Laser Contour
A laser contour cuts along a path with the laser, supporting multiple passes with optional Z stepping between them. Like the rotary contour operation it has cut-side and offset settings, plus tabs for keeping parts attached to the stock during through-cuts.
Passes and Z step
Two ways to control how the cut is divided across passes:
- Set Number of Passes for an explicit pass count.
- Set Cut Depth Per Pass for a target depth per pass; the number of passes is then derived from the total depth.
The Z Step controls how far the laser focus drops between passes. With Z Step = 0, every pass runs at the same Z (useful for cutting thicker stock by repetition without refocusing). With a non-zero Z Step, the laser refocuses deeper on each pass.
Cut side
- Outside — beam runs outside the path. Use to cut a part out.
- Inside — beam runs inside the path. Use for holes or openings.
- On Line — beam follows the path exactly, no offset.
Tabs
Through-cuts can leave a part loose. Tabs are short uncut bridges that hold it in place until removal. The Tabs setting can be Off, Auto (count + width + height), or Manual (you place each tab).
Settings
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Power | Laser power, 0-255 (machine-dependent scale). |
| Number of Passes | Total passes; pairs with Cut Depth Per Pass. |
| Cut Depth Per Pass | Material depth to remove per pass, in mm. |
| Z Step | Vertical drop between passes, in mm. |
| Contour Side | Outside, Inside, or On Line. |
| Contour Offset | Extra offset from the path, in mm. |
| Tabs | Off, Auto, or Manual. |
Feed rate comes from the assigned tool preset.
Tool requirement
A laser tool. Rotary tools won't appear in the selector.
When to use
- Cutting out parts from sheet material (acrylic, plywood, leather, etc.)
- Cutting interior holes or openings
- Score-and-snap work where multiple shallow passes are easier on the laser
- Anywhere a contour needs no physical kerf compensation