Multi-Pass Laser Cutting
Know exactly how many passes your laser needs for any material thickness
What Are Laser Passes?
A pass is a single trip of the laser beam across your material. Thicker materials often need several passes to cut all the way through. The number depends on your laser wattage, the material and its thickness.
Single Pass
Thin materials
Double Pass
Standard depth
Triple Pass
Thick materials
Multi Pass
Very thick or dense
Passes by Material and Wattage
| Material | Thickness | 40W | 60W | 80W+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cast acrylic | 3 mm | 1-2 | 1 | 1 |
| Cast acrylic | 6 mm | 2-3 | 1-2 | 1 |
| Plywood | 3 mm | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| MDF | 6 mm | 2-3 | 1-2 | 1 |
| Plywood | 6 mm | 3-4 | 2-3 | 1-2 |
| Veg-tan leather | 2-3 mm | 1-2 | 1 | 1 |
Wattage safety note
Values are starting points and vary by machine, lens and focus. Always test on scrap. If a cut is not through after 4-5 passes, you have likely reached your laser’s limit, so do not keep pushing it.
Why Multiple Passes Help
Heat distribution
Spreads heat and reduces charring on sensitive materials.
Clean edges
Two gentle passes often beat one aggressive pass.
Tube longevity
Running at 70% power over several passes is easier on the tube.
Less burning
Faster speed with more passes reduces burn marks.
Pro Tips
- Use masking tape on acrylic to avoid melt marks.
- Check focus before every job; focus drift ruins multi-pass alignment.
- Keep air assist on to clear debris and cool the cut.
- Never move the material between passes.