From Image to Product: A Guide to Laser Marking Machines

The book is a guide to the entire process of using a laser engraver to create a design, from image processing to the finished product. It includes tips on how to convert images to vectors, how to optimize parameters, and how to select the right materials for different applications.It helps you avoid typical problems like blurry images, burned material, and low efficiency, and easily improves the quality of marking products.

Why does your laser marking always turn out so poorly?

Many people who are just starting out with laser engraving complain that their finished products are blurry, have jagged edges, and even burn the material.In fact, most of the problems occur in the first stage--image processing.If you put in a JPEG photo taken directly from a phone, it's like slicing a steak with a dull knife.

The right way to convert a raster image into a vector image.

First use Photoshop or a professional vector software program (such as CorelDRAW) to convert the picture to a vector format, remembering to select the "smooth curves" option.When encountering a complex pattern, the operator can reduce the number of knots to prevent the machine from getting jammed.There's a little trick to save time and effort--you can pay a professional designer five dollars to handle it for you.

Tuning parameters is not a matter of magic.

The "recommended parameters" that come with the machine are like the "to taste" in a recipe. If a beginner follows them exactly, they are likely to run into trouble.Materials vary, so the method must be flexible.

Metal: Set power to 60 % and speed to 80 %.

Wooden materials: Increase in power by 10 %, decrease in speed by 50 %.

Plastic products: First check the scraps! Some plastics release toxic gases when heated.

Don't let your focus ruin your work.

Every time you change materials, you have to refocus. Make a simple ruler out of a scrap piece of paper. Stick a ruler to the machine's worktable and record the ideal focus for each material.Remember to wear protective glasses when adjusting the focus, because being hit by a laser beam is no laughing matter.

These details will help you avoid making unnecessary detours.

1. Clean the lenses regularly: Use cotton pads soaked in alcohol to gently wipe the lenses. Never dry wipe with paper towels.

2. Ventilation is more important than you think: Turn on the fans when you're working with plastics, to keep harmful gases from circulating in the air.

3. Always test the material before mass production.

The last word of advice: Don't be stingy with your equipment. When a laser tube reaches the end of its life, replace it immediately. Trying to keep it going will only cost you more in repairs.If you follow this method in practice, you can be sure that your scrap rate will drop by at least half.