Uploaded February 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
A big Thank You to Haotian Laser for sponsoring this video!
This video covers essential techniques for engraving photos and creating jewelry using UV Galvo lasers, including tips on image preparation, focus adjustments, and utilizing the wobble feature for cutting thin metals. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the fascinating world of photo engraving and jewelry making using UV Galvo lasers. Whether you are a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this post will provide you with valuable insights and practical tips to enhance your projects.
Getting Started with Photography with your galvo
Before diving into engraving photos, it's essential to familiarize yourself with your UV laser setup. In this guide, we will focus on a 15-watt UV laser equipped with a 210 mm lens and a honeycomb tray, which is ideal for various substrates.
Basics of Photo Engraving
Engraving photos on different materials, such as black business cards or slate, requires specific techniques. Here are the steps to get started:
1. **Image Selection**: Choose high-resolution images for the best results. Low-resolution images may not engrave well.
2. **Image Format**: Understand the difference between PNG and JPEG formats. PNG files typically have a transparent background, making them preferable for engraving on dark surfaces. In contrast, JPEGs have a white background that will engrave unless removed.
3. **Importing Images**: Use LightBurn software to import your images. You can drag and drop or use the file import option.
Adjusting Your Images
Once your image is imported, you can make necessary adjustments:
- **Invert the Image**: For dark surfaces, invert your image to ensure that the engraved areas are visible.
- **Enhance Sharpness**: Use the sharpness adjustment to improve image clarity.
- **Adjust Gamma**: Adding gamma can enrich the image, especially when engraving on metal.
DPI Setting's
Setting the correct DPI (dots per inch) is crucial. A common mistake is using too high a DPI, which can negatively affect the engraving quality. A starting point of around 317-318 DPI with a line interval of 0.080 is recommended.
Utilizing the Wobble Feature for Cutting Thin Metals
The wobble feature in LightBurn is particularly useful for cutting thin metals, such as aluminum business cards. Here’s how to use it effectively:
1. **Select Wobble Mode**: Enable the wobble feature in your settings. This allows the laser to cut with a circular motion, which is more effective for thin materials.
2. **Set Parameters**: Adjust the step size and size of the circles. A step size of 0.05 and a circle size of 0.100 often yield good results.
3. **Test Cuts**: Perform test cuts to determine the number of passes needed to cut through your
Importance of Focus
Focus is critical when engraving, especially on glass. Here are some tips:
- **Glass Engraving**: When working with glass, you may need to defocus the laser by 2-3 mm from the standard focus distance indicated on your machine. This adjustment can significantly improve engraving quality.
- **Leveling**: Ensure that your engraving surface is level with the laser head. Using a digital angle gauge can help achieve precise leveling.
Cylinder Correction Mode
For cylindrical objects, such as tumblers, use the cylinder correction mode in LightBurn. This feature compensates for the curvature of the object, ensuring that your design is accurately engraved. Measure the distance from the mirrors to the engraving surface to set this up correctly.
Conclusions
Engraving photos and creating jewelry with UV Galvo lasers can be a rewarding experience. By understanding the nuances of image preparation, focus adjustments, and utilizing features like the wobble command, you can produce stunning results. With practice and experimentation, you will be able to master these techniques and create beautiful engraved items.
Thank you for reading! If you found this guide helpful, consider subscribing for more tips and tricks on laser engraving.
Wildlife art used in this video:
NWBDigital on Etsy
Haotian USA Store: https://haotianlaser.store
This is my affiliate link for this product.
Wixey angle gauge; amzn.to/4h1n5wE
00:00 - Start
02:56 - Basic Photos on a Galvo
14:05 - Cropping a Photo in LIghtBurn
16:43 - Using the Wobble Feature
21:20 - Cylinder Correction
27:12 - A few tips on Focus for Glass
A big Thank You to Haotian Laser for sponsoring this video!
This video covers essential techniques for engraving photos and creating jewelry using UV Galvo lasers, including tips on image preparation, focus adjustments, and utilizing the wobble feature for cutting thin metals. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the fascinating world of photo engraving and jewelry making using UV Galvo lasers. Whether you are a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this post will provide you with valuable insights and practical tips to enhance your projects.
Getting Started with Photography with your galvo
Before diving into engraving photos, it's essential to familiarize yourself with your UV laser setup. In this guide, we will focus on a 15-watt UV laser equipped with a 210 mm lens and a honeycomb tray, which is ideal for various substrates.
Basics of Photo Engraving
Engraving photos on different materials, such as black business cards or slate, requires specific techniques. Here are the steps to get started:
1. **Image Selection**: Choose high-resolution images for the best results. Low-resolution images may not engrave well.
2. **Image Format**: Understand the difference between PNG and JPEG formats. PNG files typically have a transparent background, making them preferable for engraving on dark surfaces. In contrast, JPEGs have a white background that will engrave unless removed.
3. **Importing Images**: Use LightBurn software to import your images. You can drag and drop or use the file import option.
Adjusting Your Images
Once your image is imported, you can make necessary adjustments:
- **Invert the Image**: For dark surfaces, invert your image to ensure that the engraved areas are visible.
- **Enhance Sharpness**: Use the sharpness adjustment to improve image clarity.
- **Adjust Gamma**: Adding gamma can enrich the image, especially when engraving on metal.
DPI Setting's
Setting the correct DPI (dots per inch) is crucial. A common mistake is using too high a DPI, which can negatively affect the engraving quality. A starting point of around 317-318 DPI with a line interval of 0.080 is recommended.
Utilizing the Wobble Feature for Cutting Thin Metals
The wobble feature in LightBurn is particularly useful for cutting thin metals, such as aluminum business cards. Here’s how to use it effectively:
1. **Select Wobble Mode**: Enable the wobble feature in your settings. This allows the laser to cut with a circular motion, which is more effective for thin materials.
2. **Set Parameters**: Adjust the step size and size of the circles. A step size of 0.05 and a circle size of 0.100 often yield good results.
3. **Test Cuts**: Perform test cuts to determine the number of passes needed to cut through your
Importance of Focus
Focus is critical when engraving, especially on glass. Here are some tips:
- **Glass Engraving**: When working with glass, you may need to defocus the laser by 2-3 mm from the standard focus distance indicated on your machine. This adjustment can significantly improve engraving quality.
- **Leveling**: Ensure that your engraving surface is level with the laser head. Using a digital angle gauge can help achieve precise leveling.
Cylinder Correction Mode
For cylindrical objects, such as tumblers, use the cylinder correction mode in LightBurn. This feature compensates for the curvature of the object, ensuring that your design is accurately engraved. Measure the distance from the mirrors to the engraving surface to set this up correctly.
Conclusions
Engraving photos and creating jewelry with UV Galvo lasers can be a rewarding experience. By understanding the nuances of image preparation, focus adjustments, and utilizing features like the wobble command, you can produce stunning results. With practice and experimentation, you will be able to master these techniques and create beautiful engraved items.
Thank you for reading! If you found this guide helpful, consider subscribing for more tips and tricks on laser engraving.
Wildlife art used in this video:
NWBDigital on Etsy
Haotian USA Store: https://haotianlaser.store
This is my affiliate link for this product.
Wixey angle gauge; amzn.to/4h1n5wE
00:00 - Start
02:56 - Basic Photos on a Galvo
14:05 - Cropping a Photo in LIghtBurn
16:43 - Using the Wobble Feature
21:20 - Cylinder Correction
27:12 - A few tips on Focus for Glass
