Full Version: Engraving Spectrum Lights
From: Rose (RSLIEPKA) [#1]
11 Dec 2006
To: ALL
I am trying to make 3" round labels for a customer on blue/white spectrum light material. I have a 45 watt epilog. I tried different settings and either blue still shows thru and if I do more passes it burns the white, or if I get white when I engrave, I pull the back film off and it doesn't look white because it is too thin. I had bought brand new sheets thinking the material I had was just old. JDS suggested I use 80 speed and 10 power. Haven't had a chance and would like any other suggestions as well.
I have never had any problem with the black , silver or yellow and didn't expect any problems with this, that is why I took the order.
Suggestions?
EDITED: 11 Dec 2006 by DGL
From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#2]
11 Dec 2006
To: Rose (RSLIEPKA) [#1] 11 Dec 2006
I have no experience with this material, but with the Rowmark Textures, the blue and red cap material is a bit of a problem to laser.
The color does not burn and leaves a residue of the color powder on cut areas. Lighter fluid (naphtha) and a toothbrush will remove this residue fairly well. A second low power pass helps a lot but the better solution is the lighter fluid.
From: Rose (RSLIEPKA) [#3]
11 Dec 2006
To: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#2] 12 Dec 2006
I tried 10 different settings and I'm still not happy with it. The blue either does not engrave off (it is not residue) or it engraves too much and looks bad when you peel off the back. I am wondering if anyone has had any luck with spectrum lights specifically the blue.
This is not anything I would want to hand my customer.
From: Rodney Gold (RODNEY_GOLD) [#4]
11 Dec 2006
To: Rose (RSLIEPKA) [#3] 12 Dec 2006
Are you using air assist? If not try that.
Another strategy is to engrave it as you normally would and then run a 2nd pass at very high speed/low lower to "polish" it.
Also try engaving at a lower DPI.
I havent had problems with the blue spectrum
From: Rose (RSLIEPKA) [#5]
12 Dec 2006
To: Rodney Gold (RODNEY_GOLD) [#4] 12 Dec 2006
From: Jerre (LAZAFFAIR) [#6]
12 Dec 2006
To: ALL
We have always had problems lasering the red spectrum. The blue has not been a problem for us. We have a 70 watt laser and use 95 speed and 23 power and get good results on all spectrum except red. We have tried lower power and multiple passes with some success. Also we noted that some spots on the table work better than others. A sweet spot??
Jerre
From: Rose (RSLIEPKA) [#7]
12 Dec 2006
To: Jerre (LAZAFFAIR) [#6] 13 Dec 2006
Well I give up on the blue which means I certainly won't try the red. Maybe it is just me but I don't think I should have to waste half of what I buy to make it work. Or, I could be forewarned before I buy the product. It would be very much appreciated.
I am hoping the customer will be happy using the black.
Thanks for all the suggestions.