Bruce Clumpner
04-01-2010, 4:01 AM
I've got a question on something I'm calling it dot-gain when vector cutting acrylic... I'm new to engraving, just purchased an older epilog 35w mini that seems to be working pretty well...Anyway I'm finding that my vector cuts through 1/4" plus acrylic stock is not always at a perfect 90-degrees. Top of the sheet seem to shrink a bit away from the laser cut line, while the bottom of the sheet is on-line. I think it's producing something akin to dot-gain found when printing when the ink seeps into the paper producing a larger dot than expected. I figure the laser power heats the top of the sheet more than at the bottom, causing the acrylic to shrink.
Is this common? Is there any way to insure we get perfect verticals on vector cuts like this? How do you all make compensations for this? Is there a standard shrinkage rate for each material?
Any pointers gratefully accepted.
Bruce
Is this common? Is there any way to insure we get perfect verticals on vector cuts like this? How do you all make compensations for this? Is there a standard shrinkage rate for each material?
Any pointers gratefully accepted.
Bruce