4 Workflow
Step 1: Describe what you want to make
You don't need to know the exact dimensions, joint type, or material thickness upfront. Start a conversation with whatever you have.
- "I want to make a small wooden box to hold tea bags"
- "I need a shelf that sits on my desk and holds 3 rows of spice jars"
Step 2: Preview the design
The agent generates your design and presents:
- A 3D preview you can rotate and zoom to inspect from every angle.
- A flat layout view showing each cut piece, so you can see exactly what goes to the laser.
Review the preview carefully. Check that dimensions look right, joints are visible, and the overall shape matches your intent.
Step 3: Refine with the agent
If you want to change the structure or can't find the parameter you need, just tell the agent in chat:
- "Add a divider in the middle"
- "I changed my mind, made the corners rounded"
The agent regenerates the design based on your feedback. You can iterate as many times as you need.
Step 4: Fine-tune with parametric controls
After the agent generates your design, a parametric panel appears with adjustable settings specific to your object. Tweak dimensions, material type, thickness, and other structural parameters directly. The 3D preview and 2D layout update in real time as you make changes.
Step 5: Customize surface patterns
- Select any panel in the 2D layout and apply a cutout pattern from preset.
- Or you can choose the element from Atomm.
- You can also use the text tool to add custom text to any surface.
Step 6 : Set kerf value for your material
What is kerf?
When a laser cuts through material, the beam burns away a thin strip along the cut path. The width of this strip is called the kerf. For most projects, this difference is invisible. But when you need parts to fit tightly together, like finger joints or interlocking boxes, even a fraction of a millimeter can make the joint feel loose.
Different materials produce different kerf widths. Wood, acrylic, and cardboard all burn differently, so the kerf changes with each material. That's why it's worth running a quick kerf test for the specific material you plan to cut, so your joints fit just right.
How to test kerf for your material?
The kerf value differs from cutting material and personalized needs. You can use kerf test generator of Atomm to get the best kerf value for your material.
- Measure the thickness of material
Use digital calipers to find the exact material thickness. Always measure the raw material after removing any protective masking or tape to ensure accuracy.
- Define the kerf test Range
Set your starting offset to the lowest compensation value you want to test. Choose a step size to control the increment between each test piece. The generator will automatically produce multiple joint samples on a single sheet, each with a progressively larger offset, so you can compare the fit side by side after one cut.
- Export to xTool Studio
- Reference Marks
Ensure the numerical labels are set to "Score" or "Engrave." These are vital for identifying which side corresponds to which value after cutting.
- Cut and test the pit
Once the pieces are cut, pair the sides with identical values.
- Pick the best kerf value to fill in the parameter panel
Step 7: Export and cut
Once you're satisfied, export the cut file. The output is optimized for laser cutting, with correct kerf compensation, snap-fit joints, and proper tab/slot dimensions for your material thickness. You can:
- Open directly in xTool Studio for a cut workflow.
- Download as SVG for use with other laser-cut machines.