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3d Laser Etchings

When first getting into laser etching, you initially have to get the equipment. That is simple enough, as there are literally thousands of sites where you can buy them online. Ebay is always a good affordable alternative if you are okay with a used Laser etcher. All your materials can be found at a fairly affordable price if you do a little indepth research. The most often asked question of new 3D Laser EtchersThe trick to 3D laser etching is “What should I use as my canvas?” There are a number of options and more often than not each individual will have a personal preference of a favorite material. Each one has their pros and cons. In the end, it is up to the artist, but it is always good to try each one before making that final choice.

Your first option is that of wood. This is truly where this art form originated. The material is easily accessible and takes to laser etching very nicely with less energy requirements. Of course, there is always the issue of the type of wood. Some wood is more dense and harder the burn than others and some have different hues and colors. If you are planning on staining the final project, though, the initial color is only a minor consideration. Wood is extremely easy to laser etch accents into to give your work that 3D depth that you are seeking. Regardless of what your final material is, it is always best to begin with and practice on wood first.

Your next option is that of plastic. Plastic takes to 3D laser etching extremely well, though there is often a strong melted plastic smell to it and a bit of smoke. Acrylic plastic is your best bet here, as styrene type plastics tend to simply melt. Styrene can be used, however, but creating fine detail in this material is next to impossible. For simple projects, such as dates or names, styrene will suffice.

From this point, you can move to the more difficult materials such as glass, rock, and other silica based materials (i.e. flint.) These can be very tricky materials to work with and require a considerable amount of patience and dedication. Many laser etchers will tell you to skip this material altogether due to the difficulty involved. Glass and rocks have a strange habit of expanding and contracting when exposed to intense heat or cold. The effect can be as simple as a fracture or, as with flint and other silica based materials, to actually explode. This is very dangerous territory. If you choose to go with this materials, research deeply into the necessary safety techniques.

Lastly, we have the concept of 3d metal laser etching. Metal is often one of the most preferred of the possible canvases as long as it is coated in some manner. If it is, it allows a nice deep and clear etching with a profound 3D effect. However, uncoated metal is the equivalent of simply burning or charring and image. While this can be quite lovely as an art form also, it is not so much looked at as a three dimensional possibility.

In conclusion, your canvas is whatever works best for you. Do not always take the simplest method, as your muse might truly be found in another material. Remember, always observe safety precautions when creating your art.

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Related topics:

Glass etching
Metal art & design

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