Kerf
Also: cut width
The width of material removed by a cutting process.
Tool diameter, beam, material, speed, focus, and wear influence kerf; compensation offsets the toolpath relative to desired geometry.
- Units
- length, often mm
Example A 0.2 mm laser kerf requires about 0.1 mm per-side contour compensation in a simple model.
Common misconception Kerf is not necessarily constant across every material, direction, or machine setting.