MasterTool

Laser Kerf Calculator

Calculate laser kerf for a maker project.

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What this tool does

Calculate laser kerf for a maker project. External test-part method; inner holes need opposite offset direction. Negative loss indicates measurement or setup mismatch.

How to use the Laser Kerf Calculator

  1. Enter or select nominal test feature width (mm).
  2. Enter or select measured cut part width (mm).
  3. Read the calculated result; change any measurement to compare alternatives.

Formula

total dimensional loss=nominal−measured; per-edge outward offset=loss/2
nominal
Nominal test feature width (mm)
measured
Measured cut part width (mm)

External test-part method; inner holes need opposite offset direction. Negative loss indicates measurement or setup mismatch.

Worked example

For laser kerf calculator, the following measurements illustrate the exact method: Nominal test feature width (mm): 20; Measured cut part width (mm): 19.8.

Inputs

  • Nominal test feature width (mm)20
  • Measured cut part width (mm)19.8

Result

  • Estimated kerf width (mm)0.2
  • Per-edge outward compensation (mm)0.1

Results explained

Estimated kerf width (mm)
Estimated kerf width (mm) from the formula above. External test-part method; inner holes need opposite offset direction. Negative loss indicates measurement or setup mismatch.
Per-edge outward compensation (mm)
Per-edge outward compensation (mm) from the formula above. External test-part method; inner holes need opposite offset direction. Negative loss indicates measurement or setup mismatch.

Frequently asked questions

total dimensional loss=nominal−measured; per-edge outward offset=loss/2

External test-part method; inner holes need opposite offset direction. Negative loss indicates measurement or setup mismatch.

No. Verify against the machine, tool and material manufacturer's instructions, especially for CNC feeds and speeds.

Measure actual material properties and machine usage, rather than relying on nominal default values.

Yes; your project inputs are never transmitted or stored by MasterTool.