LASER PHOTOS: HOW DO I DO IT?

Laser engraving photos is a great way to create unique keepsakes. It doesn't matter if you want to engrave a photo on wood, glass, metal or any other material. With a ARGUS laser engraver, it's easy to create beautiful and unusual photo engravings.

When photo engraving, it is important to use a high-contrast and well-exposed photo. This allows the individual details of the photo to become clearly visible. The resolution of the photo is also important. The higher the resolution, the better the result.

The correct settings for photo engraving depend on the material on which the photo is to be engraved. For example, a resolution of at least 300 dpi is recommended for photo engraving on wood. On laminate or acrylic, the resolution should be 500-600 dpi. For photo engraving on anodised aluminium, the resolution should even be 600-1,000 dpi.

Before starting the actual photo engraving, it is recommended to create a so-called greyscale matrix. This involves engraving a 100% black field and then measuring how much laser power was needed for the respective shade of black. This way you can find out which settings are best for the material you want to use.

To laser photos, here are the steps you need to follow:

Select the photo: Choose the photo you want to laser on your computer and ensure it is in a suitable format, such as BMP or JPEG.

Prepare the software: Import the photo into the software that controls your laser engraving machine. This software allows you to adjust various settings for the engraving process.

Adjust image settings: In the software, adjust the image settings according to your preferences. This includes setting the size, position, and resolution of the photo. You can also make any necessary edits or enhancements to the image.

Prepare the material: Ensure that the material you are engraving on is clean and positioned correctly. This will help achieve a quality engraving result.

Safety precautions: Before running the engraving job, it is important to follow all safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer. This may include wearing appropriate protective gear and ensuring proper ventilation in the working area.

Practice on scrap material: It's a good idea to practice on scrap material before attempting your final project. This allows you to familiarize yourself with the engraving process and make any necessary tweaks to the settings.

Run the engraving job: Once everything is prepared, run the engraving job on your laser engraving machine. The machine will use the laser to etch the photo onto the material, creating a laser-etched photo.