Section 13: Material Engraving Techniques
193
Grey Scales – Grey scales look wonderful when engraved into wood. The reason for
this is that the wood will react much differently to each level of gray scale, providing
amazing contrast. Experiment! Take a piece of clipart and ungroup it and change the
colors so that they range from a dark color like red, to a light color like yellow, then
engrave it. This will create a shading effect that is almost 3-D in its appearance.
Wood Vector Cutting Techniques
Epilog Laser Systems are ideal for cutting through solid wood material. The
thickness of the wood that you can cut varies with the wattage of the laser and the
hardness of the wood, but in general you can cut approximately ¼ inch ( 3mm) wood
with a 25-watt laser and up to ½ inch ( 6 mm) wood with a 120-watt laser.
As with any application there are techniques that will greatly enhance the success of
your vectoring of any material. When cutting wood of any thickness, Epilog
recommends the use of the Air Curtain and Optional Vector Grid. The Vector Grid
raises the wood off of the solid metal engraving table and supports the wood on an
aluminum grid. The grid greatly reduces backside burning of the wood and also
provides ventilation that allows the fumes and smoke to be exhausted to the rear of
the engraving cabinet. Information regarding accessing the Vector Grid is located in
the Standard & Optional Machine Features section of this manual
The Air Curtain greatly reduces flaming that may occur if too much laser power is
applied to the wood piece being cut.
Depending on the type of wood being vector cut, it is sometimes advantageous to
apply a cover of masking or transfer tape to the surface before cutting. The masking
tape will reduce residue buildup on the top surface of the wood surrounding the cut
line.
Warning: Wood is a combustible material. Never leave your laser unattended
while vector cutting any material. The Air Curtain greatly reduces flaming that may
occur if too much laser power is applied to the wood piece being cut.
Please read the following warnings and recommendations and follow them closely at
all times!
NEVER let the laser system operate if it will be unattended.
KEEP the area around the machine clean and free of clutter, combustible
materials, explosives, or volatile solvents such as acetone, alcohol, or
gasoline.
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