Can Llithophanes be produced with a laser ??

The answer is definitely “yes” but not, I suspect, with the same degree of quality as produced by spindle machining.

I had to give it a try and this was my first attempt. It is not that good but I am sure the results could be improved once I have discovered the reason for the unwanted background ‘noise’ which is spoiling the effect.

Has anyone else here tried creating Lithophanes using a laser ??

Tweakie.

This is an interesting approach, Tweakie. Never thought about this.

Dan

Hi Dan,

The previous Litho was produced a while back but this one was made this morning. One big advantage is that they only take a fraction of the time to make (some 15 to 20 minutes for this one, which is 100mm wide) but the secret, if there is one, is to set the laser power so it does no cut right through the acrylic. 

I don’t think laser produced Litho’s will ever get up to the quality that can be produced by spindle engraving but who knows ?

Tweakie.

I don't know, Tweakie, that is pretty detailed to me, that looks great!

Dave

Tweakie, I agree with Dave, the last one shows pretty fine detail. May be in reality it looks different though.

Dan

Hi Guys,

I don’t think there is any problem with resolving the detail as the laser beam can be focussed to a spot size almost similar to the point of an engraving bit.

The main issue appears to be that I am unable to get a smooth surface finish. In itself this is relatively unimportant as far as light transmission is concerned but it can trap some of the residual powder particles (filler creating the opal appearance) and when it does this creates an unwanted dark spike. I should say that I am not yet 100% certain that this is the cause of the dark spikes but it is looking more than likely.

I dusted some black toner onto a background area in the first Litho (this should be flat as it is all the same pixel value) so you can see a better close-up picture of the surface finish I was obtaining. This has improved slightly since changing the laser modulation method but it still looks a bit like the surface of an orange. 

There is just so much to learn.

Tweakie.

Wow, great picture, and if anyone's going to figure it out, it'll be you-
Dave

A recent, accidental, discovery (not by me) when laser cutting a mask in preparation for paint spraying revealed that the adhesive and or mask somehow fuses with the ceramic surface glaze on wall tiles.

Obviously I had to give it a try and this is the result of my first test. I am not certain about the long-term durability but this has been through my dishwasher once without any noticeable degradation – if it survives say 10 cycles through the dishwasher then I would say that it is pretty permanent. An interesting discovery.

Tweakie.

That interesting, i was just about to try and mark out a pattern into some litho or try to cut it. (if 80w will do that)
I've seen some spray on stuff to mark alli with a laser, but it's so expensive I've not bothered with it.

What adhesive did you use and have you tried it on any other materials ? I've often thought about trying to melt a covering onto a metallic background but haven't had time to try it yet.

Nice work tho. the detail looks good, lets hope it lasts.

  Bry

Hi Bry,

The original discovery was made whilst using the blue 'Painters Tape' but I am uncertain if this contains PVC so it would need to be ‘burn tested’ before trying - just to be sure.

I used the paper transfer tape, as used for the application of vinyl signs. Different tiles and possibly different makes of tape will produce slightly different shades - this was one of the super white tiles which have a slightly bluish appearance the standard white tiles produce more of a sepia shade. As far as I am aware it only works with ceramic glaze.

I would be most interested to see / hear of others results with this.

Tweakie.