Finding the right laser parameters

Evaluating an engraving results includes understanding the desired output quality. Usually when speaking about perfect engraving results, this implies:

• Small, fine letters and graphics have a sharp image showing each detail without any fraying effect.
• Larger engraved areas show a smooth surface with an even and precise engraved image.
• Laser cut edges are smooth, polished and clear, especially when laser cutting transparent material.

When removing material by laser engraving, it is best to avoid engraving too deep into the material. It is preferable to engrave as deep as necessary and not as deep as possible. This will lead to the finest engraving without shadow effects.

Engraving and cutting results always depend on the equipment used, specific applications, and
quality and productivity requirements. It is not possible to provide one set of perfect parameters for all applications. It might be useful for some engraving jobs to define more than one parameter set for engraving. You can do so by giving different colors to your graphic - depending on the grade of fineness. You can then assign different parameter sets to each color and optimize the engraving results like that. 

Trotec's laser software JobControl^® includes parameters for Trotec laser materials. For all JobControl^®  versions older than 10.5, these parameters can also be downloaded online. We provide you with two different parameters for each Trotec laser materials group: One optimized for quality and one optimized for speed:

• "Quality" parameter sets are recommended for applications where fine detail and strong contrast is required.
• "Speed" parameters are for applications in which efficiency is most important, and where a reduced degree of detail in engraving is acceptable.

Depending on a specific application, minor adjustments of standard settings may allow for improved quality or reduced engraving time. For this, you can make step-by-step adjustments on power, speed and DPI in the range of +/- 10 %.

To find the right parameters, you can also use the test matrix and 16 colors available in the Trotec laser software JobControl^®. You can assign a different parameter set to each color and send all 16 colors at once to the laser. In the engraved matrix you can compare the results and easily choose the best parameter set. Follow these simple steps:

1. Draw a test matrix or import our template > Print this matrix, set the half toning to color mode.

2. Choose "engraving" process for all 16 colors in the data base

Power of your laser machine is higher than 100 watts:

"Speed": set all colors to 100 %
"Power": set the first color to 80 % and reduce the following colors by 5 % each

=> If the results are too weak we recommend engraving the matrix again with 80 % speed for each color.

Power of your laser machine is 40 - 100 watts:
"Speed": set all colors to 100 %
"Power": set the first color to 100 % and reduce the following colors by 5 % each

=> If the results are too weak we recommend engraving the matrix again with 80 % speed for each color.

Power of your laser machine is less than 40 watts:
"Speed": set the first color to 100 % speed and reduce the following colors by 5 % each
"Power": set all colors to 100 % 

In our range of laser engraving materials you can find a wide range of products in many different variations and thicknesses that are suitable for laser engraving and rotary engraving. Browse our Trotec engraving materials range and find the right product to create labels, badges, signs for indoor and outdoor use,  awards and trophies, machine labelling, and many more.

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Get tips on how to get the optimum result from laser engraving these engraving materials