Specifications

GRAPHICS SOFTWARE SETUP
Section 3-17
Error Diffusion
Unlike halftoning, error diffusion scatters the black pixels in a random pattern to represent shading.
Error diffusion, as opposed to halftoning, represents the grayscale bitmapped image by adjusting the
quantity of black dots as instead of the size of the black dots. 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. Selecting this option will also enable the following error diffusion controls. Since you cannot
“preview” the image, you will need to laser engrave the image to see the results of the adjustments
that you made.
Brightness is similar to the brightness control in most photo editing software. Adjusting the slider to
the “Bright” side brightens each pixel in the bitmap one shade of gray for each increment. Adjusting
the slider to the “Dark” side darkens each pixel in the bitmap one shade of gray for each decrement.
Contrast is also similar to the contrast control in most photo editing software. Adjusting the slider to
the “High” side increases the contrast of the image by making the lighter colors lighter and the darker
colors darker. This decreases the amount of different gray colors in the image. Sliding it to the
“Low” side decreases the contrast of the image by making the lighter colors darker and the darker
colors lighter, which increases the amount of gray colors in the image.
Diffusion controls the amount of graininess or “noise” level. Adjusting the slider to the “Heavy” side
increases the noise level thus causing the image to appear more “noisy”. Sliding it to the “Light” side
reduces the noise level and causes the image to appear more solid and have less “noise”.
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 with a laser system 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 the halftone (fine) or diffusion pattern on harder materials such as
marble, anodized aluminum or microsurfaced engraver's plastic. Use the halftone (coarse) pattern for
softer materials such as wood or materials that you intend on engraving very deeply. Please refer to the
section on "Bitmapped Images” for details on how to use, manipulate, and engrave these types of
images.
3D Effects Tab
See the RUBBER STAMP in the PRINT MODE section of the Windows 2000/XP driver for an explanation
of this feature.
Special
Choose from three (3) special effects.
Add Shoulder
Activates the 3D Effects feature. This adds a shoulder to all raster graphic objects within the
engraving area but does not affect vectors
Print as a Negative Image
Converts all black objects into white and all white objects into black for the ENTIRE PAGE. This is
very useful for engraving a full sheet of rubber stamps.