Digitally printed puzzle with individual engraving

Step by Step instruction

print & cut puzzle
print & cut puzzle

Create a stylish puzzle using our TroLase material, the perfect material for combining print, laser cutting and laser engraving. For more information on laser technology and its benefits within the industry, visit our digital printing application page

Preparation

Materials required
  • 1/2 sheet TroLase Metallic, matt brushed Aluminum/Black 1.6 mm
  • 1/2 sheet TroLase ADA Signage Polar White 1.6 mm
  • Photo Frame 30 x 40 mm
  • A suitable material to cover the working table, such as paper
Laser machine used

Any Speedy laser engraver can be used to produce this sample.

Tips

We used a free software to create the puzzle pieces. These can be found online.

puzzle-digital-print-series.zip

ZIP

Download now

Step by step

Digital Print Series print settings
Step 1

Step 1: Create print and laser design

Begin by downloading our graphic or create your own design for the puzzle. Discover useful tips and tricks for creating how to create graphics.

Then you can send the puzzle engrave-and-cut file to your laser machine.

Print settings

Process mode Resolution Cut line
Standard 600 dpi none
Halftone Others
Colour Optimised geometries, inner geometries first
Inspiration: laser cutting puzzle
Step 2

Step 2: Laser processing the puzzle

We used the TroLase quality parameters from JobControl® for the laser engraving settings. Due to the complex geometries of the puzzle pieces, we have adapted the laser cutting parameters. Please note that these will vary depending on the laser machine used and its available laser power.

Next put the printed sheet of TroLase on the acrylic laser cutting grid of your laser machine. Begin laser cutting and laser engraving your design.

LASER PARAMETERS

Colour Process  Power (%) Speed (%) ppi/Hz
Black Engrave CO2 40 100 600
Red Cut CO2 32 0.8 5000
Blue Cut CO2 60 1.62 5000
Passes Air Assist Z-Offset Advanced
1 on +1.5 mm High Quality 
1 on - -
1 on - -

Tips:

Engrave from bottom to top as this prevents dust from collecting in the engraved areas.
Take a sheet of paper and put it underneath the cut puzzle so that you can easily remove all components from the laser bed once processing is finished.

Print settings laser material ada
Step 3

Step 3: Graphic base plate

The base plate is important for displaying the puzzle in a frame. Use the below settings to send the graphic to the laser.

Print settings

Process mode Resolution Cut line
Standard 1000 dpi none
Halftone Others
Colour -
ADA base plate
Step 4

Step 4: Laser process base plate

Place the TroLase ADA Signage onto the arylic laser cutting bed and begin processing.

LASER PARAMETERS

Colour Process Power (%) Speed (%) ppi/Hz
red Cut CO2 65 2 1000
Passes Air Assist Z-Offset Advanced
1 on - -

TIPS:

We used the speed laser parameters for TroLase ADA Signage in JobControl®.

laser speedy puzzle
Step 5

Step 5: Cleaning and assembly

Once you have completed the laser engraving, clean the puzzle with a damp cloth.

TIP:

Leaving the material on the laser machine bed with the vacuum activated post-processing ensures that the parts stay in position during cleaning.

Inspiration

  • Make a bigger base plate and use signage mounting devices to mount the puzzle on the wall. You could put double-sided adhesive tape on the printed plate prior to laser cutting which allows you to attach it the the baseplate.
  • Print general pictures such as sunsets, sandy beaches and flowers to keep on stock and then laser engrave them afterward for individual customer requirements.
  • There are many uses for laser processing within the digital printing industry, find out more on our dedicated application page

Speedy series
The ideal laser engraver and cutter for personalisation.

Discover laser engravers and cutters

Questions about applications or settings?
We're happy to advise you from A for Air assist to Z for z-offset.

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