3D Laser Engraving in Glass & Crystal

Most laser processes create a 3D effect by etching the material’s surface, but true 3D Laser Glass Engraving (or 3D laser etching) operates on a completely different level.

Unlike traditional surface methods, it crafts designs inside the medium. In this guide, we use photo engraving to explain the science behind 3D Laser Glass Engraving and how it transforms ordinary glass into high-definition 3D masterpieces.

1. What is 3D laser engraving

2. How does 3D Crystal Engraving Work

3. Technology Support and Market Prospect

4. 3D Laser Engraver Recommendation

Key Takeaway :

Subsurface Laser Engraving (SSLE)：

Unlike surface laser engraving, true 3D Laser Glass Engraving occurs inside the materials and has no impact on the external surface, creating a “floating” 3D effect.

The “Bubblegram” Principle ：

The 3D image is constituted by millions of tiny hollow bubbles, which are precise points of fracture made by laser impact inside the glass or crystal.

Optimal Green Laser Beam：

Green laser excited by the diode is the optimal beam to pass through the material surface and react inside, as it causes no heat-affected zone on the materials.

2D to 3D Transformation：

Green laser excited by the diode is the optimal beam to pass through the material surface and react inside, as it causes no heat-affected zone on the materials.

Adaptable Materials：

This technology requires materials with high optical clarity. Crystal and specific types of glass (such as K9) are preferred for their clear optical grade.

3D Laser Engraving on Crystal

What is 3D laser engraving

Like the pictures shown above, we can find them in the store as gifts, decorations, trophies, and souvenirs. The photo seems floating inside the block and presents in a 3D model. You can see it in different appearances at any angle.

That’s why we call it 3D laser engraving, subsurface laser engraving (SSLE), or 3D crystal engraving. There is another interesting name for “bubblegram”. It vividly describes the tiny points of fracture made by laser impact like bubbles. Millions of tiny hollow bubbles constitute the three-dimensional image design.

How does 3D Crystal Engraving Work

Sounds amazing and magic. That’s exactly a precise and unmistakable laser operation. Green laser excited by the diode is the optimal laser beam to pass through the material surface and react inside the crystal and glass.

Meanwhile, every point size and position need to be accurately calculated and precisely transmitted to the laser beam from 3d laser engraving software. It is likely to be 3D printing to present a 3D model, but it occurs inside the materials and has no impact on the external material.

Diagram explaining the difference between surface laser engraving and subsurface laser engraving.
Green laser engraving process on delicate or reflective materials.

Some photos as a memory carrier are usually engraved inside the crystal and glass cube. The 3d crystal laser engraving machine, although for the 2d image, it can transform it into a 3d model to provide instruction for the laser beam.

Common applications of internal laser engraving

Adaptable materials

The green laser can be focused within the materials and positioned anywhere. That requires materials to be high optical clarity and high reflection. So crystal and some types of glass with an extremely clear optical grade are preferred.

- Crystal

- Glass

- Acrylic

Technology Support and Market Prospect

More fortunately, the green laser technology has been around for a long time and is equipped with mature technology support and reliable components supply. So the 3d subsurface laser engraving machine can provide manufacturers a super excellent opportunity to expand business. That is a flexible creation tool to realize the design of unique memorial gifts.

(3d photo crystal engraving with green laser)

The highlights of laser crystal photo

✦ Exquisite and crystal-clear laser engraved 3d photo crystals

✦ Any design can be customized to present a 3D rendering effect (including the 2d image)

✦ Permanent and impervious image to be reserved

✦ No heat-affected on the materials with the green laser

⇨ The article will be continuously updated…

Waiting for your coming and exploring the magic of 3d laser engraving in glass and crystal.

- how to make 3d grayscale images for 3d engraving?

- how to select the laser machine and others?

Any Questions about the 3d Laser Engraving in Crystal & Glass

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⇨ Subsequent updating…

Thanks to the visitors’ love and great demand for 3D subsurface laser engraving, MimoWork offers the two types of 3D laser engraver to meet laser engraving glass and crystal of different sizes and specifications.

3D Laser Engraving in Glass & Crystal