Next laser engraver project.

The next laser engraver we would like to evaluate and publish would have the capability to engrave also on round objects, in order to mimic ancient Mayan archaeological vases that were incised. The same laser machine should naturally handle flat materials to reproduce Mayan hieroglyphic inscriptions. A good size would be roughly 18 x 32 inches.

The laser incised or laser cut art could be used my museum curators, epigraphers, and anyone for display, demonstration, workshops, lectures, and exhibits.

At present we have the Universal M-300 laser cutter/engraver (50 watts). For optimum production in a museum and university environment, it would be more realistic to have a minimum of 65-80 watts; 85-120 watts would be ideal.

A good laser cutter with these specifications would be the Universal X2-660 or at least the Universal X-660. An alternative would be the Pinnacle ZX Series.

In the meantime, Trotec has kindly provided us a 75-watt laser engraver/cutter to test and evaluate.

Laser engravers can also “print” photographs, onto stone

If you take photographs, are you aware that you can print them onto stone or metal with a CO/2 laser engraver? We cover this on our digital photography website.

You can also print photographs onto stone, wood, metal or other rigid materials with a UV-curable inkjet flatbed printer.

Laser engravers are also great for artist’s creative works

The art faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates all have access to the laser engraver and produce diverse works of art.

First posted May 1, 2006.