Material Test
Generate a configurable two-parameter test grid on scrap material.
The Material Test generates a grid of sample cells whose values change across two axes. Use it to compare a known-safe range for one machine, material batch, and operation.
When it opens
Menu: Laser Tools → Material Test.... The dialog uses the shared Quality Test Shell.
The default configuration is a 5 × 5 grid with X axis = Power and Y axis = Speed.
Material preset picker
The optional preset picker seeds the test's primary sample entry. Applying a preset is transient: it updates the dialog values but does not modify a project layer or the saved preset.
Recipe controls
Recipes store complete Material Test configurations for reuse.
| Control | Effect |
|---|---|
| Load | Loads the selected recipe into the dialog. |
| Delete | Deletes the selected recipe. |
| Save Recipe | Saves the current configuration under the entered name. |
| Import | Imports recipe JSON. |
| Export | Exports recipe JSON. |
Axis editors
The X and Y editors each provide:
| Field | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Param | select | Speed / Power / Interval / Passes. |
| Count | integer, 1–10 | Number of cells along that axis. |
| Min / Max | number | Endpoints in the units appropriate to the selected parameter. |
Speed uses the current Display Unit and Speed Time Unit. Interval uses the current Display Unit. Passes is rounded to an integer of at least 1; Power is limited to 0–100.
Sample operation and base values
| Field | Notes |
|---|---|
| Operation | Fill / Line / Cut / Score / Offset Fill. |
| Base Speed | Used when Speed is not swept. |
| Base Power | Used when Power is not swept. |
| Base Passes | Used when Passes is not swept. |
| Base Interval | Available for raster-capable operations and used when Interval is not swept. |
Selecting a vector operation disables an Interval axis and changes that axis back to Speed.
Geometry, labels, and placement
| Field | Notes |
|---|---|
| Cell Width / Height | Per-cell dimensions in the current Display Unit. |
| Cell Spacing | Gap between cells. |
| Text Labels | Adds value labels using the configured text speed and power. |
| Border | Adds an outer border using the configured border speed and power. |
| Use Absolute Center | Places the grid around the entered Center X / Y workspace coordinate. |
The defaults are 10 × 10 mm cells, 4 mm spacing, with labels and border enabled.
Actions
The Quality Test Shell provides Close, Preview, Frame, Start, and Save G-code. During a live test, Start changes to Pause or Resume, with Stop beside it.
Preview checks generated geometry and configured bed bounds. Frame checks the live footprint on the secured scrap. Begin with manufacturer guidance or an earlier known-safe bracket, enable required ventilation and eye protection, and never leave the running test unattended.