Engraving time calculator
Estimate raster laser engraving time from image size, line interval (DPI), speed, overscan and passes, before you start the job.
A raster engraving is a stack of horizontal lines. Enter the image size, the line interval (0.1 mm is about 254 DPI), your engraving speed and the overscan your software adds, and get the number of lines and the time they take.
What decides engraving time
Height sets the number of lines (height ÷ interval); width and speed set each line's duration; overscan adds a run-out on both sides so the head is at full speed over the image. Doubling the resolution doubles the time and rarely adds visible detail past the laser's spot size: a 0.1 mm interval already matches most diode spots.
Ways to cut the time
- Set the interval to the spot size with a little overlap (see the DPI and line interval converter).
- Engrave at the highest speed that still gives the tone you want, then raise power to match.
- Rotate a tall image so its long side is the scan direction: fewer lines, same area.
- Reduce overscan to the minimum your machine needs to reach speed.
Related tools
- DPI ⇄ line interval: DPI, LPI and mm interval, and the interval that matches your spot size.
- Spot size & depth of focus: How small your lens focuses and how much height you have, from wavelength and focal length.
- Rotary attachment calculator: Steps and mm per rotation for roller and chuck rotaries, and the wrap-around width.
FAQ
What does LightBurn call the line interval?
Line interval, in mm, with the equivalent lines per inch shown beside it. 0.1 mm is 254 LPI; 0.0847 mm is 300 LPI.
Why is my real job slower than the estimate?
Acceleration. On short lines the head never reaches full speed, and slower machines add more per line. Raise the turnaround value to match a job you have timed.
Does a photo take longer than a logo?
Not by area: the laser scans every line of the bounding box either way. Your software may skip blank lines at the top and bottom, which this estimate does not.