In this tutorial you can learn how to laser engrave and mark materials in a single work process.
Preparation
Materials required:
Wristwatch with a stainless steel case
Lego to use as a jig for positioning the watch in the laser machine
Laser machine used:
Speedy 360 flexx, 80 Watt CO2
30 W fiber laser
2.85" lens
Vacuum table
Any laser machine from the flexx series can be used to engrave and mark this sample.
Step by Step
Step 1: Design
Start by importing our design template or create your own design. If you use our design adapt it to the shape of the watch. Measure the height difference between the materials. This figure is required for the z-offset (for the watch we used there is no height difference between metal and leather). This step is important. For more tips and help about flexx laser machine technology, visit our flexx page.
Send the job to the laser machine using the following printer driver settings:
Process mode
Resolution
Cut line
Halftone
Others
Standard
1000 dpi
none
Colour
-
Tip:
It is easier to position/adjust the design if the graphic elements for the housing and wristband are sent separately. This allows you to position the graphics precisely with the help of the laser pointer.
Step 2: Laser engraving and marking
Create the parameter settings. Parameters will differ depending on the laser machine used and its available laser power.
Important: When laser engraving a flexx job, always focus on the metal/ the material that will be engraved with the fiber laser source.
Laser Marking (Annealing) Parameters for the watch :
Colour
Process
Power (%)
Speed (%)
ppi/Hz
Black
Engraving FLP
85
3
30000
Passes
Air Assist
Z-Offset
Advanced
1
on
+2 mm
-
Laser Engraving Parameters for the strap:
Colour
Process
Power (%)
Speed (%)
ppi/Hz
Red
Engraving CO2
15
15
1000
Passes
Air Assist
Z-Offset
Advanced
1
on
-
-
Step 3: Post-processing
Thanks to the annealing process the material surface remains unchanged negating the need for post-processing, while also makinf the watch comfortable to wear.
