The Laser Experts

With just one concept, laser cutters can create multiple outcomes with just minor design variations in design software. We start with a basic pattern created in Adobe Illustrator as a vector file and saved as a PDF.

Learn a basic raster with a laser cutter is a simple engraving, typically of a black and white image. When designing raster projects, keep in mind that the “black” is where the laser is affecting your material. Basic raster outcomes are affected by how you adjust your speed, power, black & white threshold, and Dots Per Inch (DPI). This is particularly true with images that have high DPI.

Image Quality

Raster image quality is measured by pixel density. The more pixels per inch, the sharper an image will appear. Pixelation occurs when the number of pixels per inch in an image is low, causing each pixel to have visible edges. This distortion becomes worse as the image is enlarged.

Tracing bitmaps and converting them into vectors allows you to scale an image while avoiding pixelization from occurring. Because vector images can be engraved as well, they typically work better for a custom basic raster. Vector images are the native format for Illustrator (and Inkscape) and vectorizing images with those programs is an easy process using the Live Trace functions to create your design. Once an image is vectorized, it can be easily scaled and edited without pixelation.

Adjusting Black & White Threshold

In our laser software, other colors (including vector lines in the same design) will register as an engraving if the black and white threshold is not adjusted. The Black & White Threshold application replaces each individual color pixel in an image, with a black or white pixel image. You can adjust the intensity toward black or white, but it is best to find a good contrast.

If vector lines are present in your raster job, best practice is to make them a lighter color, so they don’t register as a raster.

Adjusting Rasters with Vector Lines

If they are still registering as an engraving, simply adjust the b/w threshold to remove the unwanted rastered sections.

Learn More

To learn more, download our free ebook, Designing for Laser Cutting: A Technical Ebook for Creatives, where you will discover more design tips such as:

• Choosing Image Files
• Designing for Vector Cuts
• Utilizing Kerf in Design
• 3D Object Stacking Designs
• And dozens of other tips and techniques

Look for more ebooks, coming soon, from Full Spectrum Laser.

Laser cutters offer an amazing range of materials to work with, such as acrylic, glass, leather and of course, wood. These materials are widely available and work very well with laser cutters. There are, however, some amazing options now, for materials that are constructed specifically with laser cutting in mind.

We came to this year’s Maker-Faire Bay Area with some pretty lofty goals. First and foremost, we wanted to thank the maker community with a special offer on Muse laser cutters. The response was tremendous, with every Muse laser cutter we brought with us going home with a happy hobbyists on the first day. And we note, Muse laser cutters are traveling far and wide, with one going back with its new owner to Hawaii.