Power & Speed

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/mm²).

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.