Internal 3D laser engraving — inside
Internal laser engraving creates stunning, intricate designs *inside* glass or crystal, making images appear suspended within the material. This unique technique produces white, slightly translucent graphics and text without altering the award's exterior surface.
Internal laser engraving is a specialized technique that brings images and text to life within solid glass or crystal. Unlike surface etching, this process leaves the exterior perfectly smooth and untouched, creating a captivating visual effect where designs seem to float in mid-air. The magic happens when a focused laser beam is directed to a precise point inside the material. At this focal point, intense power causes a tiny microcrack, forming a single "pixel" of the final image. By strategically creating millions of these microscopic points, we build up complex graphics, logos, and even three-dimensional models. The brightness and detail of an engraved area are controlled by the density of these microcracks and the layering of points within the crystal, resulting in a truly unique and durable award.
The laser's precision
*Microcracks form pixels, building your image*
Internal engraving relies on a highly focused laser beam. This beam passes harmlessly through the glass until it reaches a specific internal focal point. Here, a burst of energy creates a tiny, controlled microcrack – essentially a single white pixel. By rapidly and precisely moving this focal point, millions of these microcracks are generated, collectively forming the desired image or text. The density of these "pixels" and the number of layers built up determine the brightness and depth of the final design. This method ensures the award's exterior remains pristine, offering a smooth, uninterrupted surface while the intricate design resides within.
Smooth surfaces only
*A flawless exterior is key for clear internal images*
For internal laser engraving to be successful, the glass or crystal surface through which the laser beam enters must be perfectly flat and smooth. The highly precise optics of the engraving equipment require an unobstructed path. Even a minor scratch, chip, or unevenness on the glass surface can disrupt the laser beam's trajectory, leading to distortions or damage in the final internal image. This is why we carefully inspect each piece of glass or crystal before engraving, ensuring optimal conditions for a crisp, clear, and stunning result. Awards with complex curves or irregular surfaces may not be suitable for this technique.
2.5D for photos
*Transforming flat images into pseudo-3D forms*
2.5D internal engraving is a specialized variation often used to convert a flat photograph into a pseudo-three-dimensional model inside glass or crystal. While the engraving technology itself is similar to full 3D internal engraving, the key difference lies in how the computer model is prepared. For 2.5D, the object (like a person's face from a photo) is rendered with a visible spherical front part, but without a detailed back. This creates the illusion of depth and form from a 2D source, much like applying a textured relief to the front of a spatial object. It's an excellent choice for personalizing awards with portraits or specific objects from photographs, offering a unique dimensional effect.
6 pieces from internal 3d laser engraving in the gallery.
Real commissions using this technique. Click through to see materials, dimensions, and engraving details per piece.
Working with internal 3d laser engraving.
What's the difference between internal engraving and surface engraving?
Surface engraving (like sandblasting or traditional laser etching) removes material from the exterior of the award, creating a tactile texture. Internal engraving, however, creates the design inside the glass or crystal, leaving the exterior perfectly smooth and untouched. The internal design appears suspended within the material, offering a distinct visual effect and ensuring the design is protected from external wear.
Can internal engraving be done in color?
No, internal laser engraving creates designs in a natural white, slightly translucent appearance. This is due to the microcracks formed by the laser, which scatter light. The technique does not involve adding pigments or colors. If you require color in your award, consider combining internal engraving with other techniques like color fill on surface engraving, or incorporating printed elements.
What types of images or text work best for internal engraving?
Internal engraving excels with intricate details, logos, text, and especially 2.5D or 3D models. For 2.5D, high-resolution photographs with good contrast work best for converting into a dimensional image. Simple, clean graphics and text also translate beautifully, offering a sophisticated, floating effect. Complex, highly shaded, or very dark images may lose some detail when converted to the white, translucent internal format.
Are there any size limitations for internal engraving?
The primary limitation is the size and shape of the glass or crystal piece itself, as the laser needs a clear, flat path to enter. While the technique can create very large internal designs within appropriately sized blocks, extremely small or unusually shaped pieces might pose challenges. We can advise on the feasibility for your specific award dimensions and design requirements.
Ready to brief a piece in internal 3d laser engraving?
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