Determination of laser parameters using the greyscale matrix

The test matrix we have provided includes 100 different shades of grey. The appropriate parameters can be determined by simply using the Relief function in Ruby® or in the JobControl® printer driver. The laser output is also adjusted according to the black tone. For example, a 100% black box is engraved with 100% of the set output. When a 50% black box is engraved, 50% of the set output can be used. The laser output is linear to the black tones, therefore the desired colour tone can be selected using the test matrix. The corresponding values can then be directly transferred to the parameter database. 

Note that the speed of the machine always remains constant.

Download: Image for defining parameters

Ruby® : Add the grayscale matrix file into the prepare screen. Select or create a material with relief function. JobControl® : Paste your desired image into your selected graphics program. Set the process type to Relief in the printer settings of the JobControl® printer driver. Select the resolution according to the material that you would like to test. For example, in the case of wood, a resolution between 33 DPI and 500 DPI should be selected.

Tip: For a laser output on a machine of 100 watts or more, start with P=80% output and V=100% speed.
For a laser output on a machine between 40 and 100 watts, start with P=100% output and V=100% speed.
For a laser output on a machine below 40 watts, start with P=100% output and V=50 - 80% speed.

Select your desired colour tone from the 100 different parameters of the greyscale matrix. Save it in your material database.

The selected parameter for P in this example is 80+7. That is 87% of the preset P-value (output).

The test matrix on wood shows different colour intensities from white to dark brown. As a result, different colour intensities can be easily and quickly determined.

Tip: To achieve even darker engraving results, set the Z-offset in the plus range and repeat the test process.