Lasercut :- Engrave vs GradeEngrave

[KPBadger]

Hello all,

Firstly apologies if this has been previously debated, had a look but cant find any definitive answer.


Can anyone explain to me the theory of Engrave vs GradeEngrave in lasercut software ( 5.1) which will accept only a 1-bit bitmap ( black & white only, no greyscale )

all i can conclude is that they are inverse of each other , ie:-

Engrave : black pixel fires laser.
GradeEngrave : white pixel fires laser
~(i think! )

if someone knows the ins and outs of it, i would be most grateful for some further insight.

9060 chinese laser, 60watt, mpc6515 control, stepper motor.


regards
KPB


PS i have another lasercut question but will post a new thread.

[SkipW]

Hi KPB,

They say that grade engrave is used for engraving rubber stamps. I've never tried it but it is supposed to put a taper on the raised stamp letters like this / \ to make them more rigid. If you ever try it, let us know how it works.

Skip

[kewlkiwi]

Originally Posted by SkipW Hi KPB, They say that grade engrave is used for engraving rubber stamps. I've never tried it...

I have, and it does exactly what you said Skip.
Makes a !*&@$%# mess doing rubber on a laser though!

There are options (I think) to specify the width and height of the stepped walls, which don't go all the way to the top surface.
But after that one (successful, I must admit) rubber stamp, I didn't feel like doing any more!

I did try the process recently though, trying to make a rounded (or at least wide-with-tapered-sides) groove in acrylic - for scoring lines on card in order to fold it accurately (google 'Scor Pal').

In the end though, 'got something that worked ok by raising the focus point about 8mm above the surface so the beam was a lot wider.
Sister was happy with the final job, so I'm happy!

Bob