I ask LLM for Laser Power Compensation Layer
Why is Dynamic Laser Power Compensation Needed?
Problem
In laser systems with a large working area, uneven power distribution occurs due to:
Optical losses – longer beam paths result in gradual intensity reduction.
(Focus variations – slight deviations in focal distance can affect cutting and engraving efficiency)
Consequences
Inconsistent engraving depth – areas closer to the source burn deeper than those farther away.
Uneven cutting quality – some areas experience excessive burning, while others may not cut through.
Difficult manual correction – users must experiment with settings for different areas of the workspace.
Solution
Automatic power compensation – software adjusts power based on the laser head position.
Power interpolation – compensation applied through a predefined power map or algorithmic correction.
User-defined calibration – manual fine-tuning for specific machines.
Possible Feature Names
"Power Compensation Map"
"Laser Power Calibration Grid"
"Dynamic Power Adjustment"
"Auto Power Correction"
"Beam Power Equalization"
Benefits
✅ Consistent cutting and engraving quality across the entire working area.
✅ Elimination of manual power adjustments, reducing material waste.
✅ Higher precision and repeatability for different materials.
✅ More efficient use of laser power, minimizing excess burning and energy loss.
How could this possibly be solved?
Feature Request: Dynamic Laser Power Compensation in LightBurn
Feature Name: Dynamic Power Compensation (Power Compensation Map)
Goal: Compensate for laser power drop-off based on distance from the starting point to ensure consistent cutting and engraving across the entire work area.
1. Problem
In CO₂ laser systems with large work areas, power loss occurs due to:
Optical losses – the longer the beam path, the lower the effective power.
Minor focus variations, affecting cutting and engraving efficiency.
This results in inconsistent engraving depth and cutting quality, requiring manual power adjustments and increasing material waste.
2. Proposed Solution
✅ Virtual power correction layer – a power compensation map adjusting laser intensity based on distance.
✅ Automatic power interpolation between defined reference points.
✅ Manual calibration options for fine-tuning on specific machines.
3. Implementation
3.1 UI & User Settings
New section in machine settings to enable/disable dynamic power compensation.
Visualization of the power map over the workspace.
Manual adjustment of power values for different areas of the work surface.
3.2 Computation & Application
Power interpolation based on the laser head's distance from the origin.
Automatic G-code power adjustment according to position.
User toggle option to activate/deactivate the function as needed.
3.3 Testing & Optimization
Test patterns to verify power consistency across the workspace.
Comparison with and without compensation to measure effectiveness.
4. Benefits
✅ Consistent cutting and engraving quality across the entire work area.
✅ Reduced need for manual power adjustments between jobs.
✅ Less material waste and increased efficiency.
5. Future Expansion Possibilities
🔹 Adaptive power compensation based on table or laser head height (for potential 3D applications).
🔹 Automated calibration of the power map through test cuts.
This first phase focuses solely on compensating for power drop-off with distance.
Future improvements could expand the system to correct for height variations and integrate automatic calibration.
Would this be useful to other users with large: Z Table or Bed
Would love to hear thoughts from the community and the LightBurn team! 🚀
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