UC500 Wizard Tips

When using a Technifor or Propen micro-percussion machine you need to know how to navigate through the software on the UC500 control box. There is one special tool that can make your life easier, the Wizard. 

This Wizard helps the user in finding the coordinates of a marking block.
This function key is available for:

• Linear

• Radial

• DataMatrix

• Logo

• Line

• Circle

If you press F6 while in a radial marking block, you have access to a screen similar to the F3 ( Stylus movement ) screen. The firmware allows to move the stylus and to acquire 3 sets of (x,y) coordinates along the circle on which the marking is to be positioned. The first coordinate sets the beginning of the marking.


It then calculates the center and the radius of the circle, the start angle, and puts them back in the block parameters.





 

It allows the user to find radius and center when they are not known, especially with big parts and/or when the center of the circle is not in the marking area.
 
Happy Marking!

Engraving Idea‬ for Crash Test Dummies

#‎EngravingIdea‬ for crash test dummies! Using a rotary engraver and Gravostyle you are able to create precisely engraved scales and dials on many materials, including metal. It is critical these dummies are accurately engraved to ensure passenger safety.

The NEW Gravostyle 8

Gravotech, Inc. Duluth, GA is pleased to announce the anticipated arrival of GravoStyle™ 8 Engraving Software! Gravostyle™ 8 is the latest version of the most powerful engraving software on the market.

Some of the great new features include:

- New interface - Easy to use, customizable and modern. Simplicity and customer benefits lie at the heart of this development. Because it is chronological, it facilitates job composition.
- Matrix - The powerful new possibilities offered by the Matrix resolve the daily concerns of many customers. The wizard is simple to use and intuitive so it allows you to explore new possibilities.
- New license system - The license is now updated automatically, via the internet. Easier, more flexible and bringing real time savings.
- Laser CAM - Never-seen-before possibilities for deep engraving and logo engraving!
- 3D laser - The laser beam - narrower than the rotary - allows applied work and intricate detailing. It is an advanced functionality that will impress!

Diversify your engraving jobs with multiple functions specific for your laser engraving solution. 

·        - The interactive stamp assistant guides you in the production of stamps with of one of the numerous template models or a blank template.

·        - Thanks to the nesting function, the positioning of each stamp is optimized to minimize material waste and to limit the emission of dust.

·         - Photolase gives you a realistic preview of your photographs on your chosen material to optimize the various laser engraving parameters.

·         - Identify your products and encode data with the barcode, DataMatrix™ code, QR code, and unique identification number (UID) generator with variables management. 

Not only have we enhanced laser engraving, but rotary engraving functions have been improved. 

·         - The Computip function advises you on the correct engraving tool based on your material.

·         - Integrate Raster® Braille into your signage capabilities with the dedicated transcription function.

·        -  For experienced users, the composition and toolpath environments have been brought together. This offers you the option to modify your design when the toolpaths have been created. 

GravoStyle™ 8 is available in 6 different levels for you to choose the perfect functionality and capabilities for your business. Contact your local representative today to upgrade to GravoStyle™ 8 and create the finest engraving jobs on the market! 

Watch our intro webinar here:

Engraving Idea for Stadium Seating

#‎EngravingIdea‬ for stadium seating. Identification of stadium seating can be a tedious process. By using an engraving machine with a custom holding device, job set-up is quick and simple. Engraving on durable materials like Gravoply Ultra or Gravoxal allows the plate to look like new for years.

Tech Tip - Preventative Maintenance

A little preventative maintenance now can save you BIG in the future! Learn a quick spindle care trick to extend the life of your engraving machine

Gravotech wins the Innovation Award!

Gravotech is over joyed to have received the Innovation Award at an event held in Paris, France on November 27th. This would not have been possible without the support or our wonderful customers and world-class employees! Thank you to all for this honor!

....and of course...Gravotech engraved the awards...

Material of the Week - Let's start with the basics!

It's summertime - a time for cookouts with great friends, family vacations full of lasting memories, and a lot of time in the shop making ADA, university, small business and corporate signage...

Wait. Really? 

Yep! June, July and August are the months that we sell the most premium engraving plastics. From the basic satins, like Gravoply I, to the industry's best selling laser/rotary plastic, Gravoply™ Ultra, we ramp up production to meet your high demands.

However, one common question we get: What kind of plastic(s) should I buy to do XZY? Example: I have an indoor sign job... which indoor plastic is the best for my customer? 

Well, we want to help you make this decision making process easy. That's why for the summer months, we'll be releasing the Material of the Week on our blog!

You've got to know where you've been to know where you're going. That's why we're starting with the basics in this blog post. So we've put together this great "Choosing a Premium Engraving Plastic 101" video for you!

Look for more plastics info in next week! Until then, grill a hot dog for us... and make sure it's got some spicy mustered on it!

Have you seen our M20Jewel?

Did you know that our M20Jewel makes jewelry & pen engraving easy? It's true. With it intuitive software and ability to engrave rings, flat and pictures, it's a wonderful fit for your business. Always get your engraving right with custom, built-in pen and ring fixtures, too!

Great features:

• Mechanical engraving made easy
• Inside and outside engraving machine for rings
• Pen attachment makes pen engraving simple
• Compact, quiet and portable
• Ability to engrave photos with custom GravoStyleTM  software
• Designed for jewelry shops, boutiques
• Equipped with GravoStyleTM software-including fonts, symbols & designs that can be used to engrave any precious metal
• Built-in-Wizard that takes you step by step through the automated engraving process
• Easy to use & affordable
• Add DedicaceTM software which allows any handwriting or drawing to be engraved onto rings & pens!

Right now we've got some great deals on the M20Jewel for the End of Financial Year! Contact us before June 30th for more info.

How to load upgrade codes into GravoStyle™

So, it's a Friday here at Gravograph - a perfect time to wrap up projects, start thinking about the weekend and get a lot of calls asking about how to load upgrade codes into GravoStyle™.

Wait - really? Update codes in GravoStyle™? 

Absolutely. Fridays are one of our busiest tech call days and one question that we get a lot: How do I load upgrade codes into my GravoStyle™ software? 

Well - we're going to tell you. After that, rest easy and think no more... start focusing on more pressing items. Leave the tough decisions for Monday.

How to Load Upgrade Codes into GravoStyle™

Determining your GravoStyle™ Version
Before upgrading the options or version of your current GravoStyle™ you will need to provide your sales representative with the following information (Note: This process is the same for our laser and rotary versions of GravoStyle™). Click on the small black question mark “?” located at the top left or top right of GravoStyle™ (depending on the version you’re currently running), then click “About”. 

 or

A window will open containing all the information about your GravoStyle™ level and options. Click the Print button.

The information in the window will be opened in your default text editing program such as Notepad or Microsoft Word. You’ll need to save and email this file to your local sales representative in order for him or her to process the correct upgrade request.

Once you receive the upgrade codes from a Gravotech representative you can then proceed to the next paragraph.

Loading Upgrade Codes into GravoStyle™
If you’re upgrading an older version of GravoStyle™, make sure you've already installed the new version before proceeding.

Once your GravoStyle™ upgrade has been processed, you’ll be emailed an upgrade file whose filename will be similar to G5FicRegrog_xxxxxx_00x.LUC.

Save this file from your email onto your computer and open GravoStyle™. If you’re upgrading to a new GravoStyle™ version a popup window with the following message will appear. Click OK, the About window will then open.

If you’re upgrading the level or options of an existing GravoStyle™ version then open the About window as mentioned earlier then click Automatic License.

A window will open so you can browse to the location you saved the upgrade file to. Choose the file and click Open.

A popup window will appear that says Success, click OK.

Congratulations, you’re ready to use your new GravoStyle™ version and/or upgraded features!

Need more help? Give us a ring at +61/29684 2400.

20 new videos for you!

Wow! We just got done editing all the great footage from The Tim & Tom Show. For the past two months we've been trying this TechShow idea with the hopes of answering your questions and giving you some great engraving knowledge. And it's been working. And a lot of fun!

However, if you missed the past shows, don't fret - they're now all spliced, diced and ready for viewing on our GravoGraph YouTube Channel! Here are some of our favorite videos:

How to schedule a tune-up

How to reset the origin on the IS400

Images and Logos in LaserStyle with the LS100

We could post so many more... but that'd be a long blog post. Check out the entire collection here.

Oh, and hope to see you at the next Tim & Tom Show on Wednesday, April 10th!

Zeroing Your Cutter and Spindle - Step by Step Guide

What a great time - the first The Tim &Tom Show was a lot of fun. We had some fantastic questions from the live audience and are looking forward to our next show on Wednesday, March 13th!

One question that we got a lot of feedback on was "How to zero your cutter." So, here's a step-by-step guide to zeroing your cutter on any of our Gravograph Rotary Engraving Systems.

Before You Begin:

This step by step will show you how to reset your cutter and depth nose for engraving plastic and metal material. Properly setting the cutter will provide a consistent engraving depth throughout the material and give your chip collection system increased ability to remove debris from the engraving area. Properly setting your cutter can reduce the risk of breaking the cutter tip by not allowing it to drill too deep. 

Q: When should I reset my cutter?

A: You should reset the cutter when the cutter is being changed or if you experience inconsistent or incorrect depth.

This procedure can be performed on any Gravograph rotary engraver using any conical (V-shaped) tip, diamond cutter or burnisher.

You will need: Cutter, 2mm Allen driver or cutter wrench spline (depending which machine you own).

Step-By-Step Instructions (Plastic)

Note: Steps 1-6 are for using V-shaped cutters used for engraving plastic or wood.

1. If you own a GTM-series machine, use the 2mm Allen key to loosen set screw and remove cutter. If you own and IS-series or Vanguard-series engraver, use cutter wrench spline to loosen set screw on gold cutter button to remove cutter.

2. Screw micrometer all the way up then unscrew three full turns to the nearest zero. (See picture in step 3).

3. Use arrow buttons on machine to move spindle over material. Press Z then down to lower nose cone to the material until it touches.

4. Insert cutter through the top of the spindle and gently lower it all the way until you feel it touch the bottom. Tighten set screw to secure cutter.

5. Press Check.

6. Use micrometer to dial in desired depth, thus exposing the tip.

Step-By-Step Instructions (Metal)

Note: Steps 7-10 are for using diamond cutters or burnishers for engraving on metal.

7. If you own a GTM-series machine, use the 2mm Allen key to loosen set screw and remove cutter. If you own and IS-series or Vanguard-series engraver, use cutter wrench spline to loosen set screw on gold cutter button to remove cutter.

8. Screw micrometer all the way up then unscrew three full turns to the nearest zero.

9. Insert cutter through the top of the spindle and gently lower it until the cutter protrudes from the nose cone approximately ¼ inch.

Note: If getting inconsistent engraving, check that the cutter is held tightly. Also check if tip is dull and needs to be changed.

And that's it! Want more tips? Make sure to follow this this blog and subscribe to our YouTube Page!

How to maintain your 11/64 rotary spindle

Just two more days until The premiere of The Tim &Tom Show - our new LIVE Tech Help WebSeries!

Since we'll be discussing tips and tricks for the IS400, we've gotten a few requests on how to properly maintain a 11/64 rotary spindle. You ask. We give. See all the info below!

Before You Begin:

Here's how to perform maintenance on your engraver’s 11/64 standard spindle. Properly maintaining the spindle will allow it to properly ‘float’, giving more accurate spindle tension onto the engraving surface.

What You Will Need: 

For maintenance, you'll need a 2mm or 3mm Allen driver (depending on type of machine), ring clip pliers, a clean, damp cloth or paper towel and light weight general purpose lubricant (DO NOT USE WD-40).

Step-By-Step Instructions:

1. Using 2mm or 3mm Allen driver, loosen the two screws that secure the spindle in place and remove the spindle from the machine.

2. Using the ring clip pliers, remove the C-clip at the top of the spindle and set aside. DO NOT lose or misplace the C-clip.

3. Slide off the outer barrel and tension spring from the spindle and unscrew the tension adjust knob from the outer barrel.

4. Using a clean, damp cloth or paper towel, wipe clean the inner shaft, tension spring, inside of the outer barrel and the threading for the tension adjust barrel. Then apply a few drops of general purpose or machine oil to the inner shaft and spread into a very thin layer.

Note: If inner shaft contains rust you can gently clean it using a small amount of oil and lightly rubbing with a Scotch Bright pad.

5. Screw the tension adjust barrel back onto the outer barrel. Slide the tension spring onto inner shaft then slide on the outer barrel lining up the gold pin to the slot cutout into the bottom of the outer barrel. Then reattach the C-clip.

 Note: Using a chip collection system will prevent scratching of the material and debris from entering components of the spindle resulting in less maintenance.

And that's it! Want more helps? Make sure to subscribe to this blog AND to tune-in to The Tim &Tom Show!

How to vectorize an image & create outlines for engraving

We're starting to get excited about the upcoming premiere of The Tim & Tom Show! It's our new LIVE Tech Help WebSeries!

The whole purpose of the show is to give you the knowledge and how-tos you need to make sure your machine is running at it's best... and show you some neat software tricks along the way.

One of the most common questions Tim & Tom Show have received so far: How do I vectorize an image so I can engrave it?

You asked. We answer. See all the info you need below. And make sure to tune-in to The Tim & Tom Show for more great tips!

Before You Begin
Vectorizing is the act of converting or outlining an image into a vector format. The fundamental purpose of vectorizing an image is to create a file composed of lines (or plot coordinates) that your rotary engraver understands. Unlike laser engravers, rotary machines do not recognize image files. Vectorizing also gives better control over fill patterns within parts of, or the entire design. In this article, we discuss the basics of vectorizing an image file.

Files that require vectorization include: JPEG, BMP, DIB WMF, PNG, GIF, TIFF & PDF. Some files that do not require this step include, but not limited to: DXF, HPGL, EPS, EJO, LGO & older GravoStyle™ formats. Note: The below is done with our GravoStyle™ software.

Step-By-Step Instructions
1. Start a new job and input your material size.

2. Click on the Selection mode icon. This disables Text mode.

3. Click on File>Import on the upper-left.

4. Now, browse for and select image you wish to use. Click Open. For this example we will use citroen-logo.jpg.

5. Once imported, make sure the image on the screen is highlighted (it will have 9 red squares, or handles, around it). Then resize image (if needed).

6. Click on the Vectorize Bitmap icon.

7. On the Vectorize Image screen, you can adjust some basic settings, these include Allowance, Noise filtering & Smoothing (Curve/Angle). Once completed click OK.

Allowance – Precision of contour line up to 1/10th pixel.

Noise filtering – Deletion or ignoring of interference pixels.

Smoothing – Vectorization bias using curves or angles.

8. The Color reduction opens. On this window you can select the colors you wish to outline. By choosing a color, the software will trace a line along that edge. You can choose to vectorize any number or combination of colors available on this window. For this example, select both the black and red colors (hold the Ctrl key to make multiple selections) Click Check. You can also select multiple colors and click Color fusion to combine all non-selected colors.

TIP: By selecting the background color, this will create an outline of the negative image creating a bounding box. You can vectorize both positive and negative images at the same time. You can choose this if you so wish.

9. You will now have two images overlapping; one is the original image before it was vectorized and the other is the outlined version.

10. You can delete the original if you wish or move it because it cannot be engraved.

11. Once you are left with only the vectorized image you can engrave this as is or perform clean-up (if needed).

Now that you’ve learned the basics, watch for future articles on more advanced vectorizing features!

Please note that the vectorization feature requires GravoStyle™ Discovery Max level or greater. For questions regarding vectorizing contact our Technical Support department at +61/29684 2400, or for upgrade information please contact your local Gravograph Sales Representative.

The Tim & Tom Show - LIVE Tech Help WebSeries!

We're proud to announce our new LIVE Tech Help WebSeries! - The Tim & Tom Show!

Every month Tim & Tom will focus on one of Gravograph’s engraving machines (From  laser to rotary). They’ll walk you through simple helps, fixes, and give little tid-bits of Sage Engraving Advice. And since the show is live, you can ask help questions to Tim & Tom!

So, what do you need to do?

1. Check out The Tim & Tom Show landing page for series/machine schedule.
2. Make sure to watch the Promo Video.
3. Then sign-up here for the February webinar!

The first show will be Wednesday, Feb 20th, at 2:00 PM EST. Tim & Tom will be focusing on the IS400. 

We're excited to give you live help and machine advice! See you Wednesday, Feb 20th!

Gravograph present at the 2012 Olympics

Did you hear? Gravograph helped engrave the medals for the award ceremony held at the 2012 London Olympics. Our IS400 Volume helped personally engrave the name of the event and distance near the bottom edge of each of the 4,700 Olympic & Paralympics medals. Take a peak at how the victory medals were created with the video on the right.

Improve, enhance & unlock your creative noggin with Gravograph's ADA compliant systems

Known for engraving systems that specialize in ADA compliance, Gravograph’s complete systems make it easy to get started in creating signage that meets these specific regulations. These ADA signage systems start with an engraver, such as the IS8000 rotary, then bundles in GravoStyle™ Engraving software and ADA compliant Raster Braille (multi-language) capabilities.  When an optional mounting bracket is added, the Raster Braille insertion becomes automated, making it even easier to meet ADA regulations.

An ADA compliant bundle includes: Raster Braille licenses, Raster insertion dispenser, cutters, specialized tools, the 140 page “How to make great-looking Interior Signage” manual (with instructions, samples and regulatory resources), and a collection of popular, easy start, pre-defined job saves.

Raster Braille can be integrated into a wide range of substrates.  From soft materials, such as GravoTac™ plastic—a two layer material designed specifically for Braille applications – up to, and including, hard materials, such as stainless steel and tempered glass.

Gravostyle™ software is capable of piloting both lasers and engravers/routers from a single job layout. High production shops can team engraver/router tables with laser engravers, such as the LS900 (CO2 laser) using the same computer, with seamless registration.  This capability increases productivity, creative options and the ability to flame cut finished acrylic components.

Gravograph’s full line of laser and rotary engravers, design software, engraving accessories and materials, simplifies the entire signage process. By adding in the ADA capabilities, sign businesses can truly be complete sign providers.

 To learn more, call +61/29684 2400, visit www.gravograph.au, and see our demonstrations on YouTube at GravographAustralia.

Create Batches of Engraving

The GRAVOGRAPH Automatic Plate Feeder
It’s about getting MORE FROM YOUR ENGRAVER

High precision
High volume plate marking
High volume badge and label engraving
High marking productivity
High revenue

The Automatic Plate feeding technology is designed to engrave a stack of plates with just one, quick and easy operation. Simply attach the APF in the engraver vice, plug in the cable and ‘play.’ No further intervention required. No compressed air required.

Learn more about the APF...

Check out our YouTube Page

Need more information or training? Want to see how a machine works or what else you can do with your engraver? Check out Gravograph Australia on YouTube to get videos, demos and tutorials of how to get the most out of your engraver.

Watch our YouTube channel

Machine Madness Sale

Right now, at Gravograph Australia, get 20% off any new stock model purchase. All machines must be sold by July 31st, so make sure to take advantage of this offer today. Click on the banner above to find out which machines are valid for the sale or click here.