Skip to content

Focus Calibration

Calibrating the focus is a fundamental step to ensure the success of your laser cuts. This guide explains the technical importance of this process and how to perform it correctly.

The Importance of Focal Distance

Before the laser reaches your material, it passes through a specialized lens that concentrates the energy into a single, high-intensity point. For the Due Flow to achieve a clean and efficient cut, the distance between this lens and the material surface must be perfectly set. This is known as the ideal focal point.


Figure 1: Visualizing the Focal Point (Coming Soon)

How to Set the Focus

Adjusting the focal height is a quick and vital procedure:

  1. Release the Laser Head: Loosen the mounting screw on the carriage to allow vertical movement.
  2. Use the Calibration Jig: Place the focus tool between the laser head and the material. Adjust the height until the head sits perfectly flush with the tool.
  3. Lock the Position: Tighten the laser head back into place to secure the new focal height.

Video: Focus Calibration Walkthrough (Coming Soon)

Essential Guidelines

  • Avoid Pressure: Do not force the focus tool against the material; it should just touch the surface.
  • Surface Leveling: Always verify that your material is lying completely flat on the workbed.
  • Red Pointer Drift: If you notice the red alignment laser shifts during this process, it may require a quick recalibration.

When to Recalibrate

You should check and adjust the focus every time you switch materials or use a different thickness. Even a small variation can lead to poor results. If your cuts lack their usual precision, the focus should be your first point of inspection.

Signs of Poor Focus

The most reliable indicator of a focus issue is the width of the "kerf" (the cut line).

  • Incorrect Focus: The laser path will appear wide and blurry. This often results in incomplete cuts or heavy charring (burning) on the edges.
  • Correct Focus: The cut line will be razor-thin and sharp.

Figure 2: Comparing Focused vs. Unfocused Cuts (Coming Soon)

Next Steps

Mastering focus is key to professional results. Now that your height is set, proceed to our guide on Material Positioning to start your project.

Need Technical Assistance? If you have misplaced your focus tool or need specific parameters, please reach out to Due Laser Support.