3D Crystal Awards

1. Creating the Template

3D laser engraved awards can use any 2D image as the focal point of what's being engraved. But, we must create a template to engrave a 3D image from a 2D image! To do this, we upload the image of your choice to the machine. Afterward, your image is converted to a 3D series of points that the laser engraving machine uses as a stencil. Each 3D laser engraving uses tens of thousands of points. A bubblegram as small as 5 cm x 5 cm x 5 cm could use as many as 60,000 points!

2. Align the Crystal

Before we begin the engraving process, we line up the crystal award with the laser engraver. Many engravers have just one laser from one point, but some have two lasers from two sides.

Once aligned, we fix the crystal to the base of the machine to prevent it from moving around during engraving, as the laser's vibrations and energy can cause the crystal to shift. Proper alignment, especially in a two-sided laser, ensures the engraving looks its best.

3. Etching Your Image

Finally, your crystal is ready for engraving! A laser (or lasers) is aimed at each point individually and pulsed. Each pulse creates a tiny hole, or etch point, in the crystal. The energy at the end of the laser is what causes the distortion, not the length of the beam, allowing for carving inside the crystal without damage to the outside surface.

The final 3D laser engraving is also called a laser-induced damage image because the laser effectively damages the crystal inside. To add more dimension to your 3D crystal photo, the size of the etch points can be changed. Points with larger diameters result in brighter points, and smaller diameters create dimmer points. Through this, the crystal hologram comes to life!

Benefits of 3D Engravings

So, why should you consider 3D engraved awards? There are two areas where 3D engraving methods outperform other methods like sandblasting.

1. Timeliness: This is the best method if you need your awards designed and shipped quickly. Because it takes less time and manpower to get awards engraved with a 3D laser engraver than sandblasting, multiple award pieces can be finished faster. This means you can express appreciation on special occasions - even if that occasion is right around the corner. Don't let time prevent you from creating quality memorial keepsakes that celebrate the success of your team and create lasting memories.
2. Unique Aesthetic: 3D engraved awards are distinctive from other traditional pieces because of the award's appearance once the engraving process has finished. A completed 3D engraved award piece has a striking, floating design that can be seen from all angles. Delicate white lines make up your design; with clear strokes, the white lines bring out all of the features in your selected image, whether they're text or graphics.

We offer awards designed with a 3D laser engraving in many sizes. If none of these fit your needs, or you want to make your award extra special, you can design your crystal award with custom 3D laser engraving!