RASTERIZING IMAGES ON THE LASERCUTTER
by Amanda Parkes

example 1		example 2

Following are some notes I made about rasterizing images on the lasercutter. They are in no way comprehensive and I hope to add to them as I explore further.

Convert the image to b/w in photoshop or other photo program. As you might assume, images that are high contrast seem to work better (or at least are more easily recognizable when rasterized). Something to think about with your image - the grayscale maps to the cutting depth - areas that are blackest cut deepest, while white, no cut at all. You may want to invert your image for a different effect.

Save the image as a jpg, Keep it relatively high res (150 to 250dpi). (The lasercutter gave me problem notes when the image dropped below 90dpi.) Import the image into CorelDraw, resize it if necessary. The settings I used were 30% power, 60% speed (these are in no way set in stone) and I put it on rast/vect. When I sent the image from Corel to the lasercutter, it sometimes took several minutes to appear in the menu, (unlike a vector image which appears instantly) wait for it, its coming. I cut in plywood and a 5"x7" image took about 25 minutes.