The two primary "knobs" on a laser system. While they seem independent, they combine into a single physical reality: Energy Density.
Material:Standard Target
Hardware:5W IR Laser
Settings:30% Power · 500mm/s · 333 LPCM
The Master Variable
J/mm²: The Thermal Dose
Every material has a threshold where it reacts to heat. To reach that threshold, you must deliver a specific amount of energy per unit of area ($J/mm^2$).
0.33
Joules / mm²
Power (%)30%
Speed (mm/s)500 mm/s
Scan Density (LPCM)333 LPCM
The Reciprocal Rule: If you double your speed, you must double your power to maintain the same energy density. If you halve your density (LPCM), you must halve your speed to compensate.
Equivalent Doses
High Speed Scenario
100% Power @ 1000 mm/s
Low Speed Scenario
10% Power @ 100 mm/s
* Both scenarios deliver the exact same Joules per mm², though the material might react differently due to thermal conduction time.