Kerf gauge with setting data

thingiverse

Laser Cutter Kerf Gauge! This gauge is used to determine the kerf when laser cutting, which equals the material cut away by beam thickness. 1) PMMA (Acrylic) pieces, 2 mm thick, cut with varied parameters. First: 15 mm/s cutting speed, 25% power (150 watts x 25% = 37.5 watts). Result: A kerf of 0.007 in or 0.175 mm. 2) The second had a 15 mm/s cutting speed and 20% power (150 watts x 20% = 30 watts). This resulted in a kerf of 0.005 in or 0.125 mm. 1) Masonite, 3.1 mm thick, also produced notable results. 2) With a 15 mm/s cutting speed and 35% power (150 watts x 35% = 52.5 watts). The resulting kerf measured 0.003 in or 0.075 mm. For future reference, I marked the kerf with a pen, then saved each piece and stored them in a plastic pocket within a book cover. Now, when reviewing my work, I can assess cut quality, burn marks, and more. A zip file containing DXF files and Solidworks 2015 files is included for convenience. Special thanks to elplatt for the inspiration; their idea was executed with personal flair.