Reading this article gave me a new method for my project and after reading this I will be using this blog in the future. The reason I like this blog so much is that it doesn’t use the most complicated processes possible. Most blogs I found on using color in laser engraving talked about using raster and then dyes or paints, as while as buying special applicators that stay on when engraved.

In this mentor blog( using a mask to create color fill) the author’s method is inventive and very different from what I had intended to do. The author of this blog raster engraves on a piece of tape over acrylic and removes the tape untouched by the laser. this compared to my method of using vector engraving around the symbol, this method (if it works) will be much more effective at keeping the tape on the acrylic. using the raster engraving should slightly melt the tape while allowing it to keep its color. the heat of the laser should force the adhesive to melt and fuse to both the tape and the acrylic-creating a very strong seal.

This blog post felt like a godsend as it was the only one I was able to find which used a method even close to what I planned on using. not only did the blog have a similar idea as mine but the author also managed to find a method which will allow the tape to be much stronger and last much longer. the only downside i could find to this method was the fact that raster engraving the colored tape may dull the color and possible ad burn marks to it. no doubt this project will force me to perform many different methods before I have a final product

work cited

Epilog Laser,using a mask to create color fill” http://support.epiloglaser.com/article/8205/30028/using-a-mask-to-create-a-color-fill ,3/31/13