LASER ENGRAVING ARTWORK
Creating Artwork for your Engraving Projects
To laser engrave your designs, we require vector files of your artwork, created using professional drawing or editing software.
Vector files are essential as they provide the precise paths and details the laser needs to execute your design with accuracy. Unlike printing, where ink is applied to a surface, laser engraving works by interpreting the colours and lines in your file to determine where and how to engrave.
When preparing your artwork, it’s important to set it up so the laser can easily identify the engraving areas. Different laser machines use specific colour codes to interpret engraving data. Our system recognises engraving instructions using RGB BLUE and BLACK for defined areas. Ensuring your artwork is correctly formatted with these colours helps us achieve the desired results efficiently and accurately.
There are two types of laser engraving techniques: VECTOR engraving and RASTER engraving. The choice between these methods depends on the complexity and style of your artwork. Vector engraving is ideal for line-based or outline designs, while Raster engraving is suited for detailed or filled-in areas, such as logos, text, or intricate patterns.
To ensure your project is a success, please review the following guidelines on how to prepare your artwork.
Ready to get started?
If you have any questions or need help preparing your files, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is here to assist you every step of the way. Contact us now and let’s bring your project to life!
Prepare Your Artwork Correctly!
Top Tips
All dimensions must be in mm.
Allow at least 3mm from the edge of the material.
Use RGB colour palette – the laser cannot read CMYK.
Double check all dimensions are correct.
Place items horizontally across the page, close together.
Engraving Area Size
We specialise in engraving both flat sheets of material and three-dimensional objects with precision and detail.
Our laser engraving area accommodates sheets up to 1030mm x 630mm, providing ample space for a wide variety of projects.
For three-dimensional items, the maximum depth is 200mm, ensuring they fit seamlessly into our laser machine.
Engraving Lines
(Vector Engraving)
Vector engraving marks (or scores) the material, and it's commonly used for engraving/scoring lines. Much like the laser cutting process, the laser beam follows a path of strokes, engraving as it goes.
Vector Engraving
Image : Trotec
CREATING VECTOR ENGRAVING ARTWORK
Guidelines for line engraving only - not suitable for area engraving.
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Draw thin, BLUE lines where you want the laser to engrave.
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Use colour palette RGB.
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Use BLUE (R0, G0, B255).
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Line thickness of "hairline" or 0.01mm.
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Use outline pen for lines.
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Ensure paths are continuous.
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Delete ALL duplicate lines.
Engraving Areas
(Raster Engraving)
Laser engraving (also known as etching) is used for full and large-area engraving. The laser moves slowly from left to right down the material – the action is very much like a printer, but instead of leaving ink on the material, it disintegrates it instead.
Raster Engraving
Image : Trotec
CREATING RASTER ENGRAVING ARTWORK
Raster engraving is used for large areas of engraving and for thicker line engraving.
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Use colour palette is RGB.
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Use BLACK (R0, G0, B0).
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Line thickness of at least 0.25mm.
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Use the fill tool for area engraving.
Engraving Depths
By varying the laser speed and power, we can change engraving depths. If you require a particular engraving depth, please let us know, and we will do our very best to meet your requirements, but we cannot guarantee its outcome.
Design Layout
When creating your artwork for engraving, it's advisable to keep the engraving areas close together. As the laser engraves from left to right, working down the material, it's cost-effective to have your engraved items placed horizontally on the work area.
AutoCAD® FILES
If you are using AutoCAD® to draw your artwork, please ensure the file is two-dimensional.
Engraving Text
Texts to be engraved will need to be converted from a font to line art (outlines or curves).
By converting the text, it converts the font into a 'vector' and preserves the font you have originally used. This enables us to open the file our end without any font errors; as the software program will substitute the font for a different one.
Cutting & Engraving Combined
We can laser cut and engrave a design as a single job.
Your artwork will need to be laid out as per our cutting and engraving guidelines (using the RGB colours as required) so we and the laser can determine the individual elements.
Laser cutting and engraving files can be saved as one file; you do not need to split them into separate files.
Common Questions:
Vector files provide the precise paths and details needed for the laser to accurately interpret and execute your design. They ensure clean and accurate engraving results, which are essential for high-quality outcomes.
VECTOR engraving focuses on line-based or outline designs, ideal for simple and precise artwork. RASTER engraving, is suited for filled-in areas, intricate patterns, logos, or detailed text, providing a more comprehensive engraving style.
Our system recognises RGB BLUE and BLACK to define engraving areas. Using these specific colour codes ensures that the laser machine correctly interprets your design for precise and efficient engraving.
Check out our full range of FAQs HERE.
