CO2 focus test
CO2 Focus Offset Reference
Use the LightBurn Focus Test coordinate rules and an exportable record to preserve the tested focus position. A lens’s nominal focal length and a signed Z offset are different fields; neither is a universal material preset.
Content reviewed 2026-11-02. Verify the applicability of each source before using a value in a quote.
Input to record
Exact machine/lens, surface position, Z reference mode and datum, machine-approved test range, step count, fixed settings, and inspected line.
Output to carry forward
A reproducible focus record with selected Z, coordinate reference, optical-focus or defocus intent, review status, and re-test conditions.
Focus-test worksheet
Enter your own records. These fields stay in this page until you copy or download them; refreshing clears the draft. Status is a manual shop decision and does not certify a setting.
Use a machine-approved travel range. This page recommends no offset values.
Review the record below before export.
Record: CO2 focus test and offset Status: Draft Machine, controller, and LightBurn version: Not recorded Lens part / nominal focal length and unit: Not recorded Material, surface, actual thickness, and batch: Not recorded Relative Z or material-height reference: Not recorded Starting Z / material-height datum and sign convention: Not recorded Start Z, End Z, Steps, and units: Not recorded Speed/unit, power, and fixed test settings: Not recorded Selected line label / Z position: Not recorded Line-width / appearance result and evidence reference: Not recorded Optical focus or intentional defocus / approved use: Not recorded Reviewer, review date, and re-test condition: Not recorded
Sources and scope
Content reviewed 2026-11-02. A documentation reference supports the stated method or data only; it does not approve settings on another machine.
- LightBurn 2.1 Focus Test
Applies to a motorized Z axis controllable through LightBurn. Explains reference positions, Steps + 1 test lines, the Z increment, and inspecting the thinnest line. No universal offset is specified.
Showing 5 of 5 rows
| Topic | Reference | Shop action | Source | Applicability | Confidence | Reviewed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test availability | LightBurn Focus Test requires a motorized Z axis controllable through LightBurn and enabled Z control. | If unsupported, follow the machine/lens focusing procedure and record that method instead. | LightBurn 2.1 Focus Test — Preparation | The cited LightBurn tool; not all CO2 machines support it. | Documented requirement. | 2026-11-02 |
| Relative Z | With Relative Z moves only, Start Z, End Z, and intermediate heights are relative to the current Z position when testing starts. | Record the starting Z reference and sign convention; a signed number alone is incomplete. | LightBurn 2.1 Focus Test — Setup | Relative Z mode in the cited tool. | Documented coordinate behavior. | 2026-11-02 |
| Material-height reference | Without Relative Z moves only, test Z heights are relative to the Material height entered in Cuts / Layers. | Record entered material height, actual surface position, lens identity, and the tested range. | LightBurn 2.1 Focus Test — Setup | Non-relative configuration; verify exact machine setup. | Documented coordinate behavior. | 2026-11-02 |
| Pattern spacing | Line count = Steps + 1. Height increment = (End Z − Start Z) ÷ Steps. | Store Start Z, End Z, Steps, and units so the selected line can be reproduced. | LightBurn 2.1 Focus Test — Setup | Steps is a positive integer; no range is recommended here. | Documented equations. | 2026-11-02 |
| Inspect and refine | The thinnest engraved line is closest to optimal focal height; a narrower follow-up test can refine the result. | Distinguish optical focus from intentional defocus for a particular fill appearance. Record the inspected result and approved use. | LightBurn 2.1 Focus Test — Interpreting Results | Same lens/setup and documented quality objective. | Documented test interpretation; no universal offset. | 2026-11-02 |
Reference workflow
- Match the job, material, machine head, and quality requirement to a row.
- Confirm the source, review date, and confidence before copying the value into a quote worksheet.
- Use a measured result or current OEM record when the row is marked as required or unverified.