Laser Cutter/Instructions/Photo Engraving: Difference between revisions

#You begin by importing the file you want to engrave into the GIMP editing software. Most, if not all of the Hackspace computers have this installed. In this example, I've used the Mona Lisa.

#You will want to reduce the image to greyscale for processing. <br>[[File:Engraving_greyscale.png|300px]]

#Any colour correction is best done at this stage while the image is still at it's original resolution. <br>For example, adjusting the contrast so that darker areas are much brighter so that you don't end up with large areas of entirely black wood. <br>[[File:Engraving_curves.png|300px]]

#Before engraving your image, you will want to specify the actual size you wish to engrave it and the resolution in DPI. <br>Changing 'pixels' to 'millimetres' in the dialog box allows you to do this; it will automatically adjust the number of pixels required. <br>Change the resolution from 'pixels/in' to 'pixels/mm', then set this to match the Scan Gap you will use on LaserCut <br> e.g. Resolution of 10 pixels/mm = Scan Gap of 0.1mm. <br>[[File:Engraving_imagescale.png|300px]]

#To produce the required dithering effect necessary to engrave colour gradients, you need to go to ''Image -> Mode -> Indexed...'' and use the settings pictured. <br>[[File:Engraving_indexedcolour_dithering.png|300px]]

#You should end up with something like the effect shown here (''enlarge for detail on the dithering)'': <br>[[File:Monalisa_600dpi_reducedbleeding.png|500px]]

#Finally, save the image as a .PNG file, either to a memory stick or the '''''space on colin -> /lasercutter''''' network share - supposedly you can import BMP and JPEG files but I've yet to see it complain about a PNG file.