With laser processing, different color intensities can be achieved on the material using different parameter settings. Read here how you can quickly and easily determine the desired color intensity using the grayscale matrix.
Grayscale matrix for determining the ideal laser parameters
Determination of parameters with the grayscale matrix
The test matrix consists of 100 different shades of gray. Using the Relief function in the JobControl® printer driver, the appropriate parameters can easily be determined. The laser output is also adjusted according to the black tone. When a 100% black box is engraved, 100% of the set output can be used. If a 50% black box is engraved, this is engraved with 50% of the set output. The laser output is linear to the black tones, therefore the desired color tone can be selected using the test matrix engraving and the corresponding values can be directly transferred to the parameter database. The speed of the machine always remains constant.
Paste the picture into your graphics program. In the printer settings of the JobControl® printer driver, set the process type to Relief. Select the resolution according to the material that you want to test; in the case of wood, for example, between 333 DPI and 500 DPI.
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.
Grayscale matrix
Selecting the laser parameters
Select your desired color tone from the 100 different parameters of the engraved matrix and save it in your JobControl® database. The selected parameter for P in this example is 80+7 i.e. 87% of the preset P-value (output).
Grayscale matrix on wood
The test matrix on wood shows different color intensities from white to brown to dark brown. Thus, different color intensities can be quickly and easily determined.
TIP:
To achieve even darker engraving results, set the Z-offset in the plus range and repeat the test process.
Further information
Need more help?
Contact the Trotec service hotline where top qualified and motivated laser experts will assist you with any questions or problems.
