Laser engraving to create the illusion of 3D.

[Tweakie.CNC]

I have spent the last 15 or so years working with CO2 lasers and recently decided to try, as they have improved considerably in recent times, a cheap, Chinese, UV, diode laser. Although the laser is only 5 Watts in true output power it incorporates 4 diodes with an optical system that parallels the 4 rectangular beams into a square pattern which can then be focussed to a spot size of less than 0.08mm. (square with slightly rounded corners). This produces a power density not that far short of a 40 Watt, CO2 laser although the difference in wavelength has a differing effect on some materials.

I lasered this image yesterday on a piece of scrap MDF and when cropped (to emphasize the border / frame) although the work is completely flat the illusion of 3D can, in my opinion, be clearly demonstrated.

OK, this work is not perfect as I altered the laser output power a few times during the scanning process but with a bit of practice, hopefully, I can improve.

Perhaps food for thought ?

Tweakie.

[cncdrive]

Yes, it looks good.

[George M]

What laser did you use. I have an OLD diode laser, but could never get that from it.

[Tweakie.CNC]

The laser used was a Lunyee and this thread refers; viewtopic.php?f=14&t=4904#p32951

Tweakie.

[Tweakie.CNC]

Something that may be of interest here…

When raster laser engraving on materials such as MDF, to achieve a good level of contrast, it is necessary to pre-treat the surface. Borax is perhaps the best material to use but, in this instance, I have used Titanium Dioxide.

Overall my results are ‘second rate’ compared to what others have achieved but, with practice, I am gradually improving.

Tweakie.