This video goes through my setup and settings for cutting out custom cards from cardstock using the Atomstack A5 M50 Pro diode laser (5.5-watt) and the Lightburn software. For the layouts, I created my card designs using Adobe Illustrator.
I'm using a sheet of blue acrylic beneath the cardstock when cutting it instead of placing it directly on the honeycomb. I've cut out 15 or so cards so far this way, and it has provided the best / cleanest results for me. The blue acrylic absorbs the blue diode laser beam and allows a quick wipe with a paper towel to remove any residue left from cutting the cardstock. When I was placing the cardstock directly on the honeycomb bed, I was getting flare-ups or flashbacks that caused more significant charring on the material no matter what speed and power settings I tried. I will freely admit, the issues could be 100% user error, but I'm happy with the results I'm getting now.
00:00 Intro and Finished Cuts
02:33 Custom Card Layouts in Illustrator
07:15 Starting up in Lightburn
09:00 Import and Trace
11:20 Speed and Power Settings
14:13 Setup for Laser
14:19 Lasering, Go!
16:00 Finished Card
