Best Practices for using Auto Focus on a Nova Series Machine

Best Practices for using Auto Focus on a Nova Series Machine

This article covers the best practices for using Auto Focus on your Nova Series machine.


When to NOT use Auto Focus:

1. Rotary jobs - The shape of the rotary machine and tumblers do not work with the sensors
2. If not using the stock 2" head. Auto Focus does not work with the 4", HR or any other head that is not the stock Thunder 2" laser head
3. Odd shaped objects that have varying thicknesses or are warped\wavy. Either adjust the object or use manual focus in the local area you wish to engrave

Auto Focus Constraints:

1. Auto Focus will only lower the bed down ~3/8" before aborting the routine. If you place a thick piece of material on the bed, you should lower the Honeycomb Bed so that the object is below the Auto Focus sensors before performing an Auto Focus
2. Materials with clear properties(Acrylic,Glass, etc) should have their edges taped so that the light cannot pass through the material.
3. Do not leave the area when doing an Auto Focus. Be ready to shut the machine down if a crash is imminent. Preventing & Recovering From A Head Crash
4. Minimum object size in the Y Direction: 1.5"
5. Minimum object Thickness (Z direction): 1/8th "


What to do before you press the Auto Focus Button

1.  Return the laser head to the upright and locked position so that there is no gap between the stop ring and the lens holder assembly.



2. Use the HOME button in the Lightburn Laser window to send the laser to the top left of the machine. The laser head does not need to be over the top of the material for the Auto Focus routine.


3. Place the material so that it will actually block the light path from the Left Sensor to the Right Sensor




Q. How many ways can you initiate an Auto Focus?

Answer: At least 3
1. Auto Focus Button under the MENU


2. Focus Z button in the Lightburn MOVE tab


3. Keyboard Shortcut - Alt+Shift+Z


Reference Articles:


    • Related Articles

    • Nova Series Users Manual

      For Thunder Laser USA support please email support@thunderlaserusa.com

    • Nova Series Auto Focus 101

      Also be sure to see our head overview article: Nova Series Overview - Heads, Optics, Focus

    • How to Manually Focus

      Manually Focusing Your Laser While the autofocus is convenient there are many reasons to manually focus.. In many cases it is quicker and sometimes even more accurate than using Autofocus. The following video will walk you through how to manually ...

    • Best Practices For Utilizing Remote Support

      This is a crash course on how to navigate the resources available as well as get your issue resolved in the most efficient, expeditious manner. Here are the best practices for getting effective support: Thunder Laser Warranty Issues If your Thunder ...

    • Nova Series Overview - Heads, Optics, Focus

      This is an overview on the Thunder Laser USA Nova series head, optics, focus, etc... And be sure to have a look at how to use the Auto-Focus: Nova Series Auto Focus 101