Custom-Made Sign - Engraving a Control Panel
Learn how to laser engrave and laser cut custom-made signs. Our handy how-to guide demonstrates how to create a usable graphic, including text, and set the correct dimensions. It also offers important tips and tricks for using laser materials and laser systems. Our example shows an engraved control panel that covers and labels the control unit at the same time, creating a clean appearance and easy cleaning.
Instructions on how to laser engrave a control panel
In our example we used the popular laser engraving material TroLase. Read more about TroLase.
Measure height, width, hole spacing and hole diameter of the object and draw the basic shape with these dimensions in Corel Draw. Click the upper left corner and re-position the zero-point by pulling it on the upper left corner of the graphic. The guidelines are pulled from the sides towards the graphic and can be exactly positioned by using the above and left ruler. The cutting lines can be exactly positioned on the grid.
Click the Text tool, then click on the required position on the sign. Type the required text in the desired font and center the text.
Highlight the entire graphic and select 'Print'. Enter the dimensions of the graphic, +1 mm in height and width, choose the relevant material and define the process options (process mode standard, 500 dpi, enhanced geometries). Send your graphic to JobControl® by hitting the 'JC' button and choose 'Print'.
Set the engraving start positon to begin at the bottom (find this in the menu 'Plate - Plate setup'). Remove the protection foil from the engraving material and activate the vacuum. Focus the laser beam - and off you go!
- Consider the cutting sequence: The cutting lines are considered bottom up in the production process. Therefore, place the outline at the top position in Corel Draw Object Manager.
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For an increased vacuum strength, cover unused parts of the table with paper.
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Select the engraving start position as 'bottom'. This prevents deposits from setting on engraved areas which could discolour the product. -
Use the Z-Offset to obtain a more homogeneous engraving result. Depending upon the design, adjust to max. 3 mm in the +.
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If colour residues are present, check the parameters, focus and that the laminate is flat on the table.
