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Dithering
Dithering settings are used when printing grayscale bitmapped images such as TIF and BMP formatted images. We recommend that you DO NOT print colored bitmapped images to the laser system. Due to the computer memory restrictions, most software programs have difficulty halftoning large colored bitmaps, and errors or computer system crashes may occur. Because the laser system is not a color printer, it is useless to work with color bitmaps. It is best to first convert the color bitmap to grayscale, in your bitmap editing software. Since the laser system is essentially a black and white printer (black turns the laser ON and white turns the laser OFF), and if you choose the correct settings, the driver will automatically convert grayscale bitmaps into a 1-bit “halftoned” black and white image. This process is very similar to how newspaper photographs as well as laser printer photographs are printed.
Print Direction
Allows the laser to start processing the job at the top of the page and work down (UP), or start processing at the bottom of the page and work up (DOWN).
Image Enhancement
These controls allow the user to “fine tune” the image which will enable the laser system to produce the highest quality, highest detailed images at high or low speeds. Image Enhancement may be used at any engraving speed and with any application material.
Vector Optimizer
Optimizes the path of the laser while running vectors. Often when creating a vector layout, objects are created randomly. The optimizer controls the flow of the vector artwork for the quickest output.
Vector Scaling
This feature allows you to calibrate vector cutting or vector engraving to your particular application. To calibrate the system, as an example, draw a precise, 5” x 5” square in your graphics software. In the printer driver, set the laser power and speed setting to vector mark (do not cut through) this square onto some scrap material. After marking, remove the material and with a precision measuring device such as a caliper, measure the square in both the horizontal (X) and vertical (Y) directions. Let’s say that the measurement was 4.997” x and 4.996” y. Use the formula (desired length/measured length) and enter the result into the X-axis and Y-axis boxes respectively. In this example, the result would be X-axis = 1.0006 to 1.0000 and Y-axis = 1.0008 to 1.0000. The printer driver will scale the images larger for numbers greater than 1.0000 and will scale the image smaller for numbers less than 1.0000. After changing the numbers, repeat the marking procedure and verify that the square is scaled correctly. We used a 5” by 5” square just as an example but you can use any size object that is smaller than the maximum size of the engraving field. Using the Vector scaling feature with larger images produces more accurate results. Keep in mind that this feature DOES NOT scale raster images so if you combine raster and vector images in one file, the raster image may not align with your vectors. You will need to manually position your raster images in their desired position.
Rotary Rotation
If you have purchased the optional Rotary fixture, you may feel the need to calibrate your fixture if your application requires you to engrave or cut completely around the cylinder at least 360 degrees. Only use this option if you completely understand and have used the Rotary Fixture in the past. If you are familiar with the operation of the Rotary Fixture and as an application you create a vector line or raster graphic that extends from the top of the page (in your graphic software) all the way to the bottom of the page, you should expect that the Rotary Fixture would rotate a full 360 degrees. If the fixture comes up short or long by a few degrees, you can compensate for this in the driver. If your application comes up short, increase the number past 1.0000 as much as you need to and run your sample again. If your application rotates past 360 degrees, then decrease the number of degrees below 1.0000 to get the ends to line up. You can calculate the exact number (refer to the Vector Scaling technique in the next paragraph) but it may be difficult to measure circumference.
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