Adjusting the Labeling Area: Three Steps to a Clearer Edge

This tutorial will teach you in three quick steps how to solve the common problems of area error and edge blur in laser marking, covering image parameter calibration, focus optimization, and equipment adjustment skills.This allows operators to quickly locate the source of problems and improve marking accuracy, eliminating the problem of defects in the finished product.

Why are the edges of your markings never clear?

Many of my friends who have used laser engravers have found that even when they set the parameters correctly, the edges of the finished product are often blurry, and the area is always smaller than the design.Don't blame the equipment. Most of the time it's three overlooked details that are to blame.

Step 1: Calibrate the image parameters.

Check the original design documents.

Don't jump right in and start cutting! First, open up your design software and check to see if the nodes in your vector graphics are closed, especially if you are working with circular or curved shapes.I've seen cases where a single pixel gap in the image causes the laser to "fill in" the gap, and the result is a distorted marking.

The resolution of the equipment must be the same.

Adjust the DPI setting in the software to match the value on the control panel.Many people think that "close enough is good enough," but in fact a difference of 200 DPI can result in a 0.3 mm difference in a 5 mm image.

Open the edge enhancement mode.

All the current software for marking up documents has this hidden function.This mode is especially suitable for processing text smaller than 5 mm.Remember to keep the compensation value between 0.02 and 0.05 millimeters. If you go too far, you will actually make the problem worse.

Step two: Optimize the focal point.

Don't rely on autofocus.

This is especially true when marking curved surfaces.They carefully mark a cross on the material with a marker, and then manually adjust the laser beam to its finest point, and lock in the height.

Layered verification.

First, we run the laser at 30 % power to trace the outline of the design. This way we can easily see if the design is off-center.This is a much more reassuring approach than simply filling the batteries with a full charge.

Step 3: Environmental and material factors.

Inspecting the quality of the lens.

The focusing lens should be polished with lens paper at least once a week.One time, a client complained about blurry edges, but we couldn't find anything wrong.

Materials and equipment tests.

Don't rush to use the new metal plates! Cut off some of the edges to do a gradient test.The thickness of the anodized layer can vary by 2-3 microns from batch to batch, which is enough to affect the laser reflectivity.

Stabilize the temperature of the equipment.

After two hours of continuous operation, it is recommended that the machine be stopped for 15 minutes.For every 5 ° C rise in temperature, the laser beam diameter spreads by 0.8 %. This is why markings done in the morning are more precise than those done in the afternoon.

These three steps can basically solve 90 % of the problems with area errors and blurred edges.If there is still a problem, we suggest you leave a comment with a screenshot of your problem, and we can analyze it together.