![print & cut puzzle](/static_processed/da083324400c896733d1ba63b8fe4c2f/.jpg?{"image":"https://backend.troteclaser.com/static/images/knowledge/diy-samples/digitally-printed-puzzle/print-cut-puzzle.jpg","edits":{"extract":{"top":402,"left":0,"width":4193,"height":2097},"resize":{"width":1280,"height":640,"fit":"cover"}}})
Digitally printed puzzle with individual engraving
Step by Step instruction
![print & cut puzzle](/static_processed/b28434b55ab71b0b9d2070a499f144c1/.jpg?{"image":"https://backend.troteclaser.com/static/images/knowledge/diy-samples/digitally-printed-puzzle/print-cut-puzzle.jpg","edits":{"extract":{"top":364,"left":0,"width":4193,"height":2097},"resize":{"width":1280,"height":640,"fit":"cover"}}})
Digitally printed puzzle with individual engraving
Step by Step instruction
Create a stylish puzzle using our TroLase material, the perfect material for combining print, laser cutting and laser engraving. For more information on laser technology and its benefits within the industry, visit our digital printing application page.
Preparation
Materials required
- 1/2 sheet TroLase Metallic, matt brushed Aluminum/Black 1.6 mm
- 1/2 sheet TroLase ADA Signage Polar White 1.6 mm
- Photo Frame 30 x 40 mm
- A suitable material to cover the working table, such as paper
Laser machine used
- Speedy 400, 120 Watt
- 2" lens
- vacuum table
- acrylic laser cutting grid
Any Speedy laser engraver can be used to produce this sample.
Tips
We used a free software to create the puzzle pieces. These can be found online.
Step by step
![print-settins-laser-material-dps.jpg Digital Print Series print settings](/static_processed/3d60667be84d996e0d2539b3d181ee20/dps-print-settings.jpg.jpg?{"image":"https://backend.troteclaser.com/static/images/knowledge/diy-samples/digitally-printed-puzzle/print-settins-laser-material-dps.jpg","edits":{"resize":{"width":650,"fit":"cover"}}})
Step 1: Create print and laser design
Begin by downloading our graphic or create your own design for the puzzle. Discover useful tips and tricks for creating how to create graphics.
Then you can send the puzzle engrave-and-cut file to your laser machine.
Print settings
Process mode | Resolution | Cut line |
---|---|---|
Standard | 600 dpi | none |
Halftone | Others |
---|---|
Colour | Optimised geometries, inner geometries first |
![laser-engraving-puzzle.jpg Inspiration: laser cutting puzzle](/static_processed/2257c05a58607d53f31ca58eb111b82d/inspiration-laser-cut-puzzle.jpg.jpg?{"image":"https://backend.troteclaser.com/static/images/knowledge/diy-samples/digitally-printed-puzzle/laser-engraving-puzzle.jpg","edits":{"resize":{"width":650,"fit":"cover"}}})
Step 2: Laser processing the puzzle
We used the TroLase quality parameters from JobControl® for the laser engraving settings. Due to the complex geometries of the puzzle pieces, we have adapted the laser cutting parameters. Please note that these will vary depending on the laser machine used and its available laser power.
Next put the printed sheet of TroLase on the acrylic laser cutting grid of your laser machine. Begin laser cutting and laser engraving your design.
LASER PARAMETERS
Colour | Process | Power (%) | Speed (%) | ppi/Hz |
---|---|---|---|---|
Black | Engrave CO2 | 40 | 100 | 600 |
Red | Cut CO2 | 32 | 0.8 | 5000 |
Blue | Cut CO2 | 60 | 1.62 | 5000 |
Passes | Air Assist | Z-Offset | Advanced |
---|---|---|---|
1 | on | +1.5 mm | High Quality |
1 | on | - | - |
1 | on | - | - |
Tips:
Engrave from bottom to top as this prevents dust from collecting in the engraved areas.
Take a sheet of paper and put it underneath the cut puzzle so that you can easily remove all components from the laser bed once processing is finished.
![print-settings-ada.jpg Print settings laser material ada](/static_processed/8d112304f8dbfff33fe066223700ced7/ada-print-settings-base-plate.jpg.jpg?{"image":"https://backend.troteclaser.com/static/images/knowledge/diy-samples/digitally-printed-puzzle/print-settings-ada.jpg","edits":{"resize":{"width":650,"fit":"cover"}}})
Step 3: Graphic base plate
The base plate is important for displaying the puzzle in a frame. Use the below settings to send the graphic to the laser.
Print settings
Process mode | Resolution | Cut line |
---|---|---|
Standard | 1000 dpi | none |
Halftone | Others |
---|---|
Colour | - |
![base-plate-puzzle.jpg ADA base plate](/static_processed/b7bc23a8539961d63f313a5632b2ab63/laser-cutting-base-plate.jpg.jpg?{"image":"https://backend.troteclaser.com/static/images/knowledge/diy-samples/digitally-printed-puzzle/base-plate-puzzle.jpg","edits":{"resize":{"width":650,"fit":"cover"}}})
Step 4: Laser process base plate
Place the TroLase ADA Signage onto the arylic laser cutting bed and begin processing.
LASER PARAMETERS
Colour | Process | Power (%) | Speed (%) | ppi/Hz |
---|---|---|---|---|
red | Cut CO2 | 65 | 2 | 1000 |
Passes | Air Assist | Z-Offset | Advanced |
---|---|---|---|
1 | on | - | - |
TIPS:
We used the speed laser parameters for TroLase ADA Signage in JobControl®.
![laser-speedy-puzzle.jpg laser speedy puzzle](/static_processed/c3c0cb487fa40f98c2fa7ba589901de0/.jpg?{"image":"https://backend.troteclaser.com/static/images/knowledge/diy-samples/digitally-printed-puzzle/laser-speedy-puzzle.jpg","edits":{"resize":{"width":650,"fit":"cover"}}})
Step 5: Cleaning and assembly
Once you have completed the laser engraving, clean the puzzle with a damp cloth.
TIP:
Leaving the material on the laser machine bed with the vacuum activated post-processing ensures that the parts stay in position during cleaning.
Inspiration
- Make a bigger base plate and use signage mounting devices to mount the puzzle on the wall. You could put double-sided adhesive tape on the printed plate prior to laser cutting which allows you to attach it the the baseplate.
- Print general pictures such as sunsets, sandy beaches and flowers to keep on stock and then laser engrave them afterward for individual customer requirements.
- There are many uses for laser processing within the digital printing industry, find out more on our dedicated application page.