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Ken Smith
11-10-2008, 6:13 PM
I did my first jigsaw puzzle last night using the Jigsaw Puzzle Creator plug in for Corel X4. I used spray adhesive to stick an inkjet photo of my daughter to a piece of thick cardstock. Then, using the Matboard cutting settings from the ULS V460-50w manual, I cut the puzzle face down on the honeycomb.

Everything went smoothly, except that I have a small amount of scorch along the laser cut edges on the photo. I don't think it made a difference being face down. Both sides appear to be slightly scorched.

Can anyone provide me with a tip for cutting photo puzzles without scorching the photo at the edges? Is the answer simply it simply less power, more speed, or something else?

Is it better to use a processed photo instead of an inkjet?

Thanks,
Ken Smith
Tacoma, WA
ULS M300-25w
ULS V460-50w

Kim Vellore
11-10-2008, 6:35 PM
I would think it is the glue that is scorching, the photo paper cuts pretty clean. Maybe you could experiment by cutting just the photo first.
Kim

Brian Robison
11-10-2008, 6:52 PM
I think I'd try it face up with low tack paper over the face.

Ken Smith
11-10-2008, 6:57 PM
I'll try the low tack cover sheet idea. The thought of gluing the photos to the pieces after cutting is not very appealing. Too many pieces

Joe Pelonio
11-10-2008, 7:20 PM
I'm afraid even low tack transfer tape will not do well with inkjet print on paper. You would be better off using clear poly film like Oracal 352 over the paper, applied with transfer tape which is then left on while cutting.

Mike Mackenzie
11-10-2008, 7:25 PM
Ken,

What were the settings you used? and on which system. You should always use a lower ppi when cutting this material 200-300 max.

Shaddy Dedmore
11-10-2008, 9:21 PM
Maybe even a clear coat sprayed on.

Ken Smith
11-10-2008, 10:41 PM
I was cutting with the V460-50w using the Mat board settings from the manual...30 power, 3.2 speed, 200 ppi.

I'm planning on trying a couple of different ideas. I'm going to try:

A. Using 1/8" masonite as a backer
B. A photo processed at Costco, instead of my inkjet.
C. Placing a clear film over the image while cutting. Removing afterward.

Nancy Laird
11-10-2008, 11:34 PM
Turn on your air assist while you're cutting - it minimizes the scorch.