3D engraving question

Beyond the Manual
6

Just to be clear, this is a very specific and narrow definition of “3d engrave” that @rbtdanforth is talking about, one where there’s an actual relief carved into the face. For that you use a specific type of image called a heightmap, which is usually generated from a 3d model.

In the UI, the “3d engrave” option is suitable for any kind of engraving where you don’t want dithering. I use it all the time on rasters of all types to get a smooth progression of shades in my engravings instead of a dithered pattern of dots.

The Glowforge definition of “3D engrave” (aka “vary power”) is merely that the laser power varies smoothly according to greyscale and has nothing to do with using a heightmap as described by @rbtdanforth. I’d suggest using the term “relief engraving” for heightmaps, I think it’s more precise.

Per @dan himself:

Example of using vary power on baltic birch plywood:

On canvas:

On a wooden box:

On maple hardwood:

On walnut:

You can even engrave the color off of cardstock:

and

Not one of these used a heightmap, yet they are 3d engraves as per Glowforge’s definition of the term.

Some info about making heightmaps

Search results for 'heightmap workflow' - Glowforge Owners Forum

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