A Cleaning Pass
is a lower power pass with the laser engraver that helps make the engraving brighter by removing the top layer and not adding burn. This is for engraving metals, and it brightens the engraved design. However, it does not remove all of the darkness.
Optimizing Power and Speed for Effective Cleaning Passes
Typically, the cleaning pass is at 30% power, whereas your engraving might be done at 100% power. If your engraving speed is low (to get deeper engraving), it will cause more “burn” or “charring”. In your cleaning pass, increase the speed – you are not looking for depth, but a light removal of the darkness.
Once You Move the Piece, You Lose Perfect Alignment
It is a very useful step if your engraving is dark because it will allow you to better see the depth of your engraving, to determine whether you want to engrave more passes. Once you touch the jewelry piece, it is too late to continue engraving because you will never be able to precisely get it back to its original position. If you attempt to put it back to do other passes, there will always be a slight blur, and your engraved designs will not be as crisp as if you had not touched it.
Also, if you are at an event or have a line-up of people, and don’t have time or it is not possible to clean the finished piece, this pass really helps make a better presentation for your client. You can also use rubbing alcohol for cleaning, but the pass really helps, especially if it is a small engraving and does not take a long time for the cleaning pass.
💡 Side-Tip
The safest and cheapest way to get the dark out is actually using dish detergent with warm water and an old soft toothbrush.
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