Usage and Operation Archives

Tracing Clipart to Remove a White Background from Clipart

How do I trace a clipart image to remove the white background?

You’ve received your client’s image for a project, and all they have available is a bitmap with a white background. You need to duplicate this image, but how can you quickly get rid of the white background? Follow the steps below to create a quick solution to this problem. With (...)

09/17/2024

Transforming a Vignette in PhotoLaser Plus

How can I create a vignette in PhotoLaser Plus for my laser?

If you’re looking for a more sophisticated look when cropping and engraving photos, consider a vignette – a cropping technique that produces a soft, feathered edge that is very appealing. In order to create a vignette, it is necessary crop the image first. When cropping a photo in PhotoPaint or (...)

09/17/2024

Updating the Firmware

How do I update the Firmware in the Fusion engraver?

In firmware version 1.0.9.0, the update process has been streamlined. For systems operating on version 1.0.9.0 or newer, please refer to the guidelines provided in this document to complete the update. You may choose from two methods for updating the firmware: the network option, ideal for connections via Ethernet cable, (...)

10/07/2024

Updating the Peripherals

How do I update the peripherals in the Fusion Maker, Edge, Pro, and Galvo?

Peripheral updates ensure optimal performance and communication between the engraver’s programmable components by installing the latest firmware and configuration files. Programming the Peripherals On the display panel, tap the gear icon in the upper-right corner to open the Settings menu: Select Update from the Settings menu: Tap Program Peripherals to (...)

09/26/2024

USB Connection Setup – Fusion Maker, Edge, and Pro

How do I connect my machine with a USB cable?

Setting up a USB connection for the Fusion Pro, Fusion Edge, and Fusion Maker laser systems (models 16000–17000) offers a direct and reliable method of communication between your laser and computer. This guide walks you through the necessary steps, including proper cabling, setting adjustments, and the default IP configuration. USB (...)

09/27/2024

Use a Jig to Pre-Engrave an Item for Customization Later

Learn how to use a jig to save time on your most popular laser engraving projects.

Setup the Artwork Here we are creating a jig to pre-engrave four leather notebooks. We’ll add customized names to each one later. The red lines are the outlines of the notebooks we’ll cut out in a jig. We’ll cut an arrow at the top left corner so (...)

09/26/2024

Use Print Merge to Customize Multiple Items

Learn to use the print merge feature in CorelDRAW to easily distinguish and engrave multiple items at once.

Import Data Here we have a series of name badges to engrave and cut on the laser using print merge. First we’ll need to pull in the list of names. Select File > Print Merge > Create/Load Print Merge Click Import File and navigate to your .csv, .rtf, or (...)

09/26/2024

Using a Mask to Create a Color Fill

How can I color fill my project?

For this exercise, we’ll be demonstrating how to use a mask or application tape to create a color fill. Application tapes are great for protecting surfaces from smoke or debris that’s created while the laser is engraving or cutting. The application tape for this exercise was provided by American Biltrite (...)

09/17/2024

Using an Apple Computer with Fusion and Fusion M2.

How can I use a Mac with the Fusion or Fusion M2?

Epilog’s Fusion Laser Series now features a Mac driver. To download the Mac driver for your Fusion Laser system, visit our driver/firmware downloads page. If you aren’t a Fusion Laser owner and would still like to use a Mac with your engraving system, read on to learn how! Are you (...)

09/17/2024

Using Bartender Variable Data

Learn to create and mark variable data using Bartender.

Import Variable Data We have our file for a 5” x 3” serial tag setup in Bartender. There are two pieces of variable data on the tag: the serial number field and a scannable barcode with the serial number. We also have an excel file with a list of serial (...)

09/26/2024

Using Color Mapping in the Epilog Software Suite

Save time by setting up multiple passes with different settings.

It’s easy to color map with the Epilog Dashboard. Prepare the Artwork for Color Mapping For this file, we want to score the red numbers and cut out the blue outlines. Once the artwork is ready, Print the file to the laser. Everything has come over in a single process (...)

09/26/2024

Using Margins to Preview Your Engraving

Use this technique to quickly fine tune your engraving.

For a helpful tip, we’ll show how to use margins in the Epilog Dashboard to preview the engraving to make sure our photo quality is ideal. Prepare the Artwork We’ll be engraving this photo on a wood plaque. First, we’ll process the photo in PhotoLaser Plus. (...)

09/26/2024

Using PhotoLaser Plus

Learn how to quickly prepare photos for engraving using PhotoLaser Plus.

Prepare Photo Begin by importing a photograph into PhotoLaser Plus. Select the ‘Import’ option from the ‘File’ menu. Then select a photo. Now click on the work area to place the photo. Next, resize the image to match the engraving piece. In this example, our engraving piece is 6” x (...)

09/26/2024

Using Registration Marks to Cut Preprinted Acrylic Keychains

Use the IRIS™ Camera to find printed registration marks for precision cutting.

Setup Files Here we have a sheet of keychains to cut out of an acrylic sheet we had preprinted with the flower design. In CorelDRAW, you can also see the file we printed, along with the four registration marks printed at the corners of the design. First, we’ll turn (...)

09/26/2024

Using the 3-Jaw Chuck Rotary Attachment

The 3-Jaw Chuck style Rotary Attachment is an extremely versatile tool for marking and engraving cylindrical objects.

Installing the 3-Jaw Chuck Before we get started, we will need to lower the laser table far enough to accommodate the 3-Jaw Chuck Rotary Attachment Once the table is low enough, power off the machine. Measure & record the diameter of the cylinder you plan on engraving; you will (...)

09/26/2024

Using the Bottom-Up Engraving Option in the Laser Dashboard

When and how do I use the bottom-up engraving option that I see in the print driver?

As any engraver knows, most materials you engrave or cut can produce a certain amount of debris. This is especially true with woods, acrylics and plastics. Epilog’s Laser Dashboard™ features an array of engraving options to help you get the most from you system. The Bottom-Up engraving feature is one (...)

09/17/2024

Using the Center-Center Option in the Epilog Laser Dashboard

How can I use the Center-Center option in the print driver for easy positining of my engraving?

When engraving a uniquely-shaped item, the Center-Center option within the Epilog Laser Dashboard can be an invaluable tool. The Center-Center option allows you to define the center of your artwork as the primary reference point (home position) of your engraving or cutting. Designed to be used in conjunction with the (...)

09/17/2024

Using the Rim-Style Rotary Attachment

Here we’ll walk you through the steps of customizing a glass mug using the Rim-Drive Rotary Attachment.

Install the Rim-Style Rotary To install the Rim-Style Rotary Attachment, lower the table and turn off the machine. Place the Rotary at the top-left corner of the table. Attach the plug to the machine at the top-right corner of the bed. Turn the machine back on. (...)

09/26/2024

Using the Weld Tool in CorelDRAW

How can I combine shapes using the weld tool in Corel?

The Weld Tool in CorelDRAW allows you to merge objects (text or shapes) together. This tool has been used in several of our Sample Club projects and will surely be a useful tool for laser operators as they create new designs. Here are some basic tips about using the Weld (...)

09/17/2024

Using What the Font to Identify Fonts

How do I identifiy a font in a document a customer sends me?

Have you ever received an engraving file without the font files included or the fonts are in a bitmap format? Every engraver knows the frustration of trying to match up a font to the sample that you receive from a customer. Corel has a new feature that will allow you (...)

10/16/2024

Usage and Operation