Specifications

GRAPHICS SOFTWARE SETUP
Section 3-10
Rotary Fixture
This option is available for most models. Please refer to operations manual on how to install and use the
Rotary Fixture.
Advanced Tab (Windows 2000/XP)
Dithering
Dithering settings are used when printing grayscale or color bitmapped images such as TIF, JPG, and
BMP formatted images. Since the laser system is essentially a black and white printer (black turns the
laser ON and white turns the laser OFF), and if you choose the correct settings, the driver will
automatically convert the grayscale or color bitmap into a 1-bit “halftoned” black and white image. This
process is very similar to how newspaper photographs as well as laser printer photographs are printed.
For a more detailed explanation of the terms “grayscale”, “bitmap”, “halftone”, or “dither”, please refer to
the “Graphic Software Setup” section in this manual.
Halftone
This halftone pattern generator converts grayscale bitmaps into a halftoned image based on your
Image Density choice in the driver.
IMAGE DENSITY ANGLE SHAPE LINES PER INCH
6 45 DEGREES ROUND 180
5 45 DEGREES ROUND 90
4 45 DEGREES ROUND 60
3 45 DEGREES ROUND 45
2 45 DEGREES ROUND 36
Error Diffusion
Unlike halftoning, error diffusion scatters the black pixels in a random pattern to represent shading. It
uses the quantity of black dots instead of the size of the black dots to represent the different shades
of gray. The pattern created will be dependent on the quality setting that you choose in the driver
with the exception that there is no chart to reference. Higher quality settings such as 5 will produce a
more densely packed, higher dot quantity pattern whereas lower resolution setting such as 2 will
produce a loosely packed, lower quantity dot pattern
NOTE: DO NOT use Error Diffusion when engraving rubber stamps otherwise dots will appear in the
background. Choose only Halftone.
Black and White Mode
This mode thresholds the image at 50% black. Each pixel that is greater than 50% black will be
converted into white and each pixel that is 50% black or less will be converted into black. This effect
is very similar to trying to duplicate a photograph using a photocopier.
Helpful Tip
Engraving grayscale bitmaps using a dithering pattern requires some practice and a bit of trial and error
to achieve perfection. It also requires some knowledge of bitmap editing software. These images will
visually appear different on one material as opposed to another material even if you use the same driver
settings. As a rule of thumb, use an Image Density setting of 5 using halftone or diffusion pattern on
harder materials such as marble, anodized aluminum or microsurfaced engraver's plastic. Use an Image
Density setting of 3 using the halftone or diffusion pattern for softer materials such as wood or materials
that you intend on engraving very deeply.