When overburn appears after enabling cross-hatch, first account for the additional traversal of the same area. Compare a single-direction mark with the supported two-direction operation using a controlled, eligible sample. Do not assume that more exposure produces a better mark, or that a darker appearance proves useful detail has improved.
An Avid CNC user reported that most unwanted burning appeared on the return crosshatch pass. That report involves a different machine and is not a diagnosis of P2. Its useful question is whether the added pass changes the result. The reported speeds, power values, accessories and motion behavior should not be transferred to a compact galvo setup.
Count what the job will actually do
LightBurn's current Fill Mode documentation describes cross-hatch as an additional fill pass at a right angle. The available controls depend on the device profile. Before applying this idea to P2, confirm that the installed, supported workflow exposes the relevant operation; a screenshot from another laser does not establish that support.
Also check explicit repeat counts and duplicated filled objects. An operator who intends one two-direction operation can unintentionally add further traversals through repeat settings or overlapping output geometry. Preview the supported job and reconcile the visible operations with the settings before processing a blank.
| P2 comparison record | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Confirmed module and software profile | Identifies the supported controls being evaluated |
| Single-direction reference | Shows whether the initial operation already meets appearance needs |
| Extra traversal enabled | Isolates what changed between the samples |
| Edge and fine-detail condition | Prevents darkness from hiding enlarged strokes or lost gaps |
| Decision to retain or remove the extra operation | Keeps the approved result reproducible |
A controlled comparison with a clear stopping point
Use documented compatible stock and the manufacturer's operating guidance. Begin from an established acceptable single-direction sample. Keep the same artwork dimensions, material identity and inspection lighting. If a second-direction comparison is supported and appropriate, change only that planned operation and record the result separately.
Do not keep adding passes to rescue a sample whose fine spaces have closed or whose surface condition is deteriorating. Stop for any abnormal processing behavior and follow the equipment instructions. The comparison is complete when the additional operation either meets a defined appearance need or adds no useful benefit; it does not require finding the darkest possible surface.
An angle-only comparison is a separate task. If one traversal looks directionally uneven, the single-direction hatch proof can help assess that appearance without conflating it with another complete pass. Keep those two experiments separate so their results remain interpretable.
Confirm the result belongs to the quoted machine
The standard P2 listing describes a compact galvo workflow with selectable configurations. This does not establish a universal cross-hatch recipe. If the supported controls or sample conditions remain unclear before purchase, request a demonstration on the actual blank with the operation count disclosed.
Will cross-hatch always make my logo darker?
No universal appearance follows from selecting the option. Material response, supported parameters and existing surface condition matter. Inspect fine details and edges as well as overall darkness, and keep the simpler operation when it already satisfies the requirement.
Can I halve the power because there are two directions?
Do not treat that as an equivalent recipe. Material response is not established by a simple arithmetic split, and the actual supported controls may differ. Use documented guidance and a controlled comparison rather than assuming equal total appearance from halved settings.
