The Fabricator · 5 minute guide
The Fabricator: Getting Started
Create engraving artwork in four steps: load a surface, paint the art zone, choose an AI engine, then inspect the result before export.
By Scott Bedow, Founder & Lead Developer · Published July 4, 2026 · Updated August 16, 2026
Manufacturing manager who runs CO2, diode and MOPA fiber lasers; builds and maintains every Reticle Red tool.
Method — Walked end to end in the live tool before publishing. Screens and step order match the current build; settings shown are starting points to validate on scrap.
What this tutorial covers
- Complete LOAD → PAINT → FIRE → EXPORT walkthrough for AI laser engraving.
- How to Fill Outline on any part and keep bolt holes and cut-outs open.
- Choose among SPARK CORE (2 CR), FORGE 2.0 (5 CR), MASTER 2.0 (8 CR), ULTRA CORE (10 CR); FORGE COLOR is a separate 6 CR palette workflow and 3D RELIEF a separate 12 CR sculpt-plus-depth workflow. Check the current FIRE price and supported run plan for multiple art zones.
- Exporting laser-ready 1-bit art, vectors, 8K masters, and depth maps.
1. Load the part or outline
Open LOAD and choose a photo, a saved outline, or a blank canvas. Frame the complete part so its outer boundary and any holes remain visible before defining the engraving area.
2. Paint the art zone
Use PAINT to cover only the surface that may receive artwork. Inspect edges, holes and cutouts at a useful zoom. Keep protected features outside the art zone and check the mask before spending credits.
3. Choose the style and engine
Describe the subject or ornament and select Style DNA when you want a style reference. Set Motif Scale for the composition, then choose a public engine and review the current FIRE price. Motif Scale is not a physical line-width setting.
4. Inspect and export the result
After FIRE, inspect the artwork against the part and review any inspection notes. Enter the measured physical size, choose the available PNG or vector export, and verify dimensions and protected openings in the receiving laser software before a test burn.
Validate the workflow on your machine
Treat the finished file as a controlled starting point, not a universal machine recipe. Confirm the artwork dimensions after import, verify focus and lens selection, and run a small test on scrap from the same material batch before committing the production piece. Change one variable at a time when tuning speed, power, frequency, line interval, or pass count. Record the machine, source wattage, lens, material finish, focus method, and final settings with the saved job. That short production note makes the result repeatable for the next operator and prevents a strong screen preview from being mistaken for a proven burn.