Acrylic Jig

In today's tutorial, we will demonstrate to you how we used 3mm thick TroGlass to create a custom jig for marking on data plates. Creating a custom jig can be very useful, helping you to provide repeatability, accuracy and interchangeability during mass production of laser engraved products.
A wide variety of engraving materials are available at Trotec for multiple uses. Browse product line: www.engraving-supplies.co.za

Preparation

Required Material

TroGlass 3 mm, but you can use any material to produce this jig.

Machine used

Speedy 360 80 watt with a 2" lens

For this application sample you can use any laser machine from the Speedy laser engraver series.

Tip

It's always a good idea to make use of a measuring caliper for accurately measuring the items that the jig is being created for. When working with acrylic make sure your bed is complete sealed off to create a nice clean edge.

see our tips for cutting acrylic

ZIP

Download now

ZIP

Download now

Step by step

Step 1

Step 1: Import file design into Software

Feel free to get creative and create your own design or simply use our provided template. Upload it to the laser with the recommended laser parameters provided below. The parameters might vary depending on the machine used and the available laser power.

Print settings:

Process mode	Resolution	Cut line
Standard	500dpi	None

Halftone	Others
Color	None

Step 2

Step 2: Laser process

Depending on the material that you are planning to use for laser processing to create a jig, make sure you are processing it accordingly. Such as masking off your bed, activate the exhaust system or select the laser table.

Laser Parameters:

Color	Process	Power (%)	Speed (%)	ppi/Hz
Red	Cut	90	0.40	5000

Passes	Air Assist	Z-Offset	Advanced
1	ON	-	-

Tip:

We used standard laser parameters from JobControl.

Download laser parameters

Step 3

Step 3: Post-processing

Using glue or a premanufactured material with an adhesive backing adhere the two material together.

Inspirations

The multitude of products that a jig could be made for are endless! You could use them for items such as dog tags, ink pens, data plates, part marking, etc.
Laser engraving complex shaped items can sometimes prove challanging and time consuming. Using a jig will help provide repeatability, accuracy, and interchangeability.

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.

Contact us