This page describes a laser engraving setting published for Hêtre at 3 mm, tested on a Aeon Laser Mira 9 fitted with a CO2 80W source (10,600 nm CO2, 80 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 Hêtre at 3 mm does not transfer to another thickness, nor to another source. A 10,600 nm CO2 rated 80 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 Hêtre, 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.
Aeon Laser makes enclosed, water-cooled CO2 machines aimed at professional workshops: larger bed, honeycomb table and serious extraction. On these machines the rated tube power is genuinely available, which makes cutting speeds far higher than a diode at the same thickness.
Beech is a hard wood with a very fine, even grain: the best solid wood for detailed engraving, especially on turned objects, handles and toys.
Unlike oak, beech has almost no hard/soft alternation: engraving is remarkably even, which allows clean photographic gradients.
It is dense: expect more energy than plywood, and accept that a 10 W diode only reasonably cuts up to 3 or 4 mm.
Steamed (pinkish) beech engraves darker than white beech: two similar-looking boards can give two different contrasts, so test first.
Ordinary wood fumes, extraction needed. Beech moves a lot with humidity: a thin laser-cut piece can warp within days if not stored flat.
Pale beech shows smoke halos clearly: masking tape is strongly advised. Hard wax oil darkens the engraving and gives a warm look, well suited to handled objects.