iPhone

[sinclair_cj]

Can one etch the back glass of iPhones? I have an old 12pro max, and I’m not ready to sacrifice it to science just yet.

[deirdrebeth]

Glass is hard because the “etching” is actually thousands of micro fractures…plus it would likely depend on what exactly the “glass” is…

Here’s someone who did an X using the clear acrylic settings:

I went for it and did my MacBook Air and iPhone X

Got my Glowforge about a week ago and used it so much that I have already gone through the detailed cleaning process. (Nailed it) So I decided to do exactly what I bought this machine for and hit up my MacBook and iPhone X. I haven’t seen anyone do an X yet and not too much on the MacBooks. It didn’t do very well on the bottom part of the mandala where the surface curves it really disappointed me but I am sure it was something I did wrong being how I’m so new to this. Anyways. Enjoy! Also please…

Here’s someone who used the green glass acrylic setting and their glass broke:

Etching an iPhone 8

Iphone 7 not 8th I tried on my 8th and glass broke. But fortunate it was damaged already

So, it’s possible, but tricky and risky…

[tim1724]

Your safest approach would be to make a stencil and then use glass etching cream.

[Thumper369]

That’s a great suggestion

[jamely]

Second making a stencil and then armour etch! I would get a thick non-chlorine vinyl, like the eco iron-on stuff that Glowforge sells, cut stencil, attach to phone, engrave with chemicals using all safety precautions (that stuff can literally get into your body from skin contact and eat your bones), and carefully wash off. And turn off the phone first! And if you are not the risky type, test it on some other glass first. But also be warned, the glass composition might not engrave with chemicals. I know that borosilicate won’t etch, so whatever “glass” your iPhone is made with might night even work.

[sinclair_cj]

please forgive me, but im an absolute n00b at all of this. Could I just cover the whole thing in etching cream and let the laser do the intricate designs for which im hoping? im concerned a stencil wouldn’t allow the level of detail im trying to achieve…

[dwardio]

If I understand your question, no. Etching cream starts its process as soon it comes into contact with glass — the laser has nothing to do with ‘activating’ the cream, hence the use of stencils.

Hope this helps. Apologies if I misunderstood your question.

[evansd2]

Replacement back glass is about $18 on Amazon, maybe cheaper elsewher. Could buy one to test on? Engrave something small on the corner, if you like it great, if not tweak settings and engrave on another portion. Repeat until you’re happy.

[jamely]

Definitely test on anything first! And it would be a very toxic cloud of gas if you were to laser glass etching cream, but I can see where that misunderstanding would happen in this conversation. It might be more helpful to you if you posted the design and get suggestions on how to make it possible?