If you're a laser enthusiast, maker, or small business owner, dialing in the perfect laser settings is one of the most important steps in achieving flawless results. This is where the LightBurn material test card becomes a powerful tool. Whether you're working on wood, acrylic, leather, or any other substrate, a test card helps you identify the best speed and power settings for precise cuts and clean engravings.
In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to set up and run a material test card in LightBurn, especially using a OneLaser XRF desktop machine. You'll learn how to physically set up your laser, connect it to LightBurn, generate and import your test card, and use the results to improve your project quality.
1. What is a LightBurn Material Test Card?
A LightBurn material test card is a matrix of engraved or cut samples with varying power and speed combinations. It gives you a visual and functional representation of how your material reacts under different conditions.
Instead of guessing the settings, the test card lets you compare options side-by-side so you can:
- Prevent overburn or undercut
- Optimize engraving contrast and clarity
- Improve cutting efficiency
- Extend the life of your laser tube
Learn more: How to Set Up a Laser Engraver
2. Step-by-Step: Running a Material Test Card with OneLaser XRF
Step 1: Physical Setup
Before you do anything in LightBurn, you need to get your machine ready:
- Insert your material (wood, acrylic, etc.) flat on the laser bed.
- Use the autofocus function on the OneLaser XRF to position the laser head perfectly over the material. This ensures your cuts are accurate and clean.
Step 2: Connect Your OneLaser XRF to LightBurn
Now let’s connect your machine to LightBurn for the first time:
- Open LightBurn and click on Devices.
- Click Find My Laser and let the software automatically detect your machine via USB.
- Select the device "Ruida 644xG1G (600mm x 300mm) at COM3".
- Name it something memorable like "OneLaser XRF".
- Keep Rear Left as the origin point (this is the default for the XRF).
- Click Finish.
- Select the new device and click Make Default > OK.
You're now connected and ready to go!
Step 3: Open the Material Test Generator
In LightBurn, follow these steps:
- Click on Laser Tools in the top menu > Select Material Test.
- Click Import File.
- Load a pre-made test file (like a 10x10 array of speed/power settings).
- Click Preview to see the toolpath simulation before you start the job.
You can use a standard 10x10 matrix where each cell varies power horizontally and speed vertically, or vice versa.
Step 4: Run the Test Card
Once you're confident with the layout:
- Click Start in LightBurn to begin engraving and cutting.
- The XRF will engrave each label and cut the test array.
- Watch closely to ensure everything is aligned and performing smoothly.
Each square in the array reflects a unique combination of speed and power. For example:
- Top left = high speed, low power (light engraving)
- Bottom right = slow speed, high power (deep engraving or full cut)
Step 5: Evaluate the Results
Once the test is done:
- Examine each cell for quality.
- Check which combo gives you the cleanest edge without overburn.
- Look for sharpness, depth, and contrast depending on your goal (cutting or engraving).
This test is a time-saver. Rather than guess, now you have a visual chart to refer to for future projects.
3. Why It Matters: Speed, Power, and Material Type
Running a material test card lets you balance:
- Speed: Higher speeds = faster jobs, but may result in incomplete cuts.
- Power: More power = deeper cuts, but too much can burn the material.
- Material: Wood, acrylic, leather, and paper all respond differently to the same settings.
Learn more: Laser Engraving & Cutting Chart for Different Materials
Having dialed-in settings means you can reduce:
- Waste from trial-and-error
- Machine wear from inefficient runs
- Downtime from inconsistent results
4. Tips for Better Test Results
- Use a single pass per cut to keep results comparable.
- Label each setting clearly—LightBurn's material test generator automates this.
- Apply masking tape for marking tests on surfaces like stainless tumblers to avoid damaging them.
- Repeat for different materials or finishes you regularly use.
Using a LightBurn material test card with your OneLaser XRF is a smart and strategic step in improving the quality of your laser projects. It helps you work faster, more precisely, and with less guesswork.
Remember:
- Setup is simple with the XRF’s plug-and-play USB detection.
- The autofocus feature ensures accurate z-height alignment.
- Material test arrays give you data-backed confidence in your settings.
Whether you're cutting signs, engraving tumblers, or crafting jewelry, the best results come from dialing in the right parameters first.
5. About OneLaser: Precision Built for Creators
OneLaser is a US-based laser engraving machine company dedicated to innovation, quality, and supporting American makers and businesses.
We offer flexible laser engraver financing via Shop Pay, ClickLease and more, making high-performance tools accessible for all levels.
5.1 OneLaser X Series
OneLaser X Series are perfect for high-precision engraving and ideal for makerspaces, home workshops, and small businesses:
- XRF Model: 38W RF metal tube delivers crisp, fine engravings and supports long-term performance with minimal maintenance.
- XT Model: 55W CO2 glass tube offers powerful cutting capabilities for wood, acrylic, leather, and more.
- Features: 600 x 300 mm workspace, autofocus, red dot positioning, built-in camera, and LightBurn compatibility.
- Great for: Engraving nameplates, signs, and small-scale production with sharp accuracy and clean edges.
5.2 Hydra Series (Optional Mention)
For those expanding into industrial or high-volume production, the OneLaser Hydra Series delivers premium-grade power and flexibility:
- Dual-Laser Configuration: Each Hydra model pairs a 38W RF tube with CO2 glass tubes ranging from 80W to 150W.
- Workspace Sizes: From 700 x 500 mm to 1600 x 1000 mm, suitable for batch jobs, furniture, and signage.
- Advanced Motion Control: Ensures high-speed, vibration-free cutting and engraving.
- Ideal for: Professional engravers, manufacturers, and makers scaling up with consistent, high-quality output across materials.
FAQs
What is a LightBurn material test card?
It’s a grid of test cuts or engravings showing different speed and power settings. It helps you find the best settings for any material.
Why should I run one?
It prevents guesswork, saves material, and improves cut and engraving quality.
Can I reuse settings for different materials?
Not always. Different materials react differently, so you should test each one.
How do I run a test in LightBurn?
Use the Material Test Generator in Laser Tools, adjust settings, and start the job on your connected machine.
Is it compatible with OneLaser machines?
Yes! OneLaser XRF and Hydra Series are fully compatible with LightBurn.
How often should I run a test?
Any time you switch materials, change environments, or after machine maintenance.
We’re here to assist—from setup and operation to finding the best material settings.
