Fill-Speed
6000mm/min
Thickness
1mm
Power
30%
Quality
High
Pass
1
How to Original Image Direct Engrave Photo Paper with the AlgoLaser Pixi 10W Laser Engraver
Laser engraving photo paper is one of those projects that feels deceptively simple, but when done right, it’s pure magic. Imagine taking a regular phone picture—maybe of your family, your dog, or a landscape—and turning it into a crisp, high-contrast, permanent piece of art, all without needing extra image editing.
Thanks to the AlgoLaser Pixi 10W Laser Engraver and its original image direct engraving feature, you can skip the complicated photo processing and get straight to creating. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the five key steps to pull this off—plus some pro tips, a FAQ section, and the exact engraving parameters you need for photo paper.
This method is different from workflows where you process the image in LightBurn or Photoshop first. Instead, we’re going straight from your mobile phone to the Pixi, and letting the laser do the magic.
Every great engraving starts with a great photo. The quality of your original image matters—a lot.
Tips for better engraving results:
· Lighting is key. Use soft, even lighting. Avoid harsh shadows or overexposure. Natural light from a window is often perfect.
· High resolution matters. If your phone allows, shoot at the highest resolution possible.
· Focus carefully. Blurry images won’t magically sharpen when engraved.
· Strong contrast works best. For portrait engraving, aim for clear separation between the subject and the background.
Here’s what I often do before engraving:
· Take multiple shots with slightly different angles and lighting.
· Review them on a larger screen to see which one has the most detail and clean edges.
The Pixi’s integration with the AlgoLaser app makes this process smooth. You’ll need to connect your phone to the engraver so you can transfer your image directly.
1. Go to the AlgoLaser app homepage.
Make sure your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Pixi.
2. Search for the Pixi machine.
It should appear in the list of nearby devices. If it doesn’t, double-check your network connection.
3. Enter the IP address of the Pixi if needed.
This is often shown on the machine’s screen when connected to Wi-Fi.
4. Confirm the machine parameters.
The app will show details like model name, firmware version, and connection status.
5. Click on the machine icon at the top.
This opens your Pixi’s control dashboard.
Once connected, it’s time to transfer your freshly taken photo to the Pixi.
1. Find "File Manager" in the app.
This is where you manage the engraver’s onboard files.
2. Click the upload icon.
It’s usually a cloud with an upward arrow.
3. Select the image that needs to be uploaded from your phone’s gallery.
4. Click "Confirm."
The app will start transferring the file to the Pixi.
5. Wait for the upload success message.
Don’t skip this—if the upload fails and you start engraving, you’ll just engrave an empty file.
6. Return to the main page and click "Disconnect device" to avoid accidental changes while working.
This is where your engraving takes physical shape.
1. Place the photo paper in the engraving area.
The Laser Engraving Photo Paper is designed for high-definition engraving with minimal burn marks.
· Size: 150mm × 150mm
· Thickness: 1mm
· Special coating: For crisp contrast and clean edges.
2. Use the focusing column and adjust the Z-axis screw.
Proper focus is absolutely essential for sharp engraving results.
· Place the focus tool between the laser module and the paper.
· Adjust until the laser module just touches the tool.
· Remove the tool smoothly to avoid moving the paper.
Pro tip: Always make sure your photo paper is lying completely flat. Even a small warp can throw off the focus.
Here’s where your creativity meets the machine’s precision.
1. Select the transferred image from the Pixi’s file list.
2. Set the engraving material and parameters for Laser Engraving Photo Paper:
Speed: 6000 mm/min
Power: 30%
Quality: High
Pass: 1
3. Adjust the size of the picture to fit your paper’s dimensions.
4. Click the frame button to preview the engraving area.
The laser head will outline the exact space where it will engrave.
5. Click to start engraving and watch the magic happen.
In just a few minutes, your phone photo will transform into a professional-grade laser-engraved piece.
Q1: Do I need to edit my photo before engraving?
A: Not for this method. The Pixi’s original image engraving handles direct image files well. Just make sure
the photo has good contrast.
Q2: Can I engrave colored photo paper?
A: You can, but black-and-white engravings usually look cleaner and more timeless.
Q3: Will the engraving fade over time?
A: No. The engraving is permanent—what you might see is only surface wear if handled roughly.
Q4: What happens if my focus is slightly off?
A: You’ll get blurry or uneven lines. Always double-check your Z-axis before starting.
Q5: Can I engrave multiple sheets at once?
A: Only if they’re perfectly aligned and flat. Any height difference will affect engraving depth.
Q6: Is 30% power always the best for photo paper?
A: It’s a great starting point, but some darker images might benefit from a slight power increase—just keep an eye on burning.
· No extra software needed — direct mobile-to-machine transfer saves time.
· High-quality coated photo paper ensures crisp lines and deep contrast without excessive burning.
· Pixi’s fine control at 10W delivers enough power for dark tones while preserving highlights.
· Run a small test square first. Different photo paper brands may react differently to laser heat.
· Avoid fingerprints on the paper before engraving. Oils can change how the laser burns the surface.
· Ventilation matters. Photo paper coating can release odors—always engrave in a well-ventilated space.
· Experiment with grayscale depth. The Pixi handles 256 shades, so subtle differences in tone can make a big impact.
Engraving directly from your phone onto photo paper with the AlgoLaser Pixi 10W feels almost futuristic. You skip the software learning curve, avoid the risk of over-editing your image, and still end up with a high-definition, professional-looking result.
Whether you’re making custom gifts, creating art for sale, or just experimenting with your new laser engraving machine, this workflow delivers consistent, beautiful results. And with a 50-sheet pack of Laser Engraving Photo Paper, you’ve got plenty of room to practice and refine your technique.
So grab your phone, fire up the Pixi, and start turning memories into masterpieces—no Photoshop required.
Engraving & Cutting Operation Guide Steps
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