In order to understand a little about laser engraving, its important to understand the difference between rastering and vectoring. When rastering something with the laser we are basically talking about putting a topical etching on to our project. We are lasering a logo, picture, word or some sort of artwork onto the surface of our project. At MBJD Laser we raster images, logos, and words on many different substrates such as wood, painted metals, stainless steel, glass, acrylic, leather, granite and so much more.
When vectoring something with a laser, generally we are talking about cutting. In order to cut we need to have lines so that the laser knows where exactly to cut. Most design softwares allow for you to create your own lines for vectoring. One of our favorite programs for creating shapes and vector lines is AUTOCAD. Vectoring with the laser is the process of cutting, and in many cases lasers are used to cut out shapes. Popular things to cut with CO2 Lasers (I will cover more about CO2 lasers later) are wood, acrylic, leather, and matte board. The Epilog Zing Laser that we have at MBJD Laser will not cut through metal, glass, or granite, but it does outstanding on wood, and acrylic!
Today at MBJD Laser we created a few FIDGET WIDGETS. If you are not familiar with Fidget Widgets please look at our video on the home page. They are basically very similar to stress balls in that they are used while sitting at your desk, driving on a long trip, or simply waiting in line at the grocery store. The process for making Fidget Widgets involves both rastering and vectoring. We sell these on our website in the 2 prong or 3 prong varieties, and we have two basic styles. These Fidget Widgets are designed to spin, and spin, and spin till your heart is content. :-) It hard to tell the size in the photos but the bearings are slightly smaller in diameter then a quarter.
Looking at the two photos you can see how we cut out the Acrylic to size and shape to accept the bearings. The cutting process is our vector application. You can also see the name Fidget Widget as well as our website on the acrylic and this is the raster application.
So who buys these Widgets? We have sold them to students, and businesses. Kids love them to put in a backpack or in their car. Business love them as promotional items to give away as handouts. Almost like a business card with their business name and website information.
When vectoring something with a laser, generally we are talking about cutting. In order to cut we need to have lines so that the laser knows where exactly to cut. Most design softwares allow for you to create your own lines for vectoring. One of our favorite programs for creating shapes and vector lines is AUTOCAD. Vectoring with the laser is the process of cutting, and in many cases lasers are used to cut out shapes. Popular things to cut with CO2 Lasers (I will cover more about CO2 lasers later) are wood, acrylic, leather, and matte board. The Epilog Zing Laser that we have at MBJD Laser will not cut through metal, glass, or granite, but it does outstanding on wood, and acrylic!
Today at MBJD Laser we created a few FIDGET WIDGETS. If you are not familiar with Fidget Widgets please look at our video on the home page. They are basically very similar to stress balls in that they are used while sitting at your desk, driving on a long trip, or simply waiting in line at the grocery store. The process for making Fidget Widgets involves both rastering and vectoring. We sell these on our website in the 2 prong or 3 prong varieties, and we have two basic styles. These Fidget Widgets are designed to spin, and spin, and spin till your heart is content. :-) It hard to tell the size in the photos but the bearings are slightly smaller in diameter then a quarter.
Looking at the two photos you can see how we cut out the Acrylic to size and shape to accept the bearings. The cutting process is our vector application. You can also see the name Fidget Widget as well as our website on the acrylic and this is the raster application.
So who buys these Widgets? We have sold them to students, and businesses. Kids love them to put in a backpack or in their car. Business love them as promotional items to give away as handouts. Almost like a business card with their business name and website information.
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