While Aliencell Space comes with a curated list of official materials, every brand or batch of material can have slight variations. To ensure consistent results, Aliencell Space allows you to save your own tried-and-tested settings as Custom Parameters.
Once saved, these parameters will be available in your personal library for future projects, saving you from having to re-enter values every time.
¶ 1. How to Save New Material Parameters
After performing a "Material Test" and finding the perfect settings for your project, follow these steps to save them:
- Select the object(s) on your canvas. In the parameter panel on the right, input your preferred values: Processing Mode (Engrave/Cut), Power, and Speed.
- Example: To save settings for purple cardstock, set the mode to "Cut," with Power at 40W and Speed at 80mm/s.
You can also click Advanced to configure additional settings, such as perforations (micro-joints) or the number of passes.
- Click the Save to Library icon
in the parameter panel. A dialog box will appear; enter a unique name for your material (e.g., "Purple Cardstock - Cut"). - Click Confirm. Your new material parameter is now stored in your personal library.
¶ 2. Using Your Custom Parameters
Once saved, you can quickly apply these settings to any design:
- Select the object on your canvas.
- In the parameter panel on the right, select your desired Processing Mode (Engrave or Cut).
- Select your saved custom parameter from the dropdown menu, and the processing values will automatically update to your pre-set values.
¶ 3. Editing or Deleting Saved Parameters
If you find better settings or no longer use a specific material, you can manage your library as follows:
- Select an object on the canvas.
- In the parameter panel on the right, open the Material/Parameter list.
- Hover your mouse over the saved material profile. Click the Delete icon
that appears on the right.
You cannot delete a parameter profile while it is currently selected/active.
If the profile you want to delete is currently active, please switch to a different profile first. Then, click the dropdown menu, hover over the profile you wish to remove, and click the delete icon that appears.
¶ 💡 Pro-Tips for Material Testing
- Create a Reference Piece: Before engraving on a valuable item, always perform a Material Test on a scrap piece of the same material to find the ideal "Power/Speed" balance.
- Consistency is Key: If you buy materials from a different supplier, we recommend saving them as a new custom profile even if the material type is the same (e.g., "Acrylic - Supplier A" vs "Acrylic - Supplier B"), as density and coatings can vary between batches.