Setting the correct engraving parameters is an important step before sending a file to your laser cutter. In RDWorks V8, users can adjust output status, engraving speed, processing mode, laser power, scan direction, and engraving interval to control the final engraving result.

This guide explains how to set engraving parameters in RDWorks, especially when working with BMP images and scan mode.

1. Basic Engraving Parameter Setup in RDWorks

Before sending the file to the laser cutter, open the layer parameter dialog in RDWorks and confirm the basic engraving settings. These settings determine whether the layer will be output and how the machine will process the engraving job.

1.1 Open the Layer Parameter Dialog

Double-click the engraving layer to open the layer parameter dialog. This is where you can set output status, speed, processing mode, power, scan direction, and interval.

1.2 Set Output to Yes

Set “Is Output” to “Yes.” If output is not enabled, the selected layer will not be processed when the file is sent to the laser cutter.

1.3 Set the Engraving Speed

Set the engraving speed according to the material, image type, and desired result. In the tutorial example, the engraving speed is set to 700. Different materials may require different speeds, so test engraving is recommended before final production.

1.4 Choose Scan Mode

Set the processing mode to “Scan.” When using a BMP image, scan mode is the available engraving mode because the laser processes the image line by line.

2. Power and Image Settings

Laser power and image processing settings affect engraving contrast, depth, and visual clarity. For engraving work, the minimum and maximum power are usually set the same.

2.1 Set Engraving Power

For engraving, the minimum power and maximum power are usually set to the same value. This helps keep engraving output consistent across the image.

2.2 Use Negative Engrave for Transparent Materials

If you did not select “Invert Color” during the previous image processing step, you can select “Negative Engrave” when engraving transparent materials. This helps control how light and dark areas are interpreted during engraving.

3. Scan Direction and Interval Settings

Scan direction and interval settings influence engraving speed, resolution, and final quality. Choose the setting based on whether speed or detail is more important for the project.

3.1 Choose X Swing or X Unilateralism

For scan mode, you can select X Swing to achieve faster engraving speed. If you need better engraving quality, you can select X Unilateralism instead.

3.2 Set the Engraving Interval

The interval controls the engraving resolution. A smaller interval creates a higher-resolution engraving, while a larger interval reduces detail. In many common engraving workflows, the interval is usually set between 0.08 and 0.04.

4. Quick RDWorks Engraving Setup Checklist

Before sending the engraving file to the laser cutter, review the key settings below.

5. Final Thoughts

RDWorks engraving settings give users control over how an image or design is processed by the laser cutter. By setting output, speed, scan mode, power, scan direction, and interval correctly, you can improve engraving consistency and quality.

For the best results, test your settings on a sample material first. Small changes in speed, power, interval, or scan direction can noticeably affect engraving quality, resolution, and production time.