4-4 Graphics Software
Overlapping Outlines
The driver does not filter outlines that overlap each other. If placing one outline one on top of
another, both outlines will be cut by the laser system. This is a useful feature that will allow
deeper cutting by passing the laser over a single outline path twice or more. To take advantage
of this feature, duplicate the outline on top of itself.
Hidden Vector Lines in Artwork
The driver does not automatically filter out outlines that are overlapped by engraved objects
such as fills. If there are filled objects with some hidden outlines underneath, the laser system
will then engrave out the fill and cut the hidden outline on top of the fill. This is a common
occurrence when using pre-drawn clipart designed for laser printers. To prevent this from
happening, turn on the Clipart Mode feature in the driver. This feature disables the cutting
mode and converts all visible outlines to engraved objects and ignores all hidden outlines.
Speed Optimizing
It is advantageous to engrave an object in its longest direction because total engraving time will
be reduced when the motion system has to make fewer stops and starts. If the engraving object
is longer than it is tall, a greater engraving speed can be achieved by rotating the graphic 90
degrees and placing the material in the laser system sideways. Be aware that some graphics
programs do not allow the rotation of bitmaps. In this case, it may be necessary to use bitmap
image processing software to first rotate the bitmap before importing the bitmap into the
graphics program. If the artwork contains engraved objects of the same color with a great deal
of space between them in the engraving direction, processing time can be longer since the
laser must make long strokes to engrave both objects at the same time. To reduce engraving
time in cases like these, use different colors for each of the objects but assign the same power
setting to both colors. This will cause the laser to engrave one object at a time, skipping over
all blank space, which in many cases will reduce engraving time. On the other hand, if the
objects are relatively close together in the engraving direction, then leave them the same color
because it will be quicker to engrave them both at the same time. Experiment with these
techniques to optimize the speed of engraving.
Bitmapped / Scanned Images
There are primarily three types of bitmaps available. They are monochrome(black and white),
grayscale, and color. Bitmaps are patterns of dots(pixels) blended to form pictures. Most
bitmaps are created by scanning artwork into a computer through a scanner. Others are
created by drawing them in a bitmap image processing program. The laser system can print all
three types of bitmaps providing that either the driver or the bitmap image processing program
converts the grayscale and/or color bitmaps into a monochrome bitmap. Essentially, the laser
system is a monochromatic printer, either it fires the beam to burn a dot or it does not fire the
beam to leave an empty dot on the material.
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