Laser Cutting Speed Converter
Instantly cross-translate standard laser travel speeds between software endpoints (mm/s, mm/min, and inches/min). Essential for migrating LightBurn settings to industrial G-Code.
Travel Feed Velocity
Translated Firmware Values
Example Setup Calculation
Suppose you found an amazing acrylic cutting template online perfectly tuned for a standard CO2 laser at 25 mm/s. But your shop's massive heavy-duty CNC flatbed laser requires its G-Code strictly in Inches Per Minute (IPM).
mm/minute = 1500 mm/min
IPM = 1500 mm/min ÷ 25.4
IPM = ~59.05 in/min
You would enter exactly `F59` or `F59.1` into your shop's CAM post-processor.
Translational Engineering Formulas
Bridging temporal dimensions (seconds vs minutes) and spatial dimensions (imperial inches vs metric millimeters) requires a rigid dual-stage multiplier.
Understanding Optical Laser Speeds
Unlike rigid subtractive machining with physical endmills traversing metal, lasers cut purely by initiating rapid molecular evaporation without any physical friction forces pushing back against the machine. Consequently, the travel speeds attainable by a laser are extraordinarily rapid—often accelerating quickly to 500+ mm/s for raster image engravings.
Translating speeds correctly is completely non-negotiable. If an operator accidentally provides a CNC hardware controller natively expecting mm/min a value crafted safely for mm/s (like `F20`), the laser apparatus will crawl along the carriage at 20 millimeters per entire minute. The intense optical energy dwelling in one static spot for dozens of seconds will instantly ignite wooden/acrylic workpieces into a severe structural fire.
Real World Diagnostic Triggers
Eliminating Corner Char
During complex vector shapes (stars, gears), the gantry violently decelerates physical speed to successfully round a sharp corner. Because the travel speed (mm/s) drops dramatically while laser power remains static, the corners undergo extreme thermal charring. Professionals solve this by programming min/max thresholds translating specific mm/min limits tied mathematically to power voltage reductions.
Upgrading Diode to CO2
A hobbyist transferring from a 10-Watt desktop Diode easily capable of 3 mm/s cutting speed upgrading securely directly to an 80-Watt industrial CO2 gas chassis physically cannot use their old cut sheets. The new immense photon density requires drastically accelerating the hardware safely to 30+ mm/s (or 1,800 mm/min) simply to prevent melting.
Common Laser Reference Speeds (Estimate)
| Operation & Material | mm/s (LightBurn) | mm/min (GRBL) | IPM (U.S Ind) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CO2 Engrave Photo | 300 mm/s | 18,000 mm/min | 708.6 IPM |
| CO2 Score Line (Wood) | 40 mm/s | 2,400 mm/min | 94.5 IPM |
| CO2 Cut 3mm Plywood | 20 mm/s | 1,200 mm/min | 47.2 IPM |
| CO2 Cut 6mm Acrylic | 8 mm/s | 480 mm/min | 18.9 IPM |
| Diode (10w) Cut 3mm Wood | 4 mm/s | 240 mm/min | 9.4 IPM |
| Fiber Laser Etch Metal | 1,500 mm/s | 90,000 mm/min | 3,543 IPM |
*Note: Metrics drastically fluctuate dependent purely upon raw lens cleanliness, air-assist PSI, and true focal distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between mm/s and mm/min?
mm/s (millimeters per second) is typically used for fast laser engraving and diode controllers (like LightBurn). mm/min (millimeters per minute) is typically used by CNC routers and heavier industrial laser firmwares. To convert mm/s to mm/min, just multiply by 60.
Why is my laser burning the wood instead of cutting it?
If the wood is heavily charring or catching fire, your laser head is moving too slowly (low cut speed) or your power is set unnecessarily high. Increasing your speed (mm/s) allows the beam to vaporize the material without soaking surrounding fibers in excess heat.
How many Inches Per Minute (IPM) is 20 mm/s?
First convert mm/s to mm/min (20 × 60 = 1200 mm/min). Then, knowing there are exactly 25.4 mm in an inch, divide by 25.4 to get roughly 47.2 In/Min (IPM).
Why does focal length matter for cutting speed?
A shorter focal length lens (e.g., 1.5") squeezes the laser energy into a tighter, hotter spot, drastically increasing the speed you can cut incredibly thin materials. A longer focal lens (e.g., 4") creates a loose beam that penetrates deeper, requiring much slower speeds for thick acrylic.