Why this matters
Balance part stability, travel distance and vector direction instead of optimizing only for the shortest theoretical path.
How it works
- Cut inner shapes first helps prevent holes or internal features from becoming misaligned after an outer contour releases the part.
- Reduce travel moves can shorten non-cutting motion but is only one objective in production planning.
- Direction-related options can alter how paths are entered and traversed.
Practical workflow
- Identify which cuts can release or shift material.
- Keep internal features ahead of release cuts.
- Use Preview to inspect travel across clamps and sensitive areas.
- Compare optimization settings by job time and physical risk, not travel length alone.
- Lock in settings only after testing a representative nested job.
What to watch for
- Fastest is not always safest.
- Travel moves can cross fixtures even though the laser is off.
- Thin or warped material can move as soon as outer contours are released.