3D Relief Engraving is a new feature available in LaserPecker's LDS software. When used with the LaserPecker LP5, it enables detailed three-dimensional engraving effects on materials such as metal, stone, and wood.
This guide introduces the basics of 3D Relief Engraving, explains what types of designs are suitable, and walks you through how to use the feature.
What Is 3D Relief Engraving?
3D Relief Engraving is a laser engraving technique that creates raised and recessed details by varying the engraving depth across the material surface. Unlike standard laser engraving, which typically produces flat graphics or text, 3D Relief Engraving generates depth, texture, and layered visual effects.
In LDS software, grayscale values in the image are mapped to different engraving depths. Lighter and darker areas are engraved at different depths, allowing the laser to gradually create a three-dimensional relief effect.
Combined with the LP5, this feature can produce highly detailed relief engravings on a variety of materials, especially metal, stone, and wood.
What Designs Are Suitable for 3D Relief Engraving?
Not all images are suitable for 3D Relief Engraving. For the best results, it is recommended to use a depth map.
A depth map is a type of grayscale image that contains depth information. Different shades of gray represent different distances or surface heights within the image.
In grayscale depth maps, darker areas usually represent deeper or recessed regions, while lighter areas represent higher or raised regions.
During engraving, LDS converts these grayscale values into different engraving depths. This allows the laser to create highlights, shadows, and smooth depth transitions, resulting in a three-dimensional appearance.
When using LaserPecker for 3D Relief Engraving, it is not always necessary to use a true depth map. Grayscale images with strong dimensional contrast, clear shadows, and visible highlights can also produce good engraving results.
The comparison below shows a standard grayscale image (left) and its converted depth map (right). As shown, the engraving result generated from the depth map appears more delicate and layered, while the result from the original grayscale image is slightly less pronounced.
When converting a regular image into a grayscale image, if the grayscale distribution is too uniform and lacks significant variation, the image is not suitable for relief engraving. The resulting engraving will have weak depth and an insufficient three-dimensional effect.
How to Get Depth Maps?
There are several ways to obtain depth maps for 3D Relief Engraving:
(1) Download Depth Maps Online
You can download depth maps from online resources or from the LaserPecker CraftZone, then import them into LDS for engraving.
(2) Generate Depth Maps with Third-Party Software
You can also create your own depth maps using third-party image or 3D design software and then import them into LDS.
(3) Use the Sample Files Included with LP5
The USB drive included with the LaserPecker LP5 contains several sample 3D relief engraving project files for reference and testing.
What Materials Are Suitable for 3D Relief Engraving?
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3D Relief Engraving works best on materials that respond well to controlled laser depth engraving and surface texture modification. Materials with consistent surfaces and good engraving contrast generally produce better relief details.
Recommended materials include:
- Wood
- Stone
- Brass
- ....
These materials allow the laser to create detailed raised and recessed textures with greater precision.
When using 3D Relief Engraving on wood or metal, it is recommended to choose materials with relatively lower hardness for better depth performance and smoother relief transitions.
To avoid excessive burning or surface damage, do not set the engraving power or engraving depth too high, especially when engraving on wood materials.
In addition to the Relief engraving method, dithering-based deep engraving can also produce impressive three-dimensional engraving effects, as shown below.
The detailed engraving process is not covered in this article. For step-by-step instructions and engraving tips, please refer to the guide below:
Wood Embossing with a Laser Engraver – A Beginner's Guide
How to Start 3D Relief Engraving in LDS?
Select the design, open the Effect settings, and choose 3D Relief Engraving (3D Grayscale Embossing). Then select either Raised Engraving or Recessed Engraving based on the desired engraving effect.
(1) Raised Engraving vs. Recessed Engraving
Recessed Engraving
Recessed engraving removes material directly from the design area using laser ablation. The engraved pattern appears lower than the surrounding surface, creating an engraved or carved-in effect.
Raised Engraving
Raised engraving removes the material surrounding the design while preserving the design area itself. As a result, the pattern remains elevated above the surrounding surface, creating a raised relief or embossed appearance.
(2) Setting the Slice Count (Number of Layers)
Slice Count refers to the number of relief layers used during 3D Relief Engraving.
Increasing the Slice Count creates smoother layer transitions and more detailed relief effects, but it also increases engraving time. Lower Slice Count settings reduce processing time, but the final result may appear rougher with less depth detail.
Higher Slice Count settings can also increase the overall engraving depth on the material surface.
The supported Slice Count range is 1–254, and only integer values can be used.
(3) Previewing the Engraving Effect
In the laser engraving settings panel, you can preview the engraving result for each layer using the Slice Preview (Layer Previewing) option.
By adjusting the Slice Count (Layer number), you can visualize how the engraving content changes throughout the relief engraving process.
If the first few slices or the final few slices appear completely black or completely white, you may reduce the Slice Count to shorten engraving time without significantly affecting the final engraving result.
Slice Levels: 50
Slice Levels: 100
Engraving Settings
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Engraving settings are similar to normal engraving, requiring adjustments to the laser source, frequency (if using a 1064nm source), resolution, power, depth, and layer height. Power and depth affect the engraving depth. Additionally, increasing the depth will also increase the engraving time for each layer. Higher resolution results in finer and deeper transitions, but it will also increase the engraving time. Layer height refers to the thickness of each layer, with valid values ranging from 0.01 to 1 mm. It also represents the distance the electric stand moves downward after engraving each layer. |
If the engraving depth appears too shallow or the relief transitions are not pronounced enough, try increasing the engraving power or depth settings. If the engraving result is too deep, reduce the power or depth accordingly.
For most materials, a Slice Height (Layer height) of 0.01 mm is recommended for optimal relief engraving results.
When engraving softer materials, the actual engraving depth of each slice may exceed the configured Slice Height. This can cause the machine to gradually lose focus during engraving and affect the final result. In such cases, it is recommended to increase the Slice Height appropriately.
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For the brass coin included with the LaserPecker LP5, the following settings are recommended: Resolution: 4K If you want smoother relief transitions and more detailed engraving results, and engraving time is not a concern, you can try the following higher-quality settings: Resolution: 8K |
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For engraving the slate coaster included with the LaserPecker LP5, the following settings are recommended: Resolution: 4K |
Precautions Before Starting 3D Relief Engraving
(1) Use a USB Flash Drive
3D relief engraving files are typically large and may require long transfer times. For a more stable engraving process, it is recommended to save the .lpb project file to a USB flash drive before starting the engraving job.
Using a USB flash drive can help improve transfer stability and reduce waiting time during file transmission.
(2) Use a High-Speed Fan
During 3D relief engraving, materials such as metal or wood may generate smoke, dust, or engraving residue.
To maintain a cleaner engraving surface and achieve better engraving quality, it is recommended to place a high-speed fan near the material during engraving. Continuous airflow helps remove dust and smoke from the engraving area and reduces residue buildup on the material surface.
(3) Use Positioners
Long engraving sessions may cause slight material displacement due to vibration or accidental movement.
To improve engraving stability and positioning accuracy, it is recommended to use the L-shaped Positioner or other positioning accessories during the engraving process.
Post-Processing After 3D Relief Engraving
(1) Wood Surface Cleaning
When engraving wood materials, surface discoloration or burn residue may remain after engraving.
Using the 1064 nm laser for a secondary low-power, low-depth cleaning pass can help reduce yellow burn marks and improve the overall surface appearance.
(2) Metal Surface Treatment
- Do not touch engraved metal surfaces immediately after engraving, as the material may still be extremely hot.
- Because the LP5 uses a 20W fiber laser, the engraving depth and relief effect may differ from those produced by higher-power industrial laser systems. To further enhance the relief effect and clean surface residue, you can perform a secondary engraving pass using lower power and lower depth settings.
- For brass materials, professional metal cleaning solutions can be used for post-processing treatment.
- For other metal materials, polishing the engraved surface after engraving can help improve the final relief appearance and surface finish.