Laser cutting involved cutting a precise shape from a material using a laser beam. The beam is directed onto the material and it cuts through by burning the material. There are different types of laser cutters available. The choice of laser cutter depends on the material to be cut and the precision required. Similarly, laser engraving involves using laser beams to engrave shapes and patterns on a material with high precision. The processes require skill and close attention to ensure a perfect result. As such, the following tips come in handy for a laser cutter and engraver.
Material Preparation
Proper material preparation is central to a smooth process of cutting and engraving.
Masking
First, the smoke of the engraving tends to stain the adjoining surfaces.To avoid this, you should cover the material with a masking tape. The masking tape does not affect the strength of the laser beam, while the adjoining surfaces remain protected.
Presets
It is also smart to check the laser for presets for particular cuttings. Mostly, workers will find themselves cutting and the same shapes and sizes over and over again. Therefore, it becomes prudent to have preset lasers for each situation and hence worker faster and more efficiently.
Test Cuts
Also, running a test cut before the actual cut prepare you for a smooth process.It to eliminate any flaws one might have put during the actual cut.
Use Layers
The tricks also require being able to print a design at a time. This means one has to use layers. The following are some merits of using layers
– You are able to control the order of cuts.The layers allow you to have control over the order of cuts. The control will allow you to be in control of your own designs
-It allows you to host several designs in one file. This platform is great. You get to have all your designs in one file under different layers
– The layers allow you to come up with a guide. The guide can be easily used by other engravers in future projects
Guiding Laser
It is always important to have a laser that can point where the cutting will be done. There are lasers with red pointer dots that enable the workers to work with precision (Biostable). The red dot traces the edges of the shape to be cut or engraved and guides the worker through the process.
