Image Dithering - Epilog Fusion M2 32 Manual

SECTION 10: SYSTEM FEATURES

Image Dithering

Dithering defines how the dot patterns will be engraved in raster images that contain grayscale graphics, blends, or color
images. The Dashboard offers six different dithering patterns to enhance your engraving projects. The default mode is
Standard. This mode can be used for all images including photographs. Dithering is used only for raster engraving and
has no effect on vector cut lines.
Laser engraved photographs on wood usually require a third party software package to produce a good image
that is suitable for the laser. Epilog recommends PhotoLaser Plus for this application. Users find it an invaluable
piece of software that is easy to use and will produce much better looking images when working with wood.
Please contact your Epilog representative to learn more about this software package.
What is Dithering?
The best way to show dithering is to look at the exact same photo engraved in Standard mode and Stucki mode. Both
photos were engraved at 300 DPI. With the two different dithering patterns you achieve a very different result, with a more
structured pattern for the Standard mode, while the Stucki mode results in a more random pattern that looks more natural
and pleasing to the eye.
300 DPI Standard Mode
Dithering is a great way to enhance your engraved products, but it is very material dependent. A dithering pattern that
looks good on marble, might look very different when engraved on plastic. Give yourself some time to experiment with
the different dithering patterns. It's easy to do and once you have a feel for it, you will be able to use it with confidence
The drop-down list of dithering patterns is easier to think about if you separate the six options into two categories that we
will refer to as Clipart and Photograph:
Clipart Modes
• Standard: This mode is the default mode and will be used for most engraving jobs that include text and clipart at
600 DPI.
300 DPI Stucki Mode
- 96 -
Image Dithering