm score_ 4.0-9mm_wood.xcs
- Plastics 0.5 - 3 mm score_ 0.5-3.0mm_plastics.xcs
- Foam 1 - 20mm score_ 1.0-20mm_foam.xcs
