Discover how to Master Basswood Laser Engraving!

Welcome to our latest “Material Minute” episode! In this post, we explore how the Monport Onyx laser engraver performs on 2mm basswood. Whether you’re a laser engraving enthusiast or just getting started, this test provides valuable insights to help you achieve clean, precise results. Scroll down to watch the full video and see detailed results with settings that you can replicate on your machine.
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Setting | Value |
Material | 2mm Basswood |
Power | 20% to 100% |
Speed | 50 mm/s to 500 mm/s |
DPI | 254 |
Line Interval | 0.1 mm |
Air Assist | 5 PSI |
Frequency | 20 kHz |
Passes | 1 |
Final results of engraving test on 2mm basswood.


Analysis & Observations for Engraving 2mm Basswood
Optimal Power and Speed Settings:
From the grid, power between 40% and 70% with speeds in the range of 200-350 mm/s seems to produce clean and well-defined engravings without excessive burn or incomplete marks. The higher speed values (400-500 mm/s) show lighter engraving, suitable for delicate details or shallow cuts.
Burning and Over-Engraving:
At power levels above 80% and lower speeds (e.g., 50-150 mm/s), significant overburn is visible, creating darker and less precise engravings. These settings may not be ideal for detailed work.
Engraving Depth and Consistency:
The mid-range power and speed settings result in balanced depth and consistent engravings, ideal for projects requiring fine detail on 2mm basswood.
Air Assist Impact:
The use of 5 PSI air assist appears to have minimized excessive scorching around the engraved areas, leaving a clean surface finish. This setup is effective for reducing debris and improving precision.
Line Interval and DPI:
The 0.1 mm line interval and 254 DPI setting produce high-resolution engravings with clear grid distinctions, demonstrating the Monport Onyx’s capability for detailed work.
Based on our test, the most effective settings for 2mm basswood engraving are:
- Power: 40%–70%
- Speed: 200–350 mm/s
- DPI: 254
- Line Interval: 0.1 mm
- Air Assist: 5 PSI
- Frequency: 20 kHz
These settings provide a perfect balance between depth and clarity, ensuring precise engravings without overburn. Adjust these parameters slightly based on your desired outcome or specific project needs.
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