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Determining laser parameters without the opportunity for testing
When it comes to creating a custom laser engraving for a customer, sometimes you only have one attempt to achieve the perfect engraving on a unique and irreplaceable item, and you might not even have the proper parameters already established.
In many cases, you cannot even test the workpiece or materials for the perfect parameters and you have to rely on getting it right the first time. Here you can find out how to get good laser settings despite this.
Resort to experience
- JobControl® material database:
With Trotec’s JobControl software, a wide variety of the most commonly used materials and their appropriate settings come preprogrammed in the software’s material database already for you. This means that you have a library of predetermined material settings to assist you with finding the perfect parameters for your unique applications, and the settings are already adjusted to your systems laser and laser power to provide an initial reference point. - Similar material:
You can even store jobs that you have processed with similar materials, and keep those settings for later use.
Tip - DIY sample:
Browse our DIY laser samples, where we have stored settings for many of the most commonly used materials and applications. The exact parameters that you are looking for may very well be located in one of our DIY pages!
Step by Step
Achieve the perfect results with our step-by-step instructions
Can’t rely on the above points? Don’t worry! We will assist you step-by-step with locating the appropriate parameter settings that you should change in the JobControl® laser software for your application:
Choose the correct laser source for your material:
You will first need to determine which laser source is suitable for the materials that you are processing. Here you will locate an overview of the processing options for the various laser source types available:
CO2
| Engrave | cut | Mark | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylic | ⚫ | ⚫ | ⎯ |
| Glass | ⚫ | ⎯ | ⎯ |
| Laminates | ⚫ | ⚫ | ⎯ |
| Leather | ⚫ | ⚫ | ⎯ |
| Metal * | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ |
| Paper | ⚫ | ⚫ | ⎯ |
| Plastics | ⚫ | ⚫ | ⎯ |
| Stone | ⚫ | ⎯ | ⎯ |
| Textiles | ⚫ | ⚫ | ⎯ |
| Wood | ⚫ | ⚫ | ⎯ |
Select the correct lens:
The material and graphic being laser engraved will always determine which lens you will need to use for each individual job. In general, the more detailed and finer that your graphic is, the shorter the focal length distance of the lens should be. The 2" lens is an “all-round lens” that can cover many applications. For assistance with selecting the correct lens for your job, review the accompanying overview in our tips and tricks section:
Locate you ideal resolution:
The perfect resolution will be determined based on the material and size of the graphic that you are processing. Read here on how to determine the correct resolution that will be suitable for your job.
Adjust the speed:
Always modify the engraving speed to your graphic. For example, for graphics that are small and detailed, move slower (up to 30%) and for large-scale engravings, use higher speeds.
Adjust the laser power:
Adjust the power to the engraving speed, i.e. for low speeds of up to 30%, use less laser power (up to approx. 20%), for higher speeds over 30%, the power can also be increased.
Tip: We recommend keeping the laser power as low as possible and using multiple passes for materials that you are inexperienced with. This will assist you with achieving the engraving at slower pace to ensure that you get the perfect result.
Use the high speed and low laser power rule! This is the best basic rule for determining parameters:
The right positioning
We recommend using the positioning aids in the JobControl® laser software to achieve accurate alignment of positioning your workpiece with the engraving and cutting software.
Placing the workpiece in the zero point and securing it is a best practice for accurate processing. For materials and parts that don’t stay stationary easily, you can also use Lego bricks to fix them in place which are adaptable to each individual workpiece.
Never move or remove the workpiece once it has been positioned in the laser!
Looking for additional information or need more help?
Do you need more tips for determining parameters? Contact us today and one of our top qualified and highly motivated laser experts will gladly assist you with any additional questions or problems that you have.
You might be also interested in the following:
How to import laser parameters into JobControl®
How to determine optimal laser parameters with the opportunity for testing
