3D HD Crystal & Glass Subsurface Laser Engraving

 

What is Laser Subsurface Engraving? How Does It Work?

Laser subsurface engraving (SSE) is a revolutionary technique that enables 3D images, text, and designs to be embedded within transparent materials such as crystal & glass. By focusing a UV laser inside the material, tiny fractures (or "bubbles") are created without damaging the surface. These fractures combine to form a precise and intricate image, giving the appearance of a floating 3D object inside the material.

Our high-definition laser subsurface engraving machines use ultraviolet (UV) lasers, which produce smaller focal points than traditional green-light lasers, allowing us to capture fine details that were previously unattainable.

 

Applications of Laser Subsurface Engraving

Subsurface engraving offers countless opportunities for customization and artistic expression. Common applications include:

  • Awards and Trophies: High-end glass and crystal awards with intricate 3D designs embedded within.
  • Corporate Gifts: Personalized items such as crystal plaques, ornaments, and paperweights for employee recognition or client appreciation.
  • Home Decor: 3D-etched crystal or glass pieces that add elegance to any space.
  • Souvenirs: Custom-designed keepsakes that preserve memories in stunning 3D form.

 

 

3D Subsurface Engraving vs. 2D Subsurface Engraving vs. 2D Surface Engraving

 

3D Subsurface Engraving involves creating intricate three-dimensional images within a transparent material, such as glass or crystal. This method allows viewers to see the design from multiple angles, adding depth and realism that cannot be achieved with surface or 2D subsurface engraving. Additionally, the outer surface of the object remains untouched, maintaining its smoothness and transparency.

 

2D Subsurface Engraving, on the other hand, produces two-dimensional designs beneath the surface of the material. While it also preserves the smooth, unaltered exterior, the resulting image is flat, without the depth and multi-angle visibility offered by 3D subsurface engraving. This technique is ideal for detailed 2D images that need to be embedded within the material without affecting its surface.

 

2D Surface Engraving is the most common technique, where designs are etched directly onto the material’s surface. This method creates a textured, two-dimensional image that is visible from only one side. While it may alter the smoothness of the surface, it is suitable for simpler, less complex designs.

 

 

Comparison of UV Laser & Green Laser

 

Higher Engraving Precision
UV laser has a shorter wavelength than green laser (typically 355 nm for UV vs. 532 nm for green), which allows UV lasers to focus into smaller laser spots. This means that it can engrave finer and smaller details. Additionally, the smaller laser spot of UV laser creates smaller "bubbles" inside the glass, and the gaps between each "bubble" can also be reduced. Therefore, UV laser excels in micron-level precision engraving, making it suitable for producing high-resolution, complex 3D patterns.


Less Material Heat Damage
As UV laser is classified as a cold light source, it generates much less heat compared to green laser. This means less thermal damage to the material during the engraving process, especially when engraving transparent materials like crystal and glass. It helps avoid thermal deformation or cracks on the surface, ensuring the engraved areas remain smooth and transparent.


Wider Range of Material Compatibility
Generally, green laser is only suitable for subsurface engraving in glass, whereas UV laser, with its broader material compatibility, can also perform tasks beyond subsurface engraving, similar to a standard UV marking machine. It can mark materials like plastic, wood, paper, silicone, leather, and metal. This makes UV laser not only ideal for transparent material engraving but also versatile for various material processing tasks.

 

The Advantages of Our Laser Subsurface Engraving Machines

Our UV laser subsurface engraving machines offer several key advantages over traditional options on the market:

  • Superior Detail: By utilizing UV lasers, our machines produce finer laser spots, capturing more intricate details than those using green-light lasers. This results in sharper, clearer images that are rich in complexity.
  • Cost-Effective: Despite their advanced capabilities, our machines are priced at a fraction of what most subsurface engraving machines cost—typically between one-third to one-half of the price, making high-quality engraving more accessible.
  • Precision & Versatility: Our machines are capable of handling both subsurface engraving and traditional surface marking on materials such as plastic, wood, leather, and more.

 

Samples:

 

Advanced Software for Enhanced Customization

Our proprietary software takes the engraving process to the next level. It supports 3D formats such as STL and OBJ files, allowing for the creation of complex, customized designs. Users can easily adjust parameters such as point spacing, number of layers, layer spacing, laser energy, and duration to achieve the desired effect. With our advanced visualization tools, users can preview the final results in detail before starting the engraving, simplifying the process of fine-tuning and debugging designs.

 

Explore Our Products

We offer two primary models for laser subsurface engraving:

  • Compact Desktop UV Laser Engraving Machine: Ideal for small businesses and workshops, this space-saving model provides all the functionality of a professional-grade engraver in a smaller package.

 

  • Tabletop UV Laser Engraving Machine: Designed for larger-scale production, this model offers greater power and speed for high-volume engraving projects. Both machines are not only perfect for subsurface engraving but also capable of performing surface marking on a wide range of materials, including plastic, wood, silicone, glass, leather, and paper.

 

 

Contact Us to Learn More

Ready to take your engraving projects to the next level? Contact us today for more information on our HD laser subsurface engraving machines and how they can transform your business. Our team is here to answer your questions and provide expert guidance.