A 10W setting is not a formula for a 20W module. The percentage shown in software is a command within that machine’s power range, not a universally calibrated optical-watt reading.
A new module can differ in optical output, firmware scaling, spot shape, focus, cooling, carriage mass, and useful motion range. Retest the process on representative scrap instead of mechanically doubling or halving the power percentage.
A Power Percentage Is Not Optical Energy
A setting such as 50% means a command within the selected device and controller. It does not automatically mean that every machine is delivering the same optical power at 50%.
Differences can arise from:
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Module efficiency.
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Actual maximum command.
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Firmware or controller scaling.
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Drive current and thermal state.
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Optics and beam compression.
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Power measurement method.
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Device profile and S-value configuration.
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Focus and material distance.
LightBurn explains that its S-Value Max setting must match what the controller expects. A mismatch can cause the software and controller to interpret power commands differently, so the percentage alone cannot establish output across machines. LightBurn device settings documentation
Do not convert a 10W setting with a universal ratio such as “use half the power on a 20W.” That might be a rough experiment for one documented setup, but it is not a validated transfer rule.
Also distinguish electrical input from optical output. A product’s advertised wattage, module rating, controller command, and measured beam output are separate claims unless the exact source defines their relationship.
Spot Shape and Motion Change the Result
A different module can change the spot dimensions, focus procedure, beam shape, cooling requirement, carriage mass, and useful speed. Those changes affect energy distribution and edge shape even when two modules are described as 10W and 20W.
Check:
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Focus reference and focal range.
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Spot shape and visible edge width.
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Lens or protective-cover configuration.
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Module mounting height.
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Air assist and cooling.
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Carriage or gantry response.
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Belt and frame condition.
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Machine profile and controller behavior.
A 20W module may deliver more energy, but that does not mean it can use the 10W file unchanged or that a simple power reduction will reproduce the old mark. Focus and spot differences can change line width, fine detail, kerf, contrast, and cut-wall condition.
Do not replace a module and immediately run a valuable production file. Re-establish focus, verify the machine profile, and run a controlled test on suitable scrap.
Separate Marking, Engraving, and Cutting Goals
Define what the old result actually achieved:
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A surface mark.
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A controlled engraving depth.
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A complete cut.
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A coating removal.
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A visible contrast change.
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A through-cut with acceptable edge condition.
Each goal needs a different transfer coupon and acceptance rule. A setting that reproduces a dark mark may be unsuitable for cutting. A setting that cuts through may damage fine engraving, scorch the surface, or widen the kerf.
LightBurn describes speed and power as interacting variables: higher power or slower motion generally increases darkness and depth, but the best combination depends heavily on the machine, material, and desired outcome. Its guidance recommends material testing rather than assuming a universal value. LightBurn speed and power guidance
Do not compare only the percentage. Compare the finished result:
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Line width.
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Contrast.
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Detail retention.
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Depth or coating removal.
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Kerf.
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Edge char.
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Back-face damage.
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Cleanup behavior.
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Repeatability.
Build a Narrow Transfer Test Around the Old Setting
Use the old setting as one reference point, not as the answer. Build a narrow test around it on representative scrap while holding the following constant:
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Material type and lot.
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Thickness.
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Artwork.
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Focus reference.
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Support and workholding.
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Airflow and extraction.
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Scan direction.
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Software version.
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Units.
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Machine position.
Change one controlled factor at a time. Bracket the new module’s power and speed conservatively within documented machine limits. Do not use a test grid as permission to exceed the machine’s safety, thermal, or material boundaries.
For engraving, inspect contrast, line width, residue, and fine detail. For cutting, inspect separation, kerf, edge damage, and the reverse face. If the process is coating removal, inspect both the exposed surface and the remaining coating edge.
The test should answer a specific question: which documented combination meets the required result on this machine, module, material, and process?
A TwoTrees 10W module page may be useful for identifying a product relationship, but the TwoTrees 24V 10W laser module with protective cover does not establish a universal conversion to a 20W module, cross-model compatibility, optical output equivalence, or material performance.
Release the New Setting Only After Edge and Depth Checks
Inspect the accepted sample before saving the process:
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Confirm the intended line width.
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Compare contrast with the old reference.
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Check depth or coating removal.
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Measure or compare kerf where relevant.
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Inspect front and back faces.
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Check edge char, melting, or flare.
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Clean the sample using the intended method.
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Verify small features and corners.
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Repeat the accepted condition when consistency matters.
The accepted value becomes a new machine-specific record. Do not overwrite the 10W record or rename it as a 20W setting.
Archive:
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Module identity and configuration.
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Machine and controller.
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Device profile and software version.
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Units.
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Material and lot.
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Focus method.
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Artwork.
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Airflow and support.
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Power and speed with units.
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Passes and line interval where relevant.
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Coupon result.
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Acceptance criteria.
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Known limitations.
Requalify after changing the module, lens, protective cover, focus method, controller, firmware, material, thickness, support, airflow, or process goal.
Stop and consult the exact manufacturer and software documentation when the module relationship is unclear, the device profile is not verified, the controller scaling is unknown, the focus procedure changes, or the new test produces unexpected heat, flare, motion, or damage.
The correct answer to “10W vs 20W laser settings” is not a percentage conversion. It is a controlled retest that preserves the old objective while proving the new machine-specific process.
