Laser Marking Systems – A Great Tool for Engraving Photographs
LaserStar’s laser marking systems are a great tool for engraving photographic images onto a range of metallic and plastic surfaces to create a pleasing monochrome rendition of your favorite photos. The system is easy to use and produces excellent results.
Photo Selection and Preparation
Before engraving a photo, it is first captured in digital form. If a printed photograph is to be used, it is scanned, preferably in color to retain as much detail information as possible, with a resolution of at least 300 dots per inch (dpi). As the photograph will be printed in monochrome, it’s a good idea to convert it to a black and white or grayscale image before engraving.
Engraving the Photo
The LaserStar photo engraving equipment requires minimal setup. The image is loaded into the laser engraving machine software and the size of the final engraved image chosen. A plate of a suitable material is placed on the machine bed in the demarcated area. If the laser is fitted with the autofocus mechanism, it will automatically position itself to show you where the engraving will be. If not, you will manually adjust the system to your preferences.
The image clarity and final level of detail depends upon the image’s sharpness, contrast, and tone definition as well as the depth of the engraving, engraving material, and fine tuning of the engraving process. The image is produced in a raster fashion by engraving successive rows in a similar way that ink jet printers work. A ventilation system or fume extraction system fitted to the laser engraving machine removes swarf and any volatile products during the laser engraving process.
Practical Applications
The range of applications for laser engraving of photographs is enormous. For example, the process can be used to make tamperproof ID badges in place of conventional photo ID cards. It can also be used to personalize items such as iPhones and tablets, with the added benefit that as it’s impossible to remove the engraving, it’s a great security feature. It can also be used on jewelry charms and other personalized items.
Materials That Can Be Laser Engraved
LaserStar’s fiber laser engraving system can engrave images onto most metals and a range of plastics. While a bit of experimentation may be necessary to achieve optimum results, laser engraving of photographs using LaserStar’s fiber laser engraving machine produces outstanding image quality.
