This page describes a laser engraving setting published for Érable at 3 mm, tested on a Mecpow X4 Pro-40W fitted with a Diode 40W source (445 nm blue diode, 40 W). It states the exact machine, source, material, thickness and operation of the test; power, speed and number of passes are shown with a Premium pass.
Why those four facts matter: a engraving setting that works on Érable at 3 mm does not transfer to another thickness, nor to another source. A 445 nm blue diode rated 40 W does not deposit the same energy as a stronger module, and the speed has to be adjusted accordingly. Copying a number without checking those four points is the first cause of a ruined part.
Published by LaserSettings (estimation). No other workshop has confirmed it yet: treat it as a starting point, and confirm it from your account if you reproduce it.
No photo comes with this setting yet. If you reproduce it, publish yours from your account: a picture of the result is worth more than a line of numbers.
Recommended routine before running the part: clean the lens, redo the focus, engrave a small test grid on an offcut of the same Érable, then adjust the speed rather than the power. Work with fume extraction and air assist, wear glasses rated for 445 nm blue diode, and never leave the machine unattended.
The Mecpow machines listed here are tied to the source actually fitted to them: that source, not the model name, decides which settings apply. Before reusing this page, check your source's power and validate the values on an offcut of the same material.
Maple is the reference light wood for engraving: almost white, with a very fine and even grain, it gives the strongest contrast of all solid woods. It is the support of choice for plaques, signs and personalised gifts, but its hardness makes it slow to cut.
On maple, engraving marks dark brown on a cream background: the best contrast-to-legibility ratio for fine text. Start at 50% power and 2,600 mm/min with a 20 W diode, and raise the speed if the line digs in.
For cutting, maple resists: dense and resin-free, it wants a low speed. Expect two passes from 5 mm with a diode, one slow pass with a 40 W CO2 or above. Lower the speed rather than adding a pass, to keep the edge light.
The very tight grain avoids striping in solid engraving: one of the few solid woods on which a greyscale photo comes out properly.
Common thicknesses: 3, 5, 8 and 10 mm, plus 15 to 20 mm boards kept for engraving only. Beyond 8 mm, diode cutting loses its point: the edge chars before it goes through.
The main pitfall is reverse contrast: on such a light wood, the slightest soot around the engraving shows. Use air assist, and protect the surface with paper masking tape for solid engraving.