Vector vs Raster

Tim goes into detail about the difference between Vector and Raster images.

Social Media Accounts:

[MarkMorgen]

a raster image is created on a laser engraver by sending the laser left to right, then top to bottom (or similar) line by line until the image is complete. A vector shape is created by having the laser move along the lines and arcs of the geometry itself. This is why cutting a shape out of material is done with a vector file, and engraving text or an image is done with a raster file. You don't have to cut completely through the material when using a vector file, but the laser will still move along the geometry to create the design. That's what matters most for creating artwork with a laser.

[xRx]

I knew the difference between the two but my question is can you engrave with vector to engrave faster?

[varga]

Thanks for the great explanation. I’m slowly getting a handle on the subject. I do have a question in regards to photo engraving and the settings in Re.3. When you select the dither option in the raster section is there a way to know how far to move the slider to get the best results? The image on the screen doesn’t represent what the engraving looks like, correct? Is the only way to know what you will get is to run the engrave job?

[bewokking]

What speed do you suggest for vector engraving? I have 50w laser. TIA

[jonflannery]

I’m the owner of a muse with riser and rotary options. Looking into the different file types and wondering if there’s a way to convert between file types without purchasing a suite of Adobe software. Also wondering if there’s any detailed videos on how to align the camera with where the laser head engraved. My machine is consistently engraving high and to the left the same way the laser head and camera aren’t located at the same point. Not a big deal to just run the same job over again but it definitely hinders using the camera to align a previously ran job to run it a second time after removing it from the work surface.