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Custom-made stamps are a practical and useful application of laser engraving technology. Whether for personal projects, creating a corporate identity, or for business, laser-engraved stamps are distinguished by their precision, durability, and design freedom. In this article, we will tell you step by step about the process of making a rubber stamp using the Wattsan CO2 laser machine, paying special attention to file preparation, parameter setting and final cleaning.
Step 1: preparing the design
Start by creating a stamp layout in any vector graphics software. CorelDRAW is a popular option, but alternatives such as Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape are also well suited. When designing a stamp, keep in mind that when using it, the finished image will be moved in reverse order, so it is very important to reflect the layout horizontally before exporting it.
Once your design is ready and mirrored, export it to a compatible format such as DXF or AI, and then import the file into RDWorks, the software commonly used in Wattsan laser machines.
Step 2: adjusting the design in RDWorks
In RDWorks, you can improve the quality of the engraving by adding an additional contour around the drawing. This helps to increase the clarity of the print and ensures that the engraved areas are clearly separated from the main material.
Then assign color layers for different operations:
- Use red for engraving
- Use black color for cutting
This separation allows you to independently adjust the parameters for the engraving and cutting passes.
Step 3: engraving settings
We will use a Wattsan machine equipped with a Reci W2 CO2 laser tube with a power of 90 watts. To apply the engraving layer (red), start with the following settings:
- Speed: 100 mm/sec
- Power: 25%
These settings can be configured in the main settings panel or directly in the RDWorks auxiliary window. Depending on the material used (for example, rubber), you can also increase the engraving speed to 200 mm/sec if you need faster processing at an acceptable quality.
The engraving settings should aim to create clear, well-defined lines without excessive burnout or fused edges. Check the preview window to make sure that the engraving pattern fills the required areas correctly.
Step 4: cutting parameters
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For the cutting layer (black), adjust the machine so that it cuts out the contour of the die:
- Speed: 15 mm/sec
- Power: 80-85%
These settings will ensure that the laser passes through the material cleanly without excessively charring the edges. Make sure that the auxiliary air pressure is in the range of 0.5 to 1 atm, which helps keep the cutting area cool, minimizes smoke formation, and removes debris during processing.
Before you start, adjust the focal length according to the thickness of your material. Proper focusing is necessary to get a clear engraving and precise cutting.
Step 5: starting the job and post-processing
When everything is ready, start engraving. Pay attention to the final image quality; the engraved image should be clear, and there should be as few traces on the adjacent areas as possible. After cutting and engraving is complete, allow the material to cool down a little. Then gently wipe off the remains of the engraving or dust with a brush or compressed air. At this stage, the stamp becomes more visible and ready for use.
Conclusion
Stamp making on the Wattsan CO2 laser machine is a simple process that delivers professional results with minimal effort. After completing the proper file preparation steps, setting the appropriate laser parameters, and performing basic post-processing, you can create customized stamps for the corporate identity of a business, craft, or organization.
The precision and speed of Wattsan machines make them ideal for small-scale or mass production of high-quality dies, ensuring consistent results at every pass. With a little practice, you will be able to produce complex and durable stamps that are ready for paint application and reuse.
