Need help with 1/16" Metalgraph-Plus

[Gregg Vaughn]

Anyone with a 45 Watt Epilog that has good numbers for raster and vector settings for 1/16" metalgraph plus? Should the protectice clear sheet be removed before you raster or cut it?

[Frank Corker]

Greg, never tried metalplus so I'm going to hazard a guess. Generally any plastic coatings I think should be removed, the heat as the laser engraves usually just melts it, but it melts into the engraving. You won't see it until the job is done and then you have a whole new kettle of fish as to how you are going to remove it! For me, I'd take it off.

[Mike Null]

I always remove the plastic.

[Gregg Vaughn]

Thanks .... I tried it with the plastic on for the first try last evening, and Frank was right the plastic melted into the engraving. However, it came out easily with a toothbrusk and looks nice. I'll try without the plastic and see if smoke residue is a problem. With my 45 Watt Epilog I rastered @ 100S/50P and 400 DPI .... vectored @ 25S/85P/500. Those settings gave good results.

[Curt Stallings]

I made exterior signs with the Metalgraph Plus Brushed Antique Gold over Black and they looked great. Rastered at 600dpi. 100s 60p. Vector 20s 85p 500freq. I vectored with the film on. then removed the film and rastered with nothing on and then washed them off with water.

Curt

[Stephen Beckham]

Gregg,

I've got the 45 Mini and I use similar settings for text. On graphics, I dumb the power down and run it twice (if time and cost permits) It tends to give a crisper edge than hitting it full power in one pass. I try to do this with all the outside plastics to bust through that harder surface without giving up the image... Watch out - it'll double your time!

Steve

[Gregg Vaughn]

Greg & Kurt,

were these settings on 1/16" or 1/8" Metalgraph?

[Curt Stallings]

It was MP922 the 1/16" material. I made plaques for antique tractors that will be mounted on them outside, and they looked great. I'll check on them in a few months when they will be a year old.

Curt