Mastering Two-Color Plastic Engraving with the Thunder Bolt Laser Machine
Introduction to Two-Color Plastic Engraving In this video blog, I explore the intricate technique of laser engraving on two-color plastic using the Thunder Bolt laser machine. Engraving two-tone plastics isn’t straightforward; it requires precise control to achieve a smooth, dark finish without unwanted lines and ridges.
Challenges and Techniques The primary challenge in this process is adjusting the laser’s focus to melt the plastic effectively without vaporizing it. Vaporizing the material causes the undesirable ridges and lines. Here’s how:
- Focusing Techniques: By engraving more “in focus,” the area’s turn matte, reducing the glossiness. Engraving “out of focus” & “more in focus” helps in minimizing dust formation, which can otherwise contaminate colors and reduce visual contrast.
- Managing Heat and Dust: High power settings can warp the material due to excessive heat, hence, it’s crucial to find a balance. I used a two-pass technique, adjusting power settings to enhance detail without accumulating too much dust, which I then cleaned off meticulously after each pass.
Optimal Settings for Success
- Engraving Parameters: For text, going “out of focus” (3.6mm on z-axis) and slightly increasing power provided a better melting effect, allowing a single pass with minimal dust. The engraving speed was set at 1000mm/s with 23% power at 500 DPI for the text. The image engraving needed to be done in a double pass, I was more “in focus” (1.4mm on z-axis) with the settings of 1000mm/s for speed & 16% power at 600 DPI for the image.
- Cleaning and Maintenance: Post-engraving, the material was gently cleaned with warm water, mild soap, and a soft sponge to prevent damage.
Technical Insights
- Using Auto Focus and Manual Adjustments: The Thunder Bolt’s auto-focus feature showed a z-axis adjustment of 2.3mm. However, I found optimal focus settings manually for different details: 1.4mm for the image and 3.6mm for the text.
- Image Preparation: The image was prepared at 300 DPI in BMP format through LightBurn, an engraving software, ensuring it was perfectly suited for the process.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations This endeavor required three days of continuous engraving and adjustments to achieve perfection. The Thunder Bolt proved essential for these intricate tasks, demonstrating its capability for precise, high-quality engravings. For those who own or plan to use a Thunder Bolt, I recommend experimenting with these settings for the best results. If you’re new to laser engraving or considering a machine capable of such detailed work, MaxLaser offers the Thunder Bolt along with a range of other laser machines. Our experts are ready to assist you in starting or enhancing your engraving projects.
Contact MaxLaser for Expert Guidance At MaxLaser, we not only provide top-notch machines but also ensure our customers receive all the support they need to bring their creative ideas to life. Contact us today for any inquiries or support regarding our products and services.