Physics and Laser Cutting
I want you to think back to your first physics class. If you are anything like me, this brings up a memories of long forgotten stress and anxiety, but I want you to work your way past that and think about that one lesson on vectors. You remember? Right? Of course you do! The good news is, this is where they finally will become useful, and not just confusing. So lets go create some vectors!
If your like me, your memories of this lesson are probably as vivid as your drive to work 3 years ago on Wednesday. So, here's a quick refresher: Vectors are simply "a quantity that has a magnitude as well as a direction". Why is this important to laser cutting? Laser cutters are capable of three main operations - Vector Cutting, Vector Engraving and Raster Engraving. Vectors are important because they tell the laser in the machine where to start, what direction to go, and how far in that direction to move. This means that in order to use the machine, we need to create a file that is made up of these paths or vectors. The good news here is that you don't need any complicated math, protractors or compasses. All you need to know is how to click a mouse on a computer.
If your like me, your memories of this lesson are probably as vivid as your drive to work 3 years ago on Wednesday. So, here's a quick refresher: Vectors are simply "a quantity that has a magnitude as well as a direction". Why is this important to laser cutting? Laser cutters are capable of three main operations - Vector Cutting, Vector Engraving and Raster Engraving. Vectors are important because they tell the laser in the machine where to start, what direction to go, and how far in that direction to move. This means that in order to use the machine, we need to create a file that is made up of these paths or vectors. The good news here is that you don't need any complicated math, protractors or compasses. All you need to know is how to click a mouse on a computer.
Vector Cutting and Raster Engraving
Vector Cutting is the process by which the laser cutter follows a series of "Paths" (Vectors) outlined in a drawing with a consistent laser stream to burn a closed contour completely through a workpiece (cutting). It is for this reason that it is important to use a software capable of creating vector based files, such as Adobe Illustrator, when designing your work.
Vector Engraving and Vector Cutting are nearly the same process the only difference is when you are Vector Engraving the power of the laser is turned down so that it does not cut all the way through the material. This can be a useful alternative to Rastering as often times it takes less time to process the file. The only drawback to this method is that you are limited to outlines of text and shapes as seen in the picture to the left.
Rastering or Raster Engraving is the process by which the laser cutter interprets a pixel based file as a series of pulses corresponding to the pixels in an image, much like the way an inkjet printer works. Engraving can range from a simple surface mark to deep material removal, and can be used to mark a wide variety of different materials. Engraving works with both pixel and vector based files which can allow you to create everything from simple text to complex photographs.