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Engraving STL and STEP models on a galvo fiber laser

Short answer: in FocuZ, add a 3D Slice action, import the model (STEP, STL, OBJ or 3MF), size and place it, choose how many slices, and run. FocuZ cuts the model into horizontal layers and marks them one after another, so the laser removes material in the shape of the model — no depth map to prepare.

Step by step

  1. Add a 3D Slice action in the Sequencer and import the model. FocuZ switches to the 3D canvas.
  2. Size and position it. Scale the model to the finished size and set its registration point in the work area. The top of the model is the surface you start marking from.
  3. Choose the slice count from your material removal rate. Each slice removes one layer of material. To find how deep that is, run a test area with your settings for many passes (say 50 or 100), measure the depth and divide it by the number of passes — that's your depth per pass (0.50 mm after 50 passes = 0.01 mm per pass). With one pass per slice, set Slices/mm to 1 ÷ that depth (100 in the example) and the # of Slices follows the model's height. More, thinner slices give smoother slopes.
  4. Add a perimeter if the model sits inside a pocket. A perimeter bounds the area carved around the model — for example a circle for a coin background. Choose Hull to follow the model's own footprint.
  5. Set the fill. A line fill with Auto Rotate turns the angle on every slice so the patterns don't stack into ridges.
  6. Trace, then run. Trace to check placement on the part, then press Run. Slices mark top to bottom; check Inverse to mark from the floor up.

Tips for clean results

  • STEP or STL? With a STEP file there's no need to worry about the model being watertight — it's a true solid. An STL (or other mesh) can show micro-faceting if the model doesn't have enough polygons; export it with a finer mesh for smooth curves.
  • Fill Through fills the mesh or solid down to the workspace, eliminating any undercuts. Respect holes keeps through-holes empty.
  • Z+ Offset includes space above the model, in mm or in slices.

Why slice instead of using a depth map?

A depth map encodes height as gray levels in an image, which limits how smooth slopes can be. Slicing works from the model itself — see Staircase lines in fiber laser relief engraving: slicing vs depth maps.