Topic
Modules
Quick tips and guides from the Kinetic Carving knowledge base, most read first.
16 guides
- Modules2 min read
Do I need air assist and fume extraction for a laser on my router, and what are the fire safety rules?
Air assist blows a stream of air at the burn point. Opt Lasers says it helps clear smoke, reduce residue, protect the optics and improve edge quality. J Tech...
- Modules2 min read
Does the Laser Module work with VCarve Desktop and Pro, or only Aspire? (And what is Laser Sketch Engraving?)
The Laser Module is an add-on compatible with Cut2D, VCarve (Desktop AND Pro), and Aspire, any version 11 or newer. It is not edition-gated like gadgets or...
- Modules2 min read
How do I adapt my existing post-processor to support the Laser Module?
Old router-style laser posts will not work correctly with the Laser Module; they used spindle workarounds. Adapting a post takes four changes. For general...
- Modules3 min read
How do I carve with the router and then laser the same piece so everything lines up? (Laser offset and registration)
The laser is bolted beside the spindle, so its beam lands a fixed distance away from the bit in X and Y. If you run laser toolpaths from the router's zero...
- Modules2 min read
How do I laser-engrave on top of a 3D carve so the laser follows the curved surface?
The hybrid CNC-carve-then-laser-detail workflow is one of the Laser Module's best tricks, and the key is the same projection checkbox the V-carve toolpath...
- Modules2 min read
How do I run a laser power and speed test grid, and how do I read it?
Published settings rarely transfer between machines. As an example, Sienci lists 3 mm plywood cutting on its 7 W LaserBeam at 2.2 mm/s, 100% power and 3 passes...
- Modules2 min read
How do I set up my laser as a tool in the tool database (kerf, power, pass depth, Maximum Burn Rate)?
The Laser Module adds laser tool types to the normal Tool Database. On the Laser Cut - Fill and Laser Picture forms, Select Tool opens those stored laser...
- Modules2 min read
How does the Laser Cut and Fill toolpath work (passes, power, and hatch fill options)?
Laser Cut and Fill is the workhorse laser strategy: it cuts through material along vectors or shades enclosed shapes with a stripe pattern.
- Modules2 min read
How does the Laser Picture toolpath work for photo engraving (dithered vs grayscale)?
Laser Picture rasters a selected bitmap with the laser, varying either power or dot density to reproduce the photo's tones.
- Modules6 min read
How does the VCarve Pro & Aspire Laser Module work: toolpaths, power/speed settings, engrave vs cut strategies?
The Laser Module is a paid add-on that adds laser-specific toolpaths alongside the standard CNC toolpaths. The product page says it can be purchased as an...
- Modules2 min read
I bought the Laser Module, so why are the laser toolpaths missing?
The Laser Module is a paid add-on. Its features are not part of the standard install and stay hidden until the module's own license is added on top of your...
- Modules2 min read
Laser focus height and Z on a router: what does the software control and what do I set at the machine?
Focus is a hardware distance between the lens and the work. The software has no focus field. You set the focus distance at the machine, zero Z there, and the...
- Modules2 min read
My laser-cut parts come out the wrong size or the joints do not fit. How do I use kerf compensation?
A laser removes a strip of material as wide as its beam. That width is the kerf. If the beam runs down the center of your line, half the kerf comes off the...
- Modules2 min read
What can a diode laser on my router cut or engrave, and what should I never put under it?
A blue diode laser works by being absorbed. Opt Lasers explains that dark, absorbing materials respond well and that transparent, white or reflective ones let...
- Modules2 min read
What is the Advanced Machining Module - and what is the Drill Bank Toolpath?
The Advanced Machining Module is a paid add-on aimed at production and cabinet work. It adds: 1. Cabinetry-software import: bring in jobs from cabinet design...
- Modules2 min read
Why does my laser burn darker at corners and at the ends of lines? (Laser mode and dynamic power)
A machine slows down for corners and for the turnaround at the end of each raster line. If laser power stays the same while the head slows, that spot gets more...