Engraving on Marble with Your ULS Laser – Optimum Techniques

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Engraving on Marble with Your ULS Laser – Optimum Techniques

Step 1: Acquire the image to be engraved

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Step 2: Enhance the image as necessary

Scan or import a sharp, detailed, well-lighted image. Avoid using dark images, night shots and low contrast images.

If the image is color, convert it to grayscale to get a better idea of its suitability for engraving.

For best results always work with high resolution images (250 dpi or greater).

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Using photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop™ or Corel PHOTO-PAINT®, enhance the image as needed.

In this particular instance we brightened the grill of the car in the foreground and brightened the undercarriage and driver’s side in the background using Photoshop.

Enhancing the image is not strictly necessary but will im-prove the quality of the engraving.

Once you’re satisfied with the enhanced image, save it at 250 dpi at the actual size you are going to engrave it.

Step 3: Process the image with PhotoGraV

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PhotoGraV is a powerful image processing program that prepares images for laser engraving.

Open your image in PhotoGraV, select “Load Params” then select “Auto Process” to run ULS’s recommended PhotoGraV parameter.*

PhotoGraV’s “Preview” function can simulate more than 20 different substrates including wood, acrylic, brass and anodized aluminum to help you visualize what the image will look like after it is engraved.

Save the PhotoGraV processed image at 250 dpi and 8 bit grayscale at the exact size you intend to engrave it. Do not resize or rotate the image once it has been processed.

*Note: Universal Laser Systems has developed a set of PhotoGraV engraving parameters that provide excellent results on a wide variety of materials. These parameters have been optimized specifically for ULS laser systems. Please feel free to contact us to get a recommended PhotoGraV parameter for the material you plan to engrave.

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Step 5: Using paint to improve the engraving

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Obtain a tube of white oil-based paint (available at most craft stores) and rub a small amount into the engraved image. Buff off the excess paint with an absorbent cloth. This will brighten up the engraving considerably.

Be sure to use pure oil-based paint, which is permanent; acrylic paints are not suitable.

Compare the paint-treated engraving with the untreated shown in Step #4. Note the difference in detail between the images.

This process also works on granite.

Step 4: Engrave the image

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Import the image into CorelDRAW to send the image to the engraver (you cannot print directly from PhotoGraV.) Invert an image when engraving it on marble; marble turns white when engraved instead of getting darker like many other materials.

PhotoGraV processed images should be engraved using the highest resolution lens (smallest spot size) that you have available. If you own a High Power Density Focusing Optics (HPDFO)™ lens, always use it when engraving.

Engrave the image on marble using a 25 to 30-watt laser system with the preferred HPDFO lens or 1.5 lens at the following settings: • 30-50 percent power. • 50-70 percent speed. • 250 ppi (pulses per inch) image density 5 for HPDFO lens. • 250 ppi (pulses per inch) image density 3 with 1.5 lens.

Finished sample shown engraved on 3x5 inch marble.

Step 6: Using color fill to further improve the engraving

Oil-based paints are available in a wide variety of colors that can be used to enhance an engraving.

Paint carefully as it is almost impossible to remove oil-based paint from an engraved surface once applied!

Oil-based paint pens are available in a wide range of col-ors and applicator sizes.

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Additional Suggestions

Try a ThinLam™ inlay of mother of pearl using the HPDFO lens. On true soft marble HPDFO will give you enough depth for a perfect inlay.

Engrave the image on soft marble using a 50-watt laser system with the HPDFO lens at the following settings: • 100 percent power. • 10 percent speed. • 1,000 ppi (pulses per inch) image density 6 for HPDFO lens. • 0.005 inch depth.

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The same technique will also work with most common inverted materials such as microsurfaced engraving plastic, glass (which also works with the color fill technique for brightening or multiple colors), anodized alumi-num, laserable painted metals, granite and acrylic. Some samples shown.