David Collins is an inventive engineer who continues to inspire us with new insight. Five years ago he impressed us with his technique for stark-contrast laser etching. He later set a thickness record for a single pass cut. David was the first to reveal the possibility of 3D engraving and with our new Thunder Lasers he's taking it to a whole new level. He's perfecting technique for 3D engraving.
Woodworking has expanded beyond hand tools and machine tools to include computer controlled tools. David has applied his engineering mindset and the scientific method to his projects. He tests, learns, and iterates towards his results but it's his curiosity and enthusiasm that fuel his process. Want to see this encapsulated in a single image? Here's an example of a David test series;
The technique that David has been exploring starts with something called a depth map. In the sample images below, darker shades will etch deeper and lighter shades will etch shallower. This remarkable ability to vary laser power to cause this effect is made possible by the tools we use. The software is Lightburn and the laser's internal “controller” is by a company called Ruida. These two features and our new lasers are the potent combination that David is exploring.
The result is a three dimensional engraving across a depth that varies by laser power. David did this work on the Nova 35 which has 100 watts and the range was around 3/8″. The Nova 51 with its 130 watt tube would carve to a greater depth.
There were many challenges he overcame through experimentation. The examples above are from early attempts. When he finally learned what the machine was capable of and how he had to prepare and process the work, he started to get results that really shine. Below are two examples.
David's final result was a set of guidelines for how to get good 3D carvings from our laser. It wasn't a step-by-step set of instructions but an education on the topic and some guidelines to follow. The final test he completed for his presentation to us was pushing the technique to its limits: 3D etched wooden Lego bricks with the precision to snap plastic Lego bricks onto. He did it!
We're really grateful to David for unlocking this potential with our lasers. He continues to be a source of both knowhow and inspiration. If you're curious to know more then you can see his slides and watch his presentation below.
To view David's slides: click here.
To watch David present: click here.