Digitally printed puzzle with individual engraving

Create a personalised puzzle using our new Digital Print Series material. Follow the instructions below and download our free template.

Preparation

You Will Need

1/2 sheet TroLase Metallic, matte brushed Aluminium/Black 1.6mm
1/2 sheet TroLase ADA, Polar White 1.6mm
Photo Frame 30 x 40mm
Material for covering up the working table

Machine Used

Speedy 400, 120 Watt
2" lens
vacuum table
acrylic cutting grid

You can create this puzzle with any machine in the Speedy series.

Tips

We used a free online software to create the puzzle pieces. You will be able to find many examples on the internet as well.

puzzle-digital-print-series.zip

ZIP

Download now

ZIP

Download now

Step by step

Step 1

Step 1: Create The Print & Laser Design

Download the graphic we have provided, or try creating your own! You can find some tips & tricks on creating graphics for Digital Print Series here.

Once you have finished creating your masterpiece, send the file to the laser machine.

Print Settings

Process mode	Resolution	Cut line
Standard	600 dpi	None

Halftone	Others
Colour	Optimised Geometries, Inner Geometries First

Step 2

Step 2: The Laser Process

We used the optimised TroLase parameters from JobControl as our engraving settings. The geometries of the puzzle pieces are somewhat complicated, so we adapted the cutting parameters to suit our design. These parameters may vary depending on what machine you are using and its available laser power.

Next, place the printed sheet of Digital Print Series on the acrylic cutting grid. Engrave and cut out the 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	-	-

Important:

Always engrave from the bottom and work your way up. This will prevent dust from building up inside the engraved areas.
Place a sheet of paper underneath the cut-out puzzle so that you can remove all the elements from the laser at once when you are finished.

Step 3

Step 3: Graphics Base Plate

It is necessary to have a base plate if you're going to display your puzzle in a frame. Send the graphic to your laser machine using the following settings:

Print Settings

Process Mode	Resolution	Cut line
Standard	1000 dpi	None

Halftone	Others
Colour	-

Step 4

Step 4: Laser Process (Base Plate)

Simply place the TroLase ADA on the acrylic cutting grid and cut it out.

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 optimised, standard laser parameters for TroLase ADA in JobControl^®.

Step 5

Step 5: Cleaning & Assembly

After you've finished the engraving, give the puzzle a good clean with a damp cloth.

TIP:

We suggest leaving the material inside the laser machine with the vacuum on once you've finished processing. This will ensure all the parts will stay together while you clean them, making your job much less confusing!

Inspiration

Create a larger base plate and make use of the new Trotec signage mounting devices to hand your puzzle on a wall. If you decide to do this, make sure you place double-sided tape on the back of the printed plate before you begin cutting.
You can print a few general aesthetic pictures (like sunsets, sandy beaches, flowers, mandalas) and engrave them according to your customers' requirements. This way, you'll always be prepared.

Speedy series
The ideal laser engraver and cutter for personalisation.

Discover laser engravers and cutters

Questions about applications or settings?
We're happy to advise you from A for Air assist to Z for z-offset.

Contact us