Speed Optimization in LightBurn — Cut Order and Travel Reduction
A poorly ordered job can take 40% longer than it needs to — the laser travels long distances between objects unnecessarily. Here's how to optimize.
The Problem
Default LightBurn processes objects in order they were created. The laser head often zips across the whole bed between items rather than working area by area.
Cut Order Optimization
In LightBurn: Optimization Settings (gear icon on Laser panel):
| Setting | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Order by Layer | ON — processes all of one type before moving to next |
| Order by Group | ON — finishes grouped objects together |
| Order by Priority | ON — cut inner shapes before outer |
| Remove redundant moves | ON |
| Reduce travel moves | ON — key setting |
| Choose best starting point | ON |
| Cut inner shapes first | ON — prevents parts falling out mid-job |
Cut Inner First — Critical
Always enable "Cut inner shapes first." If you cut the outer profile before inner holes, the part releases and shifts — ruining all inner cuts.
Order: inner holes → inner pockets → outer profile
Grouping for Efficiency
Group objects that should be cut together:
- Select related objects → Ctrl+G to group
- LightBurn will complete the group before moving elsewhere
Testing Optimization
Use Preview window → enable Show traversal moves (dotted red lines). Count the total travel moves before and after optimization. Difference of 30–50% is common on dense layouts.
Array Layouts
For tiling identical items across a sheet:
- Edit → Grid Array to duplicate your design in a grid
- LightBurn auto-routes between copies efficiently
- Consistent spacing = consistent cut quality across the sheet
Speed vs Quality Tradeoff
- Very high speeds (5000+ mm/min) reduce mark darkness and can cause motor vibration artifacts
- Sweet spot for Ray5 engraving: 2000–4000 mm/min depending on material
- Cuts: limited by physics of material, not optimization