The ramp test is useful in finding the ideal focus for your laser and your material.
While autofocus is the simpler route, some older models do not come equipped with it or you may be looking to purposely un-focus the beam for certain effects on your projects.
To set this up you will need:
-A flat piece of material (Ideally of similar stock to what you work with, if not then a piece of wood will work)
-Something sturdy to prop up one end of it.
-A ruler, ideally with inch measurements.
Set up the material in the workspace and prop up one side of it. Whatever you choose to prop it up with should be sturdy and not raise the material outside of the upmost retraction of the laser head. Or if it does, ensure that you start the laser where it can fit.
Then open the Retina Engrave software and make a straight line. It's ideal to set this line to run as a vector so you can get a clear idea of the result.
Run the job and the laser will burn along the angle you've set up.
Then without removing the material, inspect it in the workspace. Feel free to move the gantry and laserhead out of the way.
If you're testing for the best focus- which point on the line looks as clear and crisp as you desire?
Once you figure it out you can mark it with a pen and then align your laser head to be placed atop it.
If you don't have autofocus or are trying to figure out what your focus distance is, then measure from where the lens sits in the laser head to the material. This will give you your focus distance and an idea of the lens size.
If you do have autofocus then measure from the material to the tip of your nose cone. This will give you the retract distance in your settings.
Still having Issues?
Please create a Support Ticket by using the button below or sending an e-mail to support@fslaser.com stating you've done all previous troubleshooting steps.
- When submitting via an e-mail you may attach any pictures, videos and project files needed for support to see.
- When submitting a ticket using the button below please either respond to the automated generated email stating we have received the ticket with your pictures, videos and project files or upload these to a Google Drive or Dropbox folder and include this link within the support ticket "Your Issue" dialog upon creation.