3-2 Curve Engraving

Applicable Materials

It can be used on materials such as wood, matte acrylic, fabric, and other non-reflective and opaque materials.

Reflective and transparent materials, such as glass and glossy acrylic, may result in poor focusing due to the weak visibility of red light, which can affect the focus results.

Curve Engraving Limitations

1. Object Height Difference

• When using a 4mm focal length, the height difference of the object should be less than 1.8 cm.
• When using a 16mm focal length, the height difference of the object should be less than 3 cm.

• It is recommended to use the 16mm focal length mode for engraving deeper objects. (16mm focal length switching guide.)

2. Object Tilt Angle

The tilt angle of the object should be less than 45°.

Please avoid surfaces with steep, rapid declines.

3 High-Speed Z-Axis (Added in v2.5.0)

The high-speed Z-axis is an option designed to accelerate the Z-axis movement. When enabled, it allows for higher speed parameters, significantly reducing the overall curved surface engraving time. However, due to adjustments in acceleration and deceleration at high speeds, it may cause inconsistencies in engraving depth or horizontal striations.

Therefore, it is recommended to conduct test before proceeding with the final engraving when using the high-speed Z-axis.

4. Engraving Speed and Recommended Parameters

The curve engraving task will be limited to a maximum speed of 50mm/s.
Recommended parameters are as follows:

5. Not Recommended to Use "Current Position"

In curve engraving, the measured focus value must accurately correspond to the correct relative coordinates to prevent poor engraving results or potential collisions with the workpiece. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid using the "Current Position" engraving.

If you must use it, ensure that the laser head is precisely positioned at the starting point of the laser path.

1. Click on the surface engraving icon to enter the surface engraving mode.

2. Select the area you want to engrave 

   Due to significant positioning errors when using the 16mm focal length mode for capturing images, we recommend using the 4mm focal length mode instead. Alternatively, you can use the frame preview to estimate the position for curve engraving.

3. Select Focus Points and Enter Object Height

   You can select the number of focus points. A higher focus density provides a more detailed surface model but increases the focusing time.

   Please enter the maximum height of your engraving object to help calculate a safe Z-axis movement range and prevent collisions during operation.

    

4. Obtain reference points

   Before starting the focus, you need to obtain the reference value. Lower the focus probe, move it to the highest point of the engraving object, and press confirm to focus.

5. Start Focusing

   After obtaining reference points, the laser head will reset to zero and begin the red light focusing process. During the focusing process, please do not close the window or use the action panel to avoid interrupting the focus procedure. The points that have been successfully focused will turn green.
   

6. Focusing Complete

   After the focusing is complete, a surface model will be generated. You can drag and rotate it with your mouse to confirm the focusing results.
7. Confirm Focusing Results

   Red dots indicate focusing failure. Select a failed focusing point to confirm the cause of the failure.

   Common focusing errors include "Red light measurement failure" and "Object exceeds measurable distance." If you encounter an error, please check:

   • Whether the focusing point is too low, such as focusing on the honeycomb board.
   • Whether the red light dot is clearly visible without blurring or being too faint.
   • Whether there is ambient light around the machine that could affect the red light focusing performance.

8. Refocus

   If you wish to refocus on a specific point, zoom in on the design and select the desired focusing point to perform the focus again.

   

9. Verify the Design

   After focusing, you can click the button below to project the current design onto the present surface model, allowing you to more clearly confirm the position of the design.Note: Areas with a height difference exceeding 45 degrees will be marked in red to indicate they exceed the maximum engravable angle. Please avoid placing artwork in the red-marked areas.

10. Submit the Curve Engraving task

    After adjusting according to the recommended parameters, submit the task to begin the curve  engraving process.