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Advice required: Engraving quality issue [Photos attached]

Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2011 6:33 pm
by alanmccormack
engraving-problem.JPG
File I am trying to engrave
(6.99 KiB) Downloaded 378 times
Using Illustrator to create the vector
Exporting DXF using EXDXF
Previewing Draftsite
Engraving with Newlydraw 1.5
Machine Laserscript 3020

I am relatively new to most of the above programs. I have been able to perfectly engrave and cut on my first 20 designs. However I recently made the following logo and even though its elements are larger and less intricate than many of my past designs, it seems to always engrave blurry.

There is no issue with the laser itself. In between multiple attempts I was able to engrave other designs perfectly.
In illustrator I have cleaned up the paths, expanded them etc.
I also exported to bmp and the problem persisted. I tried multiple materials. No difference.


Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Alan

Re: Advice required: Engraving quality issue [Photos attache

Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2011 6:39 pm
by Spooky
Hi Alan,

If at all possible dump illustrator, it cause more problems than it solves :( the compression algorythm used in illustrator isn't to the same standard as a dedicated cad program and the files can often end up losing information or details.

If possible design in Draftsite and go from there.
I'll go have a play with your picture in autocad and see what I can do :)

best wishes

Dave

edit: just had a look Alan, the file is greyscale and won't convert properly direct to dxf,it will give an inconsistant edge (blurring)

If you want to mail me the full size version if there is one I'll convert / redraw it in autocad for you.

Re: Advice required: Engraving quality issue [Photos attache

Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2011 6:50 pm
by Daven
I tend to use JPG saved in black and white (2 bit) to engrave - Newlydraw has an 'enhance' option for engraving which can be useful as well.

Cheers

Dave

Re: Advice required: Engraving quality issue [Photos attache

Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2011 6:57 pm
by alanmccormack
Spooky wrote:Hi Alan,

If at all possible dump illustrator, it cause more problems than it solves :( the compression algorythm used in illustrator isn't to the same standard as a dedicated cad program and the files can often end up losing information or details.

If possible design in Draftsite and go from there.
I'll go have a play with your picture in autocad and see what I can do :)

best wishes

Dave

edit: just had a look Alan, the file is greyscale and won't convert properly direct to dxf,it will give an inconsistant edge (blurring)

If you want to mail me the full size version if there is one I'll convert / redraw it in autocad for you.

Dave: Thanks for the help. I have emailed you a larger file.

Alan

Re: Advice required: Engraving quality issue [Photos attache

Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2011 6:58 pm
by alanmccormack
Daven wrote:I tend to use JPG saved in black and white (2 bit) to engrave - Newlydraw has an 'enhance' option for engraving which can be useful as well.

Cheers

Dave
Good to know Dave, thanks.

Alan

Re: Advice required: Engraving quality issue [Photos attache

Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2011 8:29 pm
by Spooky
All fixed :)

Re: Advice required: Engraving quality issue [Photos attache

Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2011 8:54 pm
by alanmccormack
You are a lifesaver Dave, thanks!
:D

Re: Advice required: Engraving quality issue [Photos attache

Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2011 10:02 pm
by Spooky
your welcome :) get any more like it just drop me a line and ill help out

best wishes

Dave