Uploaded April 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
00:00 - Start
00:06 - Intro
03:02 - Sign Example
04:37 - Sign Parts
08:02 - Score Settings, Why Max and Min power settings matter!
09:47 - Putting it all together!
11:53 - Finished Signs
Understanding Scoring, max and min setting on your laser:
youtu.be/pjud3FHn9H4
In the world of laser cutting, scoring is a technique that can significantly enhance the assembly process of signs. Robert Kofoed from Computer Creations shares his insights on scoring while building a sign for his sister, illustrating how this method can streamline the alignment and assembly of various sign components.
## What is Scoring?
Scoring involves making shallow cuts in a material to create alignment guides for assembly. This technique is particularly useful when working with intricate designs or multiple components, ensuring that everything fits together perfectly without the need for guesswork.
## The Sign Project
Robert's project features a sign that reads "Because I said sew," a nostalgic phrase that resonates with many from the older generation. The sign is designed for his sister, an avid seamstress, and serves as a perfect example of how scoring can simplify the assembly process.
### Components of the Sign
The sign measures 2 inches high by 12 inches wide and includes:
- A painted border
- Cut-out text then painted
- Sublimated pieces made from Unisub hardboard
Robert emphasizes that understanding scoring is crucial for achieving precise placements of these components, particularly the text, which must be accurately positioned to avoid an awkward appearance.
## Using LightBurn for Scoring
To create the sign, Robert utilizes LightBurn, a software that allows for detailed control over laser cutting settings. He explains the importance of setting maximum and minimum power levels for scoring, which can greatly affect the quality of the score lines.
### Scoring Settings
For the scoring layer, Robert uses:
- **Speed**: 300 mm/s
- **Max Power**: 5%
- **Min Power**: 4%
These settings are tailored for a 100-watt Thunder Nova CO2 laser. The difference between max and min power is critical; it helps prevent scorching at the corners of the score lines, which can occur if the minimum power is set too high.
## The Scoring Process
1. **Design Preparation**: Robert prepares the design in LightBurn, ensuring that the scoring layer is clearly defined. He uses color coding for different functions: green for scoring, black for framing, blue for engraving, and red for cutting.
2. **Creating Score Lines**: By offsetting the text slightly inward, Robert generates score lines that serve as guides for placing the sublimated pieces accurately.
3. **Cutting the Components**: The components are cut from True Flat wood, a material Robert has recently started using and appreciates for its quality and ease of cutting.
## Assembly of the Sign
Once all components are cut, the assembly process becomes straightforward:
- **Placement**: Using the score lines as guides, Robert places the text and sublimated pieces onto the backer board.
- **Adhesive Application**: For this project, he opts for CA glue to secure the pieces, although he notes that for larger batches, using 3M adhesive would be more efficient.
- **Final Assembly**: The frame is added last, completing the sign with ease thanks to the prior scoring.
## Conclusion
Scoring is a valuable technique that can simplify the assembly of laser-cut signs, making the process faster and more accurate. Robert encourages anyone working with laser cutting to incorporate scoring into their workflow, as it can save time and improve the overall quality of the finished product.
If you found this information helpful, consider giving a thumbs up or subscribing for more insights into laser cutting techniques. Happy crafting!
00:00 - Start
00:06 - Intro
03:02 - Sign Example
04:37 - Sign Parts
08:02 - Score Settings, Why Max and Min power settings matter!
09:47 - Putting it all together!
11:53 - Finished Signs
Understanding Scoring, max and min setting on your laser:
youtu.be/pjud3FHn9H4
In the world of laser cutting, scoring is a technique that can significantly enhance the assembly process of signs. Robert Kofoed from Computer Creations shares his insights on scoring while building a sign for his sister, illustrating how this method can streamline the alignment and assembly of various sign components.
## What is Scoring?
Scoring involves making shallow cuts in a material to create alignment guides for assembly. This technique is particularly useful when working with intricate designs or multiple components, ensuring that everything fits together perfectly without the need for guesswork.
## The Sign Project
Robert's project features a sign that reads "Because I said sew," a nostalgic phrase that resonates with many from the older generation. The sign is designed for his sister, an avid seamstress, and serves as a perfect example of how scoring can simplify the assembly process.
### Components of the Sign
The sign measures 2 inches high by 12 inches wide and includes:
- A painted border
- Cut-out text then painted
- Sublimated pieces made from Unisub hardboard
Robert emphasizes that understanding scoring is crucial for achieving precise placements of these components, particularly the text, which must be accurately positioned to avoid an awkward appearance.
## Using LightBurn for Scoring
To create the sign, Robert utilizes LightBurn, a software that allows for detailed control over laser cutting settings. He explains the importance of setting maximum and minimum power levels for scoring, which can greatly affect the quality of the score lines.
### Scoring Settings
For the scoring layer, Robert uses:
- **Speed**: 300 mm/s
- **Max Power**: 5%
- **Min Power**: 4%
These settings are tailored for a 100-watt Thunder Nova CO2 laser. The difference between max and min power is critical; it helps prevent scorching at the corners of the score lines, which can occur if the minimum power is set too high.
## The Scoring Process
1. **Design Preparation**: Robert prepares the design in LightBurn, ensuring that the scoring layer is clearly defined. He uses color coding for different functions: green for scoring, black for framing, blue for engraving, and red for cutting.
2. **Creating Score Lines**: By offsetting the text slightly inward, Robert generates score lines that serve as guides for placing the sublimated pieces accurately.
3. **Cutting the Components**: The components are cut from True Flat wood, a material Robert has recently started using and appreciates for its quality and ease of cutting.
## Assembly of the Sign
Once all components are cut, the assembly process becomes straightforward:
- **Placement**: Using the score lines as guides, Robert places the text and sublimated pieces onto the backer board.
- **Adhesive Application**: For this project, he opts for CA glue to secure the pieces, although he notes that for larger batches, using 3M adhesive would be more efficient.
- **Final Assembly**: The frame is added last, completing the sign with ease thanks to the prior scoring.
## Conclusion
Scoring is a valuable technique that can simplify the assembly of laser-cut signs, making the process faster and more accurate. Robert encourages anyone working with laser cutting to incorporate scoring into their workflow, as it can save time and improve the overall quality of the finished product.
If you found this information helpful, consider giving a thumbs up or subscribing for more insights into laser cutting techniques. Happy crafting!
