RasterLaser

RasterLaser refers to a technique used in laser engraving and cutting where the laser head moves across the material in a raster pattern, similar to how an inkjet printer works. This involves the laser turning on and off or varying its power as it scans back and forth across the material, line by line, to create the desired image or cut. This method is particularly effective for engraving grayscale images because the laser's power can be modulated to control the depth or intensity of the engraving on a pixel-by-pixel basis.

The rastering process typically involves a series of parallel passes. For engraving, the laser might change its power output for each point or segment along the scan line, corresponding to the brightness of the pixel in the source image. For cutting, the laser follows the outline of the design, often with multiple passes at a consistent power to ensure a clean cut through the material.

Compared to vector cutting or engraving, which follows precise lines and curves, raster laser processing is ideal for detailed graphics and photographic reproduction. However, it can be slower for simple geometric shapes or deep cuts, as it requires extensive scanning. The resolution of a raster laser job is determined by the dots per inch (DPI) or steps per inch (SPI) setting, which dictates how many individual laser points are fired per linear inch. Higher DPI generally leads to more detail but also increases processing time.