This page describes a laser cutting setting published for HDF at 3 mm, tested on a Monport CO2 60W fitted with a CO2 60W source (10,600 nm CO2, 60 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 cutting setting that works on HDF at 3 mm does not transfer to another thickness, nor to another source. A 10,600 nm CO2 rated 60 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 HDF, then adjust the speed rather than the power. Work with fume extraction and air assist, wear glasses rated for 10,600 nm CO2, and never leave the machine unattended.
Monport offers enclosed CO2 machines (often 40 to 100 W, water-cooled) and fibre markers, priced below the long-established builders. CO2 tubes age: at the same displayed power, a two-year-old machine cuts slower than on day one, which explains many gaps between published settings.
HDF is high-density MDF: same material, compressed further. Harder, smoother and more consistent, it engraves with crisp contrast and cuts with very clean edges — at the cost of higher power needs and heavy smoke.
Allow roughly 10% more power than MDF of the same thickness, or 10% less speed. When engraving, 45% at 2,900 mm/min with a 20 W diode gives a crisp line on the smooth surface.
For cutting, HDF gives remarkably straight edges, but very dark ones: air assist and a single slow pass limit the charring. Two fast passes give a wider, dirtier edge.
Common thicknesses: 2, 3, 4 and 6 mm. 3 mm HDF is the classic support for puzzles, models and painting panels.
Pitfall: the urea-formaldehyde glue in the panel. It smokes heavily, leaves a yellowish film on the lens and gives a persistent acrid smell. Effective extraction is not optional.