Each of us has seen how a laser printer works. Is it possible to do something similar not with paper, but with glass? Let's say, make souvenirs with laser engraving in glass?
Of course you can! Further in the article on our website we will tell you how this is done and what the result is.
Laser engraving on glass
Laser engraver Kamach 53
Very similar to sandblasting glass. Only in this case, instead of a jet of sand, a laser beam is used. And it is controlled not manually, but using a computer. Laser glass engraving equipment is as affordable as conventional printers, and even includes a desktop laser glass engraving machine - with the dimensions of a regular printer!
For example, a laser engraver Rabbit HX - 40 A costs 75 thousand rubles, is placed on a table and can process a glass plate with dimensions of 20x22 mm.
Table with laser engraved glass top
The MINIMO 0503 laser engraver costs more - about 133 thousand rubles, but its working field is already 50x30 cm. The Kamach 53 engraver costs 190 thousand rubles. and has the same working field, but has higher productivity.
All of these devices, like printers, are connected to a computer via a USB port and are compatible with common editing and graphics programs - AutoCad, CorelDraw, etc.
Laser engraving of glass serves mainly decorative purposes. This combines it with the creation of stained glass compositions. Read about what stained glass and stained glass windows are here: https://oknanagoda.com/steklo/osteklenie-steklo/vitraznoe/vitrazhi-i-vitrazhnye-okna.html
The article “Tiffany Stained Glass” will tell you about one of the most original ways to create stained glass
Also familiarize yourself with how the design of glass partitions is formed and the use of decorative patterns made by different engraving methods
Manual method
Manual glass engraving is performed using various mechanisms, including:
- electrically driven engraving unit;
- drill;
- air gun;
- Bulgarian;
- special cutters - gravers.
This processing method is considered the most labor-intensive. For example, laser processing a glass takes half an hour, while manual processing will take several hours.
Hand engraving is most often used when making exclusive one-piece products, such as gifts.
3D laser engraving in glass
Volumetric laser engraving inside glass
Much more interesting is the volumetric laser engraving inside the glass. The case when a three-dimensional image is inside, say, a glass prism, cube, or sphere. Moreover, this is not a picture with a 3D effect, but a real three-dimensional figure that can reproduce in detail, say, a cathedral, the image of a person or a car, an airplane.
Laser engraving inside glass equipment requires more complexity. If during conventional engraving a laser beam simply destroys the surface layer of a glass plate, giving it a characteristic matte color, then for 3D laser engraving in glass a beam is selected with such parameters that it passes freely through the glass. And glass destruction occurs at the point of its intersection with another similar laser beam. In this place, a tiny volume of destroyed glass, hundreds of fractions of a cubic mm in size, appears, visible to the eye by its matte color.
Machine for volumetric engraving inside glass
And the entire figured image inside the glass is formed by a multitude of such dots, obtained by the intersection of two laser beams. Moreover, these points should not be too close to each other - so that the glass inside which the image is applied does not collapse entirely. But they should not be far from each other: the human eye must distinguish them as a single whole.
Usually the image is 5-6 cubic meters in volume. cm requires several tens of thousands of intersection points of laser beams. A kit for laser engraving inside glass includes not only a computer with the necessary software and an engraving machine, but also a special camera with which you can take virtual three-dimensional photographs.
The cost of such equipment is close to 2 million rubles. the FET-MR1001 3D laser engraving machine inside glass is sold in Moscow for US$35,570.
Where is laser graphics used?
There are two applications - industrial and private. In the first case, businessmen use this method of decorating products in order to increase their value, as well as give them a unique appearance. In the second - the desire of ordinary people to improve some glass element of furniture or dishes.
Areas of application:
- Interior Design. This way you can decorate countertops, pieces of kitchen furniture, cabinet doors and walls in the living room, mirrors, shower stalls, etc. The value of the item increases, design novelty is acquired, and a unique style is created. Items are actively used in the interior design of not only houses and apartments, but also offices, commercial premises, and restaurants.
- Souvenir products. On store shelves you can find mugs, magnets, figurines made of transparent material (often this is more practical plexiglass), inside of which there is a drawing.
- Present. It could be a keychain with a name, dishes, or just a cute little thing with initials, a zodiac sign, a wish or a photo.
- Sale of unique designer glasses, wine glasses, shot glasses. Unusual cookware sets attract buyers with their uniqueness.
- Wedding flute. When celebrating, the newlyweds are supposed to drink champagne from special, decorated glasses. Ribbons and rhinestones are commonplace, while engraving with initials, the surname of the newlyweds or the wedding date is a modern and stylish solution.
This is an incomplete list of business ideas that can be brought to life.
What is the price?
It is clear that the price of laser engraving on glass, as well as inside glass, greatly depends on the complexity of the image. The cheapest engraving known to us cost the customer 500 rubles, the most expensive - 10 thousand.
Read about what glass paintings are, what their highlight is and how much they cost in the article of the same name on our website
Find out how to stylishly decorate your personal account and use decorative glass structures for this: https://oknanagoda.com/balkony-lodzhii/ispolzovaniye/oformleniya-rabochego-kabineta-n.html
An article on our website “Do-it-yourself window decoration for the New Year. New Year's drawings on windows" will certainly give you new ideas for using laser glass engraving
The price of laser engraving inside glass depends even more on the amount of design and other preparatory work. Experts advise navigating the upcoming costs this way: find out how much a 2D laser image will cost and multiply this amount by 2. The result will be a very approximate amount, but at least you will know the order of the numbers that make up this amount...
How to prepare an image for engraving
For this, programs such as CorelDraw, Adobe Illustrator, and others are used. The algorithm consists of the following stages:
- The program creates a workspace with a resolution of 300 dpi.
- The image is loading.
- The image is converted black and white, color depth 1 bit.
- The Floyd-Steinberg semi-tinting method is used, intensity at maximum.
- White margins are cut off.
- The resulting image is recoded into BMP format.
Next, the saved file is launched in the control program, and the processing parameters are adjusted.
Laser engraving on glass: photo
Laser engraving can create real works of art
Laser engraving is a combination of art and the latest technology
Fairy-tale illustration for the story by G.-H. Andersen in the body of glass, created by laser engraving
Airplane imprinted in glass using laser engraving
The process of laser engraving inside glass
Some examples of laser engraving are real masterpieces of fine art
What types of glass can be laser engraved?
Cast glass, which has a lower price, is better suited for laser engraving technology. This has a low concentration of lead, which ensures the homogeneity of the material. More expensive hand-blown glass, also crystal, may undergo deformation under the influence of heat during laser irradiation, and as a result, cracks may form.
The CO2 laser allows you to process window glass, glassware, bottles, and mirrors. The mirror surface can also be processed using a fiber laser, which removes the reflective layer on the back side. The action of the fiber laser is not reflected on the glass front surface of the mirror.
Benefits of contacting us
Kak offers direct prices for custom glass awards and prizes with 3D 3D engraving. Cooperation with our company promises a lot of advantages, including:
- the ability to place an order for a product of any complexity, any design;
- We have the ability to produce awards in batches of any size - from several copies to serial batches, which are sold at wholesale prices;
- We add completeness to the images - the set of ready-made awards includes all accessories in the form of stands and decorative cases;
- We undertake urgent replication of glass awards and complete the order on time, that is, within the time period specified in the terms of the contract concluded with the customer;
- Our company provides a delivery service for finished products to the address specified by them, which is very convenient, because you can receive your order on time and without hassle.
Call us: +7 964 778-02-51
Marketing and advertising of products
It’s not easy to start such a business without high-quality and multi-layered advertising. It is important here that you are heard. There is practically no target audience here, because your clients can be absolutely all segments of the population. Here you should not neglect anything and act multifacetedly.
You can start with the standard options:
- Advertising group on social networks;
- MASS MEDIA;
- Distribution of advertising leaflets;
- Advertising in public transport;
- Contextual advertising.
What do you need to consider when starting a business?
First you need to study the types of engraving and choose the one you will work with. To do this, you need to decide on your clients and choose what exactly you want to specialize in. Based on your decision, the machine for the job will be selected.
After this, decide which type of services you will have as a primary service and which as an additional one. For example, you will choose engraving on metal or wood. And as an additional service, you can apply images to textile products. Today this is a trend that is very popular among young people.
Before starting work, it is advisable to complete courses or get a job in a company to gain minimum work experience. The machine for engraving inside glass is fully automatic, but it must be properly controlled to obtain the correct result.
It is important to fully study the principle of its operation in order to understand its operation and be able to adjust it in case of need or breakdown. You can also find video lessons on the Internet and chat on relevant resources to gain minimal knowledge and understanding of the process.
Main stages of starting a business:
- Analyze the market and competitors in this area. It is important to identify the most popular services on the market, analyze prices and target audience. This information will allow you to move on and create an actual business project;
- Selection of proposed services. Stop at one or several types of engraving, think over the materials for work;
- Study information about equipment manufacturers, its types, features and prices. Choose and buy it. Of course, you can only take an engraving machine. But for a broader and more serious business, it is necessary to purchase a serious and modern installation and related consumables. You can buy a laser for engraving on order;
- Paperwork. To work, you will have to register a private enterprise. If you plan to work with large clients and the wholesale market, then you should immediately choose extended working conditions;
- Study the technological process and features of the selected equipment. If necessary, you can invite a specialist for consultation and individual lessons. This will allow you not to make the simplest mistakes and immediately work quickly and efficiently;
- Think over and launch an advertising campaign to attract your first customers. The best time to do this is before the holidays, when people buy such things and are looking for original gifts. During this period, the demand for souvenirs increases significantly.
Sales of finished products
In business, the most important thing is not production, but sales. That is, it is important not only to make a unique, high-quality and sought-after product, but also to find someone who will buy it. In this case, your clients can be individuals, organizers of various contests and competitions, as well as large companies.
In addition to private clients, it will be important to work with companies that can become your regular wholesale customers. These are wedding salons, photo studios and souvenir shops. It is only important for you to offer high-quality and unique products at competitive prices.
Total: 1 ( 5.00 out of 5)
Our equipment
It’s not difficult to achieve such an unusual result – it’s all about having professional equipment. For a clear and beautiful image, you only need to set the input parameters correctly once. The many sensors that the engraving machine is equipped with control the movement of the workpiece and the laser beams.
In this way, any images are engraved - brand name, symbol, logo, text, other corporate symbols. has its own production. We carry out a full cycle of work - from development to the final product. Custom glass awards with 3D engraving, which we produce and offer in Moscow and other Russian cities, are notable for their low cost.
Glass souvenirs are as fashionable today as ever. This is a great gift for many years!
| Seraphim of Sarov. Crystal 100x80x60mm on a backlit beech stand | From Aeroexpress as a souvenir! |
| ROSNEFT | Happy anniversary to AVEVA. Crystal 270x170x20mm on a backlit acrylic stand |
| Map of the Moscow Region Crystal 200x150x20mm on a backlit acrylic stand | Modern architecture for the anniversary with the symbols of the company. Crystal 150x100x80mm on a backlit stand |
| Symbolism crystal 120x80x40mm | Crystal option |
Types of engraving and their features
To build a quality business on such a service, you need to understand the theory in detail. The choice of equipment will depend on the type of work chosen, so this is one of the most important points.
- Raster engraving;
- Vector engraving.
With the vector type of engraving, the image is applied in thin lines, and with the raster version, a photographic halftone image is obtained. By adjusting the immersion depth of the laser beam, you can achieve a three-dimensional image. The material for work can be almost any, and your imagination is not limited. It could be:
- Wood;
- Metal;
- Glass;
- Paper;
- Leather;
- Textile.
Making glass awards with 3D engraving
Glass awards are a worthy choice of awards for both corporate and sporting events. They perfectly combine affordable price and presentability. Thanks to their shiny edges that shimmer in the sun, they always look great.
The engraving technique has long been widely used in the production of gift products. Applying three-dimensional inscriptions and photos on the surface, as well as inside the glass, using a laser - the same engraving, only in volume.
Today it is also in demand in advertising, marketing and production. A three-dimensional corporate logo enclosed in a glass figure is probably the most original and colorful presentation of any company. An old family photo that has been transferred inside a glass crystal and given a new life is a worthy way to perpetuate the connection between generations or strengthen marriage ties.
Tips for beginners
If you are going to buy a glass laser engraver and start your own business, you first need to decide which method will be easier for you to work with. Buying chemical paste is recommended for beginners who want to try it, start a business, and get their first orders, while machines are useful only for large-scale mass production. First, we will give recommendations for those who work by chemical etching:
- Wear rubber gloves. The procedure takes place in an active environment; chemicals can corrode the skin of the hands or cause allergies. You also leave greasy marks on the surface, which will negatively affect the result.
- Carry out work only in a well-lit and ventilated place.
- The container with water where the product will be placed for cleaning should not be ceramic or enameled.
- The stencil must be drawn in a mirror image. This is especially important for inscriptions.
Tips for those who use tools and machines:
- Buy a good engraver, carefully study the manufacturer.
- You should take diamond burs, they do not wear out for a long time, provide high accuracy and are quite affordable.
- Organize your work area and prevent the spread of noise and dust. It is also necessary to reduce vibration using a foam pad.
Learning how to engrave on glass with an engraver is not at all difficult. Start creating and turn what you love into a profitable business!
Economic business calculations
How much income can I receive?
| Daily sales volume, pcs. | 7 |
| Number of shifts per month | 30 |
| Monthly volume, pcs. | 210 |
| Average price per unit of production, in rubles. | 2 000 |
| Revenue, rub. | 420 000 |
What expenses will I bear?
| Cost (consumables), rub. | 50 000 |
| Rent, rub. | 15 000 |
| Salary, rub. (2 employees, one of them is an entrepreneur) | 70 000 |
| Social Security contributions, | 21 000 |
| Other expenses, rub. | 10 000 |
| Total, rub. | 166 000 |
How much can I earn from this?
Net profit: 420,000 rub. – 166,000 rub. = 254,000 rub.
Equipment for creating unique souvenirs
A workshop whose activity is to create three-dimensional drawings, photographs, and inscriptions inside glass needs the following equipment:
- laser engraver for creating engravings – from RUB 2,000,000;
- 3D camera for creating three-dimensional photographs – from RUB 650,000;
- PC for controlling the machine and camera – from RUB 50,000.
To start, you can buy a used engraving laser. This will save you a decent amount. But it is important to clarify with the owner why the equipment is being sold, read the technical data sheet, and find out whether the device has been repaired. But in the future, it is better to purchase a new modern machine. Because the overall appearance of the souvenir depends on the quality and functionality of the technical means.
You might be interested in:
What equipment is needed for the production of luminous concrete.
Production of magnetic business cards to order - business prospects.
Is it possible to make money by making magnetic badges?
How to engrave glass objects with rounded shapes and handles?
For example, glasses with handles are processed using a circular engraving device. But it is extremely important to set them very precisely so that the handle does not rotate in the engraving area. You need to move the Y axis to the highest position and secure the workpiece so that the handle is slightly above the level of the laser beam.
Since the workpiece rotates backward during the engraving process, the risk of the pen colliding with the laser head is reduced to zero.
But for all blanks with handles, you need to make sure that the graphic image is not too long and is not located near the handle.
The exact location of the drawing can be seen in the control program.
