LONGER How To: 3D Wood Relief Carving Manual

Abstract

This manual provides a detailed guide for performing 3D wood relief carving using a 20W 450 nm blue diode laser with Nano Duo compatible models and LaserBurn software. It emphasizes essential safety warnings, proper material preparation, software setup, workpiece positioning, and step-by-step operational procedures to achieve high-quality results. Correct laser focus, line intervals, power, and speed parameters are explained.

Important Safety Warnings

Operating laser equipment involves significant safety risks (fire, burns, and irreversible eye damage). Before operation:

a) Wear dedicated laser safety glasses

b) Ensure good ventilation in the workspace

c) Never leave the device unattended while running

d) Strictly follow all manufacturer safety instructions

Equipment

a) Laser device: 20W 450nm blue diode laser

b) Machine model: Nano Duo with 20W 450nm and 2W 1064nm dual laser

c) Compatible software: LaserBurn (recommended), LightBurn, LaserGRBL

d) Frame preview: Real-time preview ensures precise laser positioning for engraving

e) Focus positioning: Dual red laser points allow quick manual alignment

f) Air assist system: Strongly recommended (blows away smoke, reduces charring)

Material Preparation

a) Wood: Light-colored, uniform hardwood (basswood, cherry, maple, walnut, sapele); avoid resin-rich or dark woods (poor blue light absorption); thickness must exceed intended engraving depth.

b) Test material: Small piece of the same wood for parameter testing.

Software

Laser control software (LaserBurn recommended): Import grayscale image, set layer engraving parameters

LaserBurn Operation

a) Import grayscale image

b) Set work area: Match actual object size and position

c) Speed: Initial test 8000–12000 mm/min (e.g., Sapele); slower speed = deeper engraving but higher burn risk. Example: 10000 mm/min

d) Power: Initial test 70–100%; higher power = deeper engraving but higher burn risk. Example: 80%

e) Line interval: Smaller interval = finer detail, longer time. Example: 0.05 mm

f) Scan angle: Typically 0/45/90°. Example: 0°

g) Engrave count: Layered from high to low power; more layers reduce burning. Example: 1 layer

h) Image processing: Increase contrast to clarify engraving area. Example: 100% contrast

i) Simulation preview: Check engraving path

j) Frame preview: Ensure engraving fits material 

Workpiece Preparation and Positioning

a) Clean and flatten wood surface

b) Secure wood to work table

c) Use dual red laser points to align focus distance (optimal: 220 mm)

Adjustment Strategy

a) Shallow engraving: Increase power / reduce speed / add layers

b) Burned edges: Reduce power / increase speed / improve air assist

c) Blurry detail: Check focus / reduce line interval

d) Uneven surface: Adjust fill angle / optimize line interval

e) Fine-tune software parameters based on tests

Engraving Execution

a) Confirm safety measures (glasses, ventilation, fire extinguisher, no unattended operation)

b) Activate exhaust and air assist

c) Send job to laser controller

d) Monitor process; watch for flames or abnormal smoke; stop immediately if needed

e) Wait for laser to stop completely before turning off the machine.

Post-processing

a) Carefully remove workpiece (may be hot)

b) Clean surface with soft brush or damp cloth

c) Optional: Sand, oil, wax, or finish as desired

Conclusion

Using dual lasers with optimized LaserBurn parameters enables precise and high-quality 3D wood relief engraving. Strict adherence to safety protocols and careful material and parameter selection ensures consistent results with minimal risk of burning or damage.

(Original image)          (Sapele wood)          (Solid wood)