Understanding 3d Crystal Engraving And Laser Printing
The technique of 3D laser printing is sometimes confused with 3D crystal engraving
.
Here, a few of the differences are explored.
What is three dimensional laser printing?
Over recent years, the technology commonly referred to as 3D laser printing has received considerable media coverage. In fact, the technique and science is not new. It has been around for some considerable time but has only relatively recently started to become affordable for some SMEs and even home use.
Essentially, it typically involves taking a high quality digital design in three dimensions, and then producing the object also in three dimensions on what is still referred to as a laser printer. The end result is a recognizable three dimensional object that you can handle and hold and one that may well have moving parts and functional capabilities.
The basic technology is relatively simple. The printer essentially liquefies and puts into place, with very fine accuracy, a form of material that subsequently hardens. This is done again and again as successive layers are built up. Various substances are used for these layers but forms of resin are perhaps the most commonplace.
What is unusual about this form of manufacturing is that it is essentially one where material is added to make the object, whereas in many other forms of technology, material is removed to produce an item (e.g. by drilling, milling or engraving etc.).
At the moment the technology looks exciting and extravagant claims are being made about its potential; however, as of today practical limitations exist in terms of the types of materials that can be used to form the object concerned.
Three dimensional engraving
This technique involves a laser cutting a three dimensional image into a base material.
A wide range of such materials are available including perspex and derivatives, although 3D crystal engraving typically yields very high quality results that are prized in areas such as the production of trophies, memorabilia and corporate gifts.
Again, the basic science and technology behind this has been around now for some considerable time, but once again it is only comparatively recently that very high quality results have now become achievable within what might be termed realistic budget levels.
Corporate impact and overlaps
Although it might be a risky generalisation, at the moment three dimensional laser printing is still relatively confined to the area of novelty. Its products are sometimes highly sophisticated, but until the solution is found that will enable the utilisation of more exciting materials, it may remain within the domain of technical novelty. By contrast, 3D crystal engraving can generate results that are extremely high quality and in quality materials. As such, they might often be regarded as art in their own right.
What is interesting to know is that both technologies need, as their start point, a very precise and detailed digital three dimensional design. Although some progress is being made with high quality hand-held laser scanners, inevitably the image has inadequacies and requires significant expert manipulation in order to achieve the detail required for a final high-quality product.
There is no doubt that both three dimensional laser printing and techniques such as 3D crystal engraving will continue to evolve and develop over the years ahead.
by: Andrew Mulvaney
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