I just performed a laser engraving test on an anodized aluminum part using settings that have worked for me in the past, but I am seeing a strange gradient or fading in parts of the engraving. If you look at the icons of the gas bottle with the arrow pointing right or the square with a diagonal arrow in it you will see a distinct edge where the engraving is darker on the right side than the left.
I realized that the line corresponds to the spot where the overall engraving envelope changes to accommodate the icons above, which I illustrate in the image with the yellow boxes. It’s almost as if for each engraving pass (which runs vertically) it is engraving a gradient which is lighter (more powerful engraving) on the bottom and darker (less powerful engraving) on the top. This normally wouldn’t be noticeable if it weren’t for the sudden changes in pass length, although you can also tell that the icons at the top are not as bright as the ones on the bottom.
Does anyone know why this is happening and how to fix it? I am thinking it either has to do with acceleration on one end causing changing speeds or maybe the laser power ramping up on one end of each pass.
This is on a H2D 40W. Settings are attached as well. Thanks in advance.
-Jamil
