To ensure optimal results across different materials and processing tasks, laser machines typically offer multiple types of work platforms. Selecting the platform that matches your current workflow is essential for achieving clean cuts and high-quality engravings.
¶ 1. Flatbed Processing
Flatbed processing supports three platform types: slat platform, honeycomb panel, and base plate（Slats removed）.
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Slat Platform |
Honeycomb Panel |
Base Plate |
¶ 1.1 Process on slats
The slat platform is composed of multiple parallel metal slats that support the material with minimal surface contact.
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Ideal for cutting hard or thicker materials.
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Provides excellent ventilation and heat dissipation.
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Reduces backside burning due to minimized reflective surface area.
¶ 1.2 Honeycomb Panel
The Honeycomb Panel is a metal grid made of dense hexagonal cells, providing a flat and evenly supported surface.
- Suitable for processing soft or lightweight materials such as leather or paper.
- The tightly packed cells securely support small parts, preventing them from falling through during cutting.
Due to its large supporting surface, slight honeycomb-pattern reflections may appear on the backside of certain materials (especially acrylic). Residue can also accumulate inside the cells, so regular cleaning is recommended.
¶ 1.3 Base Plate
The base plate is the solid flat platform at the bottom of the machine, such as the “drawer-style” base of the Aliencell X1.
- Provides the most stable and level support when performing engraving operations that do not cut through the material.
Cutting through material on the base plate is strongly discouraged.
The laser beam will directly hit the solid base after penetrating the material, causing severe backside burning and potentially damaging the laser module or the machine’s base.
¶ 1.4 Maximum Processing Area Comparison
The maximum available processing area varies depending on the laser module power and processing mode:
| Laser Module | Processing Mode | Maximum Processing Area (W × H) |
|---|---|---|
| 20W / 40W | Slat / Honeycomb | 610 mm × 465 mm (24.0" × 18.3") |
| 20W / 40W | Base Plate (Slats removed) | 593 mm × 465 mm (23.3" × 18.3") |
| 60W | Slat / Honeycomb | 595 mm × 455 mm (23.4" × 17.9") |
| 60W | Base Plate (Slats removed) | 581 mm × 455 mm (22.9" × 17.9") |
The maximum processing area is the same when working on a honeycomb panel as it is on a slat platform.
20W and 40W laser modules share the same maximum processing area.