Laser cutters have made it possible to engrave intricate designs with high precision and accuracy. However, the laser cutter can perform only as well as your instructions. So, investing time, thought and creativity in this initial phase is essential. 

Turning an image into a laser cut is a two-step process. First, you must turn the original image into a vector file readable to the laser cutter software. Next, you must define the settings and prepare the workpiece properly for engraving. 

You might have been astounded at how those complex images turn into perfect laser cuts. Follow these guidelines, and you can do them, too. 

How Do I Prepare An Image For Laser Cut

The Laser Cutter software can’t read the typical images or pictures you take with your file. Therefore, you must turn it into a vector file before uploading it to your laser cutter software. There are several ways you can do this- 

Simple Cut: If the image you desire to engrave is simple (clear outlines, no complex colors), you can turn it into a dot-cut file using an online converter. Simply go to Cut Converter and upload the image from your computer. Choose “.cut ” as the output format. Then, download and save the file. You now have a vector file of your image suitable for a laser cutter. 

Complex Cut: The more complex images with intricate details, colors, and gradients require software with a tracing function. Inkscape or Illustrator can help you with this. They have automatic and manual tracing functions to draw over your image and create a detailed vector image. You can save the file in an SVG, PDF or DXF format.

Multilayer Cut: Some people might want to cut the various parts of the image with different materials or colors. In that case, you need software with a contouring function. Design Space (for Cricut) is a converter tool with such capabilities. You can use it to determine which parts of your image will be hidden or shown. 

How To Engrave An Image With A Laser Cutter

So, you have converted the image to a format suitable for the laser cutter software. Now, it’s time to actually engrave the image on the metal piece. You can follow these steps- 

Step 1: Upload and Position The Image 

You might download the laser cutter software from the manufacturer’s website or use a disk. The majority of laser cutter software works in more or less the same way. However, the software needs to be manufacturer-specific. So, ensure you are using the correct and compatible software for your machine before you start. 

Go to the software on your computer and open it. Find the option to upload images and click on it. Select the .cut/SVG/DXF file from your downloads and upload it to the software. The process is similar to uploading a profile photo on your social media account. 

The software will show a virtual laser bed with your image on it. You can use the alignment and scaling tools in the software to resize the image and position it as you desire. 

Use framing tools to visualize the outline of the vector on your workpiece. Laser cutter software also offers the ‘Cross Hairs’ tool. It helps the engraver to find out the center of the laser beam. 

This step is crucial for the final outcome of the laser cut. So, take time and care to properly align your image on the virtual laser bed. 

Step 2: Adjust Settings and Setup Connection 

Like the alignment, your laser cutter’s settings will also significantly affect the engraving. Some critical settings options are speed, power, dithering, etc. These settings options might slightly vary according to the different models of laser cutters. 

It’s essential to understand these options to choose the proper settings. For instance, Power dictates the depth of the laser cuts on the material. Speed determines the movement of the laser beam. Meanwhile, the laser handles shades of grey or contrast according to the Dithering setting. 

You can also specify the pulsation of the laser beam using the Frequency option. For a finer or grander image, adjust the Resolution accordingly. 

Once you are done with the Settings adjustment, connect the laser cutter machine to your computer. Depending on the model, you might use USB, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Of course, USB is the most recommended since it promises an uninterrupted connection. Ensure that the computer and the laser have compatible drivers and are on the same network. 

Step 3: Preparing The Metal Piece 

You need to start on a clean metal piece. So, ensure it’s free of any dust or grease. Use an alcohol solution and lint-free cloth to wipe the metal. For coated metals, use Anodized Aluminum. You would need a sandpaper or chemical stripper to remove the coating. 

Next, apply an engraving agent to the surface. It will help you to create a more enhanced and durable engraving. The engraving agent type varies according to laser power, metal variety, etc. It’s best to use an agent your manufacturer recommends. Don’t start engraving until the agent has adequately dried. 

Step 4: Set up, Test and Execute 

Finally, you can start the engraving. First, measure the thickness of the metal piece. The more accurate the measurement, the better the results. So, you might want to use a calliper here. Enter the measurements into the laser cutter software. 

The surface you are engraving must be flat and level. Also, use tape or clamps to secure the metal piece on the laser bed. That’s it; you can start engraving the image on the metal piece now. 

Before working on the main piece, use scrap metal to test the laser cutter. This will give you an idea of how the cut will look in real life. If you aren’t pleased with the test piece’s results, adjust the software settings accordingly. 

Some Tips To Get The Best Laser Cuts

Two people might use the same material, cut file and laser cutter, but still produce different quality results. Here are some tips to get the best quality engraving- 

• Choose an image with clear outlines and high contrast. Complex and ill-defined images don’t yield the best results. Apply creativity to come up with a simple but bold version of the original image. 
• Ensure the laser beam’s focus isn’t too high or too low. The test piece can help you check the focus and adjust as required. Better focus translates to cleaner and smoother cuts. 
• The engraving process will create smoke, which might stain the edges of your design. You can use masking tape to prevent this. If you feel that the tape is decreasing the beam’s intensity, increase the Power a bit. 
• Select the right kind of material. For instance, use Fiber Laser cutters to cut shiny reflective metals. Otherwise, your laser machine might heat up and suffer damage. Also, laser cutters aren’t ideal for PVC, Carbon fiber and similar materials. Use a cortadora de chorro de agua for these materials.
• Work in a properly ventilated area since the engraving process creates dust and toxic fumes. Also, wear goggles, mask and gloves for personal protection. 

Conclusión

Formatting and setup are the most critical tasks when turning an image into a laser cut. The beam can handle the rest. It’s also crucial that you use the proper laser machine for the engraving process. Consult our experts at IVY CNC to find the best laser cutter for your engraving business.