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Laser Cutter/Instructions: Difference between revisions
From London Hackspace Wiki
→Engraving: Adding Engraving Hints, Tips, and References
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* Rather than slow down/increase power there is a setting to repeat a layer multiple times, this is very useful if using the engrave option to reach a certain depth. | * Rather than slow down/increase power there is a setting to repeat a layer multiple times, this is very useful if using the engrave option to reach a certain depth. | ||
* For fast prototypes the engraving step size can be changed (default is 0.1mm) a setting of 0.2 is good for depth engraving, again this can speed up the process a lot. | * For fast prototypes the engraving step size can be changed (default is 0.1mm) a setting of 0.2 is good for depth engraving, again this can speed up the process a lot. | ||
*[https://wiki.london.hackspace.org.uk/view/Laser_Cutter/Instructions/Photo_Engraving Producing high-detail engravings]. | * Detailed instructions on [https://wiki.london.hackspace.org.uk/view/Laser_Cutter/Instructions/Photo_Engraving Producing high-detail engravings] using software in the Hackspace. | ||
* '''Note''' if something hasn't cut/engraved to the complete depth (or you just want to run it again) it is possible to select which layers are 'output' by scrolling to the right in the layers box, this is very useful for an extra layer of engraving or to confirm a full cut. DON'T move the sheet before doing this. | * '''Note''' if something hasn't cut/engraved to the complete depth (or you just want to run it again) it is possible to select which layers are 'output' by scrolling to the right in the layers box, this is very useful for an extra layer of engraving or to confirm a full cut. DON'T move the sheet before doing this. | ||
=== Engraving Hints, Tips, and References === | |||
* Images will work best if [http://diylaser.blogspot.co.uk/2011/09/laser-engraving-and-dpi-scan-gap.html| DPI is matched to the Scan Gap] | |||
* One way to prepare images is to reduce the image to black and white [http://blog.aaronbot3000.com/2013/05/a-guide-to-better-dithering-on-laser.html| using dithering]. | |||
* For wood, etching makes things darker, but for acrylic, etching makes things lighter. | |||
* Alternately, something like [http://www.evilmadscientist.com/2012/stipplegen2/| StippleGen 2] can be used to produce a vector based interpretation of an image, that can be used with a low powered cut. This should be produced much faster than an engraving. | * Alternately, something like [http://www.evilmadscientist.com/2012/stipplegen2/| StippleGen 2] can be used to produce a vector based interpretation of an image, that can be used with a low powered cut. This should be produced much faster than an engraving. | ||
