Array Test for New Materials

Through array test, we aim to identify optimal settings and parameters for the WeCreat Lasers when working with the new materials in question.

A piece of 3mm stainless steel sheet using 20W vision as an example.

Reference parameter: Power(30%-60%), Speed (10mm/s-50mm/s)

Step1: Switch on your WeCreat Vision.

Step2: Connect WeCreat Vision to your computer by using the USB cable.

Step3: Open the MakeIt software on your computer and click “New Project”. In the top-right corner of MakeIt, check the ‘Connect Device’ and its connection status. If the status is green, the device is successfully connected.

Step4: Place the stainless steel sheet on the laser bed.

Step5: Click on ‘Refresh’, and you will see the actual view of the workspace inside the machine.

Step6: Click the Rectangle icon on the left toolbar, then hold down the shift key with your left hand, hold down the left mouse button with your right hand and drag on the canvas, a square will appear.

NOTE: if the software version is 2.0.8 or above, no need to draw a rectangle. Please proceed to Step 7. 

Step7: Click on ‘Array’ above the canvas, then select ‘Material Testing Array’.

NOTE: for software version 2.0.8 or above, please click toolbar on the left to find this function.

Step8: Enter the maximum and minimum power and speed you want to test, as well as the number of rows and columns, then click confirm.  Or use the defaulted settings. 

Reference parameter for stainless steel sheet: Power(30%-60%), Speed (10mm/s-50mm/s)

Step9: Click on “Auto Focus”, then click “Start”>Send>Press Start button on the machine.

When it completes, you can clearly see what kind of effect is presented by what power and speed. This way, you will know which parameters you want the most.

Important: 

Q: Do I need to choose a material type when doing an array test?

1.No, it’s not necessary to select a material.
  The material test is used to help you find the best power and speed settings for your specific material.
  It’s not directly linked to the preset materials in the software.

2.Avoid changing the material after importing the test array.
If you import the test grid first and then choose a material from the drop-down list, all test squares will be reset to the same default power and speed, which invalidates your test results as shown below:

3. If you prefer to use a material preset, follow this order:

• Select the material first from the drop-down box, then create the test grids.

4. Ungroup Function

You can also Ungroup the array to check or edit each square individually.  After ungrouping, you can even remove or add rows and columns as needed, see the gif.