Any one who looks at 3D engraved crystals for the first time is bound to ask this question. How did we do it? How come nothing has happened to the surface of the crystal? Seems quite impossible. The first time I saw this, I asked the exactly same question. But I was lucky as I saw it in a store in Las vegas in 2003. The machine was installed in the store and I could see everything in action They even had a 3D camera. People could get their pictures clicked and get their entire 3D face inside crystal. It was beautiful. Quality was impeccable.
Sure at that time this technology was quite ahead of time in India. In fact first I saw these pieces in India was not before 2005 and machines came much later. Now there should be about 40-50 machines in India but sadly most people are not concentrating on quality work.
These 3D engraved crystals or 3D laser crystal as they are popularly called are made through lasers. The crystal piece is placed inside a big box like laser machine which is than closed. All machines are controlled by their own proprietary softwares which can work with 2D or 3D images.
Once the command is given the sharp laser beam penetrates through the crystal and starts to rupture the crystal from inside leaving the outer surface untouched. Images is formed using hundreds and thousands of dots. They vary in side and density. Minutes later you have your perfect piece. Take your piece out from the machine and your get a perfectly finished piece.
In this process artwork and settings can make all the difference between a poor piece and a high quality piece. Of course ! machines and crystals matter. But they are of little use if the artwork is not made correctly or the density of the dots is compromised. Every small details adds to the final finish.
I had a chance to see this machine in action in china as well. A big difference. I was shocked to see that chinese had invented a new way to increase their production. They had opened the machine from all 4 sides, added multiple laser heads and made the engraving bed closer to the floor. It was a fairly large machine. Now 4 people sitting on 4 sides of the machine could sit comfortably on the floor and keep changing the pieces. No need to open the machine. Even when the laser was working the machine was open from all 4 sides. It was shocking to see things in action. I am no expert on the harmful effects of lasers but common sense says there are bound to be harmful side effects.
Still have some questions on 3D laser engraving ? Don’t hesitate to ask me.
Isha says:
I find these awards very fascinating. Like you said, without touching the surface, how can anything be engraved inside? But with the kind of progress that technology has made, nothing is impossible, right?
MOHANKUMAR says:
SIR / MADAM
THANKS FOR THE INFORMATION.
REGARDS
MOHANKUMAR
PURANDARA PRATHISTAANA BANGALORE