Trotec Laser Inc.
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E-Mail: usa@troteclaser.com
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Digitally printed puzzle with individual engraving
Step-by-step instructions
Use our step-by-step instructions and template with our new Digital Print Series material to make and personalize your own puzzle.
Preparation
Materials required:
- 1/2 sheet Digital Print Series, matte brushed Aluminum/Black 1.6 mm
- 1/2 sheet TroLase ADA Polar White 1.6 mm
- Photo Frame 30 x 40 mm
- Paper or other lightweight material to cover the working table
Machine used:
- Speedy 400, 120 Watt
- 2" lens
- vacuum table
- acrylic cutting grid
You can create this puzzle using any of the laser machines from our Speedy laser engraver series.
Tips:
Check the internet for free software you can download and use to make the puzzle pieces.
Step by Step
Step 1: Create print and laser design
Download our graphic or create your own design. Tips and tricks on how to create graphics for Digital Print Series can be found here.
Then send the puzzle engrave-and-cut file to the laser.
Print settings
| Process mode | Resolution | Cut line |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 600 dpi | none |
| Halftone | Others |
|---|---|
| Color | Optimized geometries, inner geometries first |
Step 2: Laser process puzzle
We used the quality-optimized TroLase standard parameters from JobControl® for the engraving settings. Due to the complex geometries of the puzzle pieces, we adapted the cutting parameters. (The parameters might vary depending on the machine used and the available laser power.)
Next put the printed sheet of Digital Print Series on the acrylic cutting grid of your Trotec Laser. Engrave and cut the design.
Laser Parameters
| Color | 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 | - | - |
Important:
Engrave from bottom to top. This prevents the dust from collecting in the engraved areas.
Take a sheet of paper and put it underneath the cut puzzle so that you can remove all elements from the laser at once.
Step 3: Graphic base plate
The base plate is necessary to display the puzzle in a frame. Send the graphic to the laser using the settings below.
Print settings
| Process mode | Resolution | Cut line |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 1000 dpi | none |
| Halftone | Others |
|---|---|
| Color | - |
Step 4: Laser process base plate
The step is to put the TroLase ADA on the acrylic cutting grid and cut it out.
Laser Parameters
| Color | Process | Power (%) | Speed (%) | ppi/Hz |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| red | Cut CO2 | 65 | 2 | 1000 |
| Passes | Air Assist | Z-Offset | Advanced |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | on | - | - |
Tips:
We used the speed-optimized standard laser parameters for TroLase ADA in JobControl®.
Step 5: Cleaning and assembly
After engraving, clean the puzzle using a damp cloth.
Tip:
If you leave the material in the laser with the vacuum activated after you are finished processing, the parts will stay in position during cleaning.
Inspiration
- Make a bigger base plate and use the new Trotec signage mounting devices to mount the puzzle on the wall. In this case, you could put double-sided adhesive tape on the printed plate before cutting.
- Print general atmospheric pictures (e.g. sunsets, sandy beaches, flowers,...) on stock and engrave them afterward according to your customers' requirements.
