Fiber Laser Vector Hatching, 2.5D Relief & Marking Guide
Master technical guide for preparing vector artwork for fiber laser engraving, galvo mirror scan optimization, MOPA pulse overlap, and multi-angle 2.5D coin die relief.
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Calculate exact hatch spacing, pulse overlap, spot diameter, and multi-pass layer depths.
1. How Galvo Fiber Lasers Process Vector Geometry
Unlike gantry CO2 lasers that physically move a heavy cutting head across rails, galvo fiber lasers (1064nm) use ultra-fast galvanometer mirrors rotating at speeds up to $10,000 ext{ mm/s}$.
To engrave a solid area (fill), the CAM software (EZCAD2, EZCAD3, LightBurn) takes the vector perimeter and mathematically computes a raster fill pattern known as Hatching.
The 3 Mathematical Conditions for Clean Hatch Fills
- 100% Closed Vector Boundaries: Any gap in a vector contour (even $0.01 ext{ mm}$) causes the hatch algorithm to fail or bleed hatch lines uncontrollably across the entire work envelope.
- Zero Self-Intersecting Polylines: Figure-8 crossing lines cause the even-odd winding rule to invert, turning filled solid areas into un-engraved cavities.
- Coincident Path Elimination: Double vector strokes cause the laser to dwell twice at identical coordinates, creating deep gouge marks along boundaries.
2. Physics of Pulse Overlap and Line Spacing
Pulsed fiber lasers (Q-switched or MOPA) emit discrete nanosecond pulses of laser energy. As the galvo mirror sweeps the beam across the workpiece at speed $v$, each laser pulse strikes the surface at a distance $p$ (pulse pitch):
For deep 2.5D metal engraving (such as brass coin dies, firearm slides, or tool steel stamps), aim for a pulse overlap of 35% to 55% and a hatch line spacing matching the beam spot diameter ($approx 25 ext{ to }35 mu ext{m}$).
3. 2.5D Deep Engraving Multi-Pass Angle Rotation Schedule
When removing significant depth in metal ($>0.5 ext{ mm}$), engraving continuously at a single angle (e.g. 0°) creates micro-trenches (corduroy texture) and traps laser slag.
To achieve a mirror-flat cavity floor, rotate the hatch angle by $+45^circ$ or $+90^circ$ on every consecutive layer:
| Pass Number | Hatch Angle | Hatch Type | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pass 1 | 0° | Unidirectional or Bidirectional | Primary bulk ablation |
| Pass 2 | 45° | Cross-hatch angle | Eliminate ridge formation |
| Pass 3 | 90° | Perpendicular cross-hatch | Even bottom leveling |
| Pass 4 | 135° | Opposing diagonal | Final layer flattening |
| Pass 5 (Clean) | 0° (High speed / High kHz) | Contour outline only | Vaporize slag & edge burrs |
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