Can a Laser engrave on a 3D surface?

Accessories J Tech Laser
#1

So I’m trying to justify buying a laser for my machine, and am deep in the creative space of “what could I do with it?”.

Can a laser be used to engrave on an existing 3D surface? I would want to make a 3D carve, for example, and then use the laser to engrave lines or text across the top. I would zero the z axis to use the focal point of the laser just like a tool to follow the surface. I imagine the software would need to generate a 3D path for the “laser tool” plus a PWM output for controlling the laser intensity. Is there software that makes this possible?

I use Fusion360 for all my modeling and CAM needs. I can easily draw the 3D paths/text, but I’m not sure about processing that into a Gcode output. Has anyone done this before? My google-fu has failed to find a good example.

#2

I’m not aware of any SW that will do what you ask but as long as the distance change is not huge you won’t go too much out of focus.

#3

The only thing I’ve seen is a device that rotates objects so you can engrave on tumblers and such. That’s ‘3D’ but probably not what you are looking.

-Tom

1 Like
#4

look into the Vectric Aspire laser plug-in. Not positive but I think I saw a video showing someone using his laser to mark a carved topographical cut.

#5

Does someone make a attachment like this for burning on round objects?