Laser etching has become an increasingly popular method for detailed engraving across a wide variety of materials. These machines range in price and are used mostly by companies or people who work in the manufacturing industry. However, etching machinery is also being found in schools and universities.
The technology is relatively new and many folks dont understand what a laser etcher can do and how it works. If you look at a CNC machine or a common printer a laser machine operates similarly. Push the ‘print’ button and watch it go to work.
Laser etchers enable to people create awe inspiring awards, gifts or medals, just to name a few. However, laser engraving is usually used to convert a 2-D photo into an amazing 3-D design that fits inside the glass. This image is than etched by a high quality laser into a clear piece of crystal in order to create a masterpiece.
The process is pretty simple. All the laser engraving company requests from you is a high definition photo (preferably a photo with a resolution higher than 1260 x 800). The next step is to laser the photo into a crystal using modern tools and machines. A photo crystal is made by a special laser that concentrates all its beans of light to a certain point at a time. After the laser finishes the background, it starts to focus its beam on several three-dimensional coordinates. One point at a time, the masterpiece takes shape and is becoming a gift or a memory that will last forever in your house. Because laser beans are non-invasive, no blemished or marks are left on the crystal’s surface. You can have the peace of mind this process is safe and will create a photo crystal that will last long in time.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laser
You can also engrave one of your favorite photos or images into a 2D or 3D photo crystal. After the photo is converted into a high-resolution, ready-to-laser file format, the contrast and the brightness will be optimized in order to ensure the etching is perfect. This is an impressive look and a popular gift idea.
Using sophisticated laser technology, your photo is now eternalized within a long lasting high quality crystal. Each type of laser works at a specific frequency wavelength. Most laser engravers operate at 10.6 nanometers. So you should work with a company should you choose to outsource the project – who understands and can demonstrate the best frequency and precision engraving for glass, stone, wood metal, our the specific material you choose. The truth is that almost all materials can benefit from laser engraving, but in opinion the frosted look glass offers is the most impressive.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laser_engraving