Grayscale Matrix

A grayscale matrix is comprised of a 10x10 grey square grid. The x- and y-axis values are added to determine which "Power" value in JobControl® is required to achieve a particular shade, given a consistent processing speed.

The example below illustrates how to achieve a particular shade on the grid:

Assume you wish to achieve the shade corresponding to the box located in the fourth column and second row on the grid. The horizontal how indicates that 30% of the laser's maximum power level is required. However, you must also add the figure on the corresponding vertical axis (i.e., 2%). Therefore, the appropriate power level is 32%. Ensure that the speed level is identical to the one used to create the matrix. Otherwise, you may not achieve the desired results.

 In addition, you can add your favourite settings to the parameter database in JobControl® to easily use them for future workpiece engraving.

Download the Grayscale Matrix Template

Begin by pasting the grayscale matrix template into your graphics program. Next, send the file to JobControl®, and set the "Process Mode" to "Relief" in the print settings.

Select the resolution in accordance to the material on which you would like to engrave the matrix. In the case of wood, select a DPI value between 333 and 500.

Select the desired engraving shade from your grayscale matrix, and add the values from the corresponding vertical and horizontal axes. In the example pictured to the left, the appropriate power level would be 87%, which was obtained by adding the 80% value on the horizontal axis and the 7% value on the vertical axis.

You may save these settings to your JobControl® database for easy retrieval.

A wooden test matrix contains both shades and tints of brown. At low-medium power levels, an engraving is white.