Full Version: Settings for Slate?

From: Franklin (FW_HAYNES) [#1]
6 Apr 2007
To: ALL

I have a client that wants me to engrave his information on small slate tiles of different colors; I own (so cool to say I OWN :D ) an Epilog Helix 45 watt engraver and was wondering if anyone has worked with slate enough to know what a good standard setting would be.

From: Sei (SEIMA) [#2]
6 Apr 2007
To: Franklin (FW_HAYNES) [#1] 7 Apr 2007

You're not going to get any depth out of engraving slate. Even at settings to cut through .25" acrylic it would only mark the surface for me.

If he any give you an extra piece I'd say experiment, starting at double the power you use to engrave plastic and proceed from there. You should get a lighter gray mark against the darker gray of the stone, but the contrast won't be terribly high.

The best success I has with slate was in a project outsourced to me (ie: I can't take credit for the idea, just had the equipment to do it for him). Engraving through a mask and using metallic silver paint surprisingly gives a very attractive finished look that is quite readable.

Sei

From: Laser Image (LASER_IMAGE) [#3]
6 Apr 2007
To: Franklin (FW_HAYNES) [#1] 7 Apr 2007

I have tried several types of sedimentary rock - slate, sandstone, pennsylvania bluestone, etc. The best results have been multiple passes using about 10% speed and 100% power. I can engrave 1/16" into sandstone with those settings and three passes. I have a 30W, 80IPS machine so adjust your speed/power settings accordingly.

Gary

From: Franklin (FW_HAYNES) [#4]
7 Apr 2007
To: Laser Image (LASER_IMAGE) [#3] 8 Apr 2007

Thanks, I will let you know how it turns out.

Full Version: Settings for Slate?

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