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Raster engraving, on the other hand, works perfectly for art-works that come with bolder appearance. Vector engraving is therefore perfect for small items like jewelry and other decorative items.

Vector engraving is used where finer details are required which is not possible with raster engraving. When it comes to appearance, vector engraving looks much finer than raster engraving because raster engraving is just one line thick. Vector engraving is perfect for flat materials and since it engraves in a continuous manner, the vector engraving is less time consuming than raster engraving. If you use a low power setting, you will get an engraved image but if you use a high-power setting, you will get a laser cut. Vector engraving works the same as laser cutting except for the power settings. The axles move slowly but simultaneously to achieve a smooth engraving. The laser traces the image vector by vector and engraves it on the material. Once the file is imported from a graphics software, the outline is marked for vector engraving. The laser keeps following the instructions given by the computer and engraves the piece smoothly.

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Vector image engraving is also known as “Scoring.” The CNC controller uses the series of linear X-axis and Y-axis locations and directions for the laser to point based on the image generated by the computer. Each path is rooted with a mathematical formula that determines the shape, as well as the fill and border colors. Vector images are made of thin lines and curves which are known as paths. Since it engraves one pixel at a time, raster engraving is somewhat slow.

The PPI (Pulses Per Inch) also plays a crucial role as it controls the density of the laser points. The speed of the X axle (the axle where the laser-head is attached) is always higher than the Y-axle. It is a bi-directional process in which engraving is done in an alternating manner in both directions.ĭuring the line by line engraving process, both axles run with different speed. The laser engraver uses the laser in an on-off pattern to individually engrave each pixel into the base material of the workpiece.The laser keeps swiping back and forth across the area where it is working.The computer-generated bitmap image made of pixels is interpreted by the laser engraving machine’s CNC controller.Raster image laser engraving works almost the same way. So how does a laser engraver work with raster images? The best analogy would be the ink-jet printer which prints line by line. You can especially see the pixels around the edges of the image because of the significant color contrasts.

If you zoom into the image, you will be able to see each pixel’s square outline. Using raster images for laser engravingĪ raster image, also commonly known as a bitmap image, is comprised of millions of tiny squares which are called pixels. Vector images are therefore a more popular option. you can easily resize it to any size you so wish without pixelating it – there is no upper or lower limit. Working with vector images is a lot easier e.g.

So, what is the difference between the two? And which one is better? Is raster or vector better for laser engraving? Vector images are typically more versatile and flexible than raster images. The two are just different types of computer graphics. There are two types of images that your laser engraver will work with – raster images or vector images and the question is raster or vector better.

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