Week 2 Laser

This week we focus on tools, and we learn about images.

1. Coordinate system

Last week we used the Absolute Coordinates system. This week we get some practice using the *Current Position*, as well as *User Origin*.

Additionally, we will learn how the *Print and Cut* feature can be used to recover cuts that may have gotten out of alignment.

2. Tools

We will create a *speed/power grid* that we can use any time we are working with a new material in order to tune our settings. This tool will help us to find pleasing levels of "grayscale" that we can use in our fills.

Learn to create a *settings library* that you can save and keep for your use.

Exercise: Fake Transparency
Overlap two fills. Learn to create a boolean difference between them. Use selections from your speed/power grid to make it look like the overlapping fills have transparency.

3. Images

Learn the difference between grayscale images and dithered images. Learn when is the best time to use each.

Dithered images are technically black-and-white images that "fake" grayscale via the patterns they employ. These are good on all materials, including those that have a very narrow flashpoint, such as acrylic. (Grayscale does NOT react well on acrylic)

Resources:

STL2PNG Website https://fenrus75.github.io/FenrusCNCtools/javascript/stl2png.html