Designing is a big aspect of modern art. In essence, an art that does not include a sharp design does not sell faster. Apart from selling, the attraction is low and minimal for such artwork. Whereas a design that includes some style, always feels perfect. It feels like a complete offer or package for the visitors. It is why you see some iconic designs over the buildings and other places. Moreover, some brands typically follow the design and style method for their logos too. Their logo is outdated or old enough for a museum. But proper designing sparks a new life.
Engraving is such a design method that finds great importance. The importance mainly lies in the advertisement department. Or the places where the attraction is humungous. For example, when Apple prints its logo on the back of the iPhone, it is usual. But Apple’s 3D logo over its stores is what you call engraving or stylizing. Over time, people have developed a different way to term engraving. And they have developed machines to achieve the feat too.
Difference Between 2D and 3D Laser Engraving
Before we begin the working methodology for the engraving work. Let us get over the first hurdle. Most people find it difficult to judge between 2D and 3D engraving. Whereas from the first sense, an engraving always looks 3D. However, their amazement is natural and nothing new. When you consider engraving, you have to look for the in-depth meaning of the terms. In engraving technology, a 2D engraving goes for the thing that has a uniform design. Whereas a 3D referring goes for the shape that is diverse in design and other aspects.
Consider it through the same example of the Apple logo. The engraving of the logo at the back of the iPhone is an example of 2D engraving. In a 2D engraving, the size remains the same alongside the depth. The final object or design is uniform however you look at it. But the same logo on the outside of the HQ or top stores is a thicker one. In essence, if you look closely, the same logo has a good vibrant look to it. It is through edges or bevels that develop in the logo. Moreover, there is a shift in the depth of the logo too. This all leads to the basic meaning of a 3D engraving phenomenon.
The best aspect of 3D engraving is the 3D effect it brings. Often you find 3D printing not producing the necessary results. But in a 3D engraving process, the bevel and edge design are what it is all about!
Working of 3D Laser Engraving Technology
If 2D engraving is easy or simple, then 3D engraving is a hundred times more effective and exquisite. Such an engraving brings out the true meaning of style and design. The final product resulting from this laser engraving is about perfection. But there is only one thing that offers such perfection and that is the laser on work. The laser beam works spectacularly. It reduces and increases the intensity. And all of this happens based on your design or image.
The Working
But initially, the work does not begin swiftly. Rather your image or design is loaded into specific software. Next, your material goes under the laser beam so the focus becomes accurate and perfect. In addition, the laser beam focuses on the surface that lies under the material. For the engraving process to begin, the laser beam has to focus on each bright spot in your design. In essence, you can say that your design plays a big role in the final product you require. Upon reaching the focal point, the laser beam emits a pulse of a higher order. The order of power is enough to result in inclusion on the surface of the material.
The machine then takes the beam to the next coordinate. The beam then makes inclusion on the second focal point. This process carries on until sufficient or necessary inclusions find their place on the surface. Your initial design has a big role in the final geometry you desire. It is because considering your design, the laser beam adjusts its intensity. For brighter spots, the intensity of the laser beam is low. Whereas for the darker regions, the intensity increases manifolds. In essence, you can say that during higher intensity, the inclusion is deeper. Whereas when the intensity drops, the inclusions reduce depth too.
Often the material requires extra care too once the engraving ends. It is mostly in the form of cleaning it after the engraving process. Often it is the case during engraving on wood. It is because the wood tends to give off oil as a residue during 3D engraving that produces heat.
The Importance of 3D Engraving
For many people, proper advertising of their brand is necessary. Whereas for most, it is a business to make stylish designs and artworks. For such businesses, 3D engraving through lasers is the best option. At first, it gives the best extravagant look to the object you want. Moreover, it presents different styles which make it worth looking at. But these are only the broader benefits that come along with this engraving process. Thus, we have some of the best reasons why you need to adopt this stylizing technique.
1. It is Flexible
By flexibility, we mean the ability to do the unthinkable easily. At first, you do not need to look for flat surfaces and materials. Even a rough or an irregular material will do fine. It is the acceptance capacity of the laser technology that it engraves on any surface. In addition, this uniqueness happens in a great way too. The laser beam adjusts its position and height following the dimensions of the material. Moreover, the laser beam even adjusts according to the focal length is observing. This exquisite positioning is where the 2D setup lacks. In essence, there is no barrier for the shapes too. Even rectangular, conical, and cylindrical shapes find no barriers in this engraving.
2. Accuracy
Sometimes, a big setup or machine does not bring the required accuracy with them. Consider 3D printers for instance. Most of these printers have poor quality but only work as a liability. But when you consider 3D engraving, it is a different story. This method has great importance for the accurate designs it produces. At first, the beam operations on a larger area. The area, though, depends on the lens you incorporate.
The two lens versions you can use are:
- 500×500
- 600×600
These engraving lenses have a higher dimension than the 2D ones (300×300). The optical focusing mode that the laser beam applies offers a wide X and Y-axis. This width makes deflection perfect and diverse. All in all, you find a great degree of accuracy.
3. Depth Engraving
This point will discuss where the counterpart i.e. 2D engraving lacks. Depth engraving is a trademark of the 3D process. It is because the name 3D comes from the more depth-cutting aspect. Hence, there is nothing more to explain. Whereas for the 2D lovers, there is no depth in that case. Often, when the requirement is to have a deep cut. There is an energy reduction even after a slight reduction. This, in return, reduces the efficiency of the process and thus the accuracy. Through 3D methodology, you avoid all these aspects. In essence, 3D engraving is known for producing deep inclusions.
4. Multi-Color Engraving
A trait for 3D laser engraving is the ability to produce the design of different colors. However, 2D engraving also allows this feature but their scope is not vast. In addition, such an engraving will result in a poor display of the final shape. However, the 3D engraving technique is the best when looking for multi-color effects on the surface. Moreover, this concept is easy to grasp. The 3D technique happens through a laser that changes the beam intensity. The intensity reduces and increases considering bright and dark regions. Thus, there is little difficulty in accessing different colors.
5. Customization Ability
A 2D design does not allow you to tweak a lot. In essence, you will find little or no space to infuse your design. Since the depth is shallow, there is nothing you can incorporate. Whereas if you look for the 3D option, there is no barrier. In essence, you can convert a bland design into a spectacular trademark of your brand too. If you know little about the designs. The least you can do is introduce some edges or bevels on the surface. And that too at points of your choice. This technique stands out when you produce something as a gift. Or if you want to impress a new client through your work!
6. Quality Marking
Another important aspect of 3D engraving is the fine quality it brings. Unlike 2D engraving, there is a chance that sharp edges will not have the perfect finishing. Or sometimes the accuracy will be low. Moreover, the markings on the surface will be either dull or poor. But once you demand accuracy, then heading to a laser engraving is the only option. This engraving method solely focuses on the deep essence of quality. That is why you will find even the slightest of the markings on your surface. Moreover, the markings do not carry any impurities or roughness. Then efficiency will be on display.
Materials to Engrave On
While we approach the end of our readers, it is time to consider some FAQs in general. A common question arises that where to test or apply the engraving on. Most people do not find the best material and thus claim that engraving is not preferable. For them, there are three primary materials to consider for 3D engraving through laser.
1. Hard or Plywood
The best thing about a rigid or stiff surface is that they do not break easily. Hence, this automatically makes them a favorite for 3D engraving. Moreover, an engraving process either involves pressure or heat. The latter comes in a laser-driven process thus your wood will burn. But since it is hardwood, it will cool down easily by applying water. If you find it hard to consider good plywood, consider the following options:
- Birch
- Walnut
- Cherry
- Maple
2. Acrylic
Another great material for engraving is acrylic. This material has more hardness and strength than wood. Thus, it makes a great material for three-dimensional laser engraving. In essence, acrylic is famous for having a fine melting point. Thus, laser engraving that produces heat will not hamper the fine designs that result. However, all manufacturers pass forward this guide to make sure you refine the acrylic after engraving. It is possible by passing it through a glossy machine for refinement.
3. Medium Density Fiberboard
Apart from just engraving, people often love to paint their sheets too. For them, MDF is a great option. MDF refers to Medium Density Fiberboard for ease. The material is soft and gentle. Thus, you will find it easy to lay down the engravings on it. In addition, the material is cheap and available easily everywhere. However, after engraving, you will require to clean it with a damp cloth. Make sure you clean it before beginning with the paint job!
Making Engraving Easy
To make sure that engraving becomes healthy for everyone. We need to consider some useful aspects that ease the process. Often, it is about the manufacturers, but here it is from us. You need to consider four general rules in engraving.
- At first, you have to make sure you select the best machinery. Often, people look for just laser engraving machines. But there is a lot to choose from.
- Consider adequate depth for your engraving. This adequacy comes from considering the material you want to engrave.
- Your design must be spot on for 3D engraving. Often, the design that goes into the software is not the best one that causes poor results. Have a design in high resolution that has the perfect greyscale.
- Do not look for quick action or completion. Engraving, especially 3D one, takes time since perfection is the requirement.