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[Laser cut and engrave] PLA IR Portrait Engraving Using Swatch Mapping (xTool F2 Color IR Guide)
Project made with xTool F2 machine for Laser cut and engrave.
Project made with xTool F2 machine for Laser cut and engrave.
[Laser cut and engrave] PLA IR Portrait Engraving Using Swatch Mapping (xTool F2 Color IR Guide)
Project made with xTool F2 machine for Laser cut and engrave.
[Laser cut and engrave] PLA IR Portrait Engraving Using Swatch Mapping (xTool F2 Color IR Guide)
[Laser cut and engrave] PLA IR Portrait Engraving Using Swatch Mapping (xTool F2 Color IR Guide)
[Laser cut and engrave] PLA IR Portrait Engraving Using Swatch Mapping (xTool F2 Color IR Guide)
[Laser cut and engrave] PLA IR Portrait Engraving Using Swatch Mapping (xTool F2 Color IR Guide)
[Laser cut and engrave] PLA IR Portrait Engraving Using Swatch Mapping (xTool F2 Color IR Guide)
[Laser cut and engrave] PLA IR Portrait Engraving Using Swatch Mapping (xTool F2 Color IR Guide)

PLA IR Portrait Engraving Using Swatch Mapping (xTool F2 Color IR Guide)

Instruction
Sassy Girl.xcs
Sassy Girl
.xcs
Application scenario
Laser processing (20min)
Machine & module
xTool F2
5W, 15W
Compatibles · 1
Accessories
xTool F1 Pedal & Button Switch
Material used
5/64"(2mm) Black PLA
gift
15
906

Information

      This project demonstrates how to engrave a portrait-style illustration on matte PLA using IR Color Engraving with the xTool F2 Portable. By leveraging a custom swatch and XCS Color Separation, the image is broken into multiple tonal layers and mapped to precise laser settings.

The result is a clean, sepia-style engraving with controlled skin tones, hair shading, and detailed outlines without burning or melting the PLA.

This workflow is perfect for creating portraits, artistic illustrations, and custom designs using data-driven laser engraving techniques.
lasereverythingcontest
art
portrait
plastic engraving
plastic
plastic engraving settings
girl
laser engraving
color engraving
Colorful

Instruction

2

Step2: Use The swatch below for color mapping

  • Please first have a PLA Matte Black Sheet either 3d Printed or if you can buy one
  • This swatch gives you:
    • Light tone zone
    • Mid tone zone
    • Dark tone zone

👉 Think of it like a color palette
 

https://www.atomm.com/project/108813-pla-ir-engraving-swatch-guide-xtool-f2-portable

3

Step3: Prepare the Portrait

Portraits are different from floral designs because:

⚠️ They require smooth tone transitions, not just flat areas

🔹 Important Preparation Tips

  • Increase contrast slightly before importing
  • Remove unnecessary background noise
  • Keep:
    • Facial features clear
    • Hair texture visible
    • Major shadows intact
4

Step4: XCS Color Separation (Core Step)

In xTool Creative Space:

  1. Import portrait image
  2. Enable Color Separation
  3. Reduce to 3–4 tones max

🎯 Tone Mapping Strategy (VERY IMPORTANT)

AreaToneSwatch Mapping
Face / skinLight beigeLow power
HairMid brownMedium power
Glasses / outlinesDarkHigher power
Deep shadowsDarkestControlled high power

👉 DO NOT use too many tones
👉 3–4 tones = clean result

5

Step5: Assign Laser Settings

Based on your swatch:

  • Light tone → ~30–40% power
  • Mid tone → ~50–60% power
  • Dark tone → ~65–75% power

⚠️ Avoid:

  • Too high power → glossy burn
  • Too low → washed-out face
6

Step6: Engraving Order

👉 Always engrave from:

Light → Medium → Dark

Why:

  • Prevents overheating
  • Preserves facial detail
  • Keeps contrast clean
7

Step7: What’s Happening Here

Unlike wood or metal:

PLA reacts by:

  • Slight melting
  • Surface texture change
  • Light reflection shift

👉 That’s why:

  • Skin tones = soft heat
  • Hair = more heat
  • Details = highest controlled heat
8

Step8: Observations From This Project

✅ What worked well:

  • Swatch mapping made tones predictable
  • 3-tone separation worked best
  • Matte PLA gave clean texture

⚠️ What to watch out for:

  • Too much detail → noisy output
  • Too many tones → muddy look
  • High power on face → ruins portrait
9

Step9: 🚀 Pro Techniques (This is what makes it advanced)

1. Face Protection Trick

Lower power slightly for face layer
👉 Keeps skin smooth

2. Detail Boost

Use Normal IR pass for:

  • Glasses
  • Eyes
  • Fine lines

👉 Gives sharp contrast

3. Artistic Style Control

  • More contrast → bold illustration
  • Less contrast → soft portrait look
Comments

Remixes

xTool Supplies Used in This Project

xTool F1 Pedal & Button Switch
xTool F1 Pedal & Button Switch
xTool F2
xTool F2
5/64"(2mm) Black PLA
5/64"(2mm) Black PLA

License

CC0