We will be happy to advise you on how to use your JustLaser laser engraver to ensure the best results with the desired motifs and materials. Our user-friendly laser software also allows you to choose from various raster algorithms. Thus, smooth engraving gradients in photo engraving as well as images with low contrast can be displayed in an optimized way.
In addition to the resolution of the image, the material also plays a role in the correct setting of the laser engraving machine. In photo engraving, the mistake is often made of combining too much laser power with too high a resolution. This results in an overlap of halftone dots and the image becomes one-dimensional, showing little detail. Keep in mind that the material should only be engraved discreetly on the surface for best results. Thus, it is recommended to reduce the laser power by ten percent compared to conventional engraving on this material. On high-quality materials, a combination of high speed (up to 100%) and lower power (5-10%) is recommended, although it is best to test for material residue in advance. If necessary, the power can also be increased gradually until the respective result is achieved. If you want to be on the safe side with regard to an optimum color result, it is best to create a so-called grayscale matrix before photoengraving.
Photo engraving: Creating a grayscale matrix
Whether on wood, glass or acrylic, it is worth creating a grayscale matrix to find out the optimum engraving settings for the material in question. The test matrix contains 100 different gray levels. First, you need to set the power of your laser to the black level. After a 100% black field is engraved, 100% of the respective power is also converted. The speed of the machine is constant, the power of the laser engraver is directly related to the black level. If you create the grayscale matrix on wood, you will get different color results from white to dark brown. This way you can find out, select and save the setting of the desired color tone for your photo engraving on wood.
The importance of raster graphics in photo engraving
When laser engraving photos, in addition to a high-quality laser engraving machine, the image also matters. Digital photos consist of numerous pixels (pixels) in different colors. In the case of png or jpeg files, we speak of a raster graphic (bitmap), which in its entirety results in the displayed image. The more pixels there are, the better the quality (resolution) of the photo. However, when such images are greatly enlarged, the pixels are visible as small dots.
Your JustLaser laser engraver converts the images into black and white motifs when laser engraving photos. Rasterizing uses different dot spacing and sizes to convert the image into a grayscale motif. The appearance of the rasterization is simulated to the human eye as a mixture of colors. Depending on the effect and motif you want to depict, the JustLaser laser engraver lets you choose from several screening algorithms.
