How to perform relief carving in software

Relief carving in LaserBurn allows users to create detailed 3D-style engravings on wood using grayscale depth maps and layered laser engraving techniques. By using the correct settings in LaserBurn and properly configuring the Nano Duo machine, you can achieve smooth carving depth and detailed surface textures on materials like birch wood and black walnut wood.

Table of Contents

• What This Guide Covers
• Why Relief Carving Matters
• Before You Start
• Requirements
• Precautions
• Step-by-Step Tutorial
• Common Problems and Solutions
• Tips for Better Results
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Final Thoughts

What This Guide Covers

This guide explains how to perform relief carving in LaserBurn using the Nano Duo laser engraver. It covers:

• Material preparation
• Depth map preparation
• LaserBurn parameter settings
• 3D Slice configuration
• Z-axis drop settings
• Cleaning layer settings
• Troubleshooting common engraving problems

Quick Answer

To perform relief carving in LaserBurn:

1. Connect the Nano Duo machine
2. Import carving materials
3. Configure the engraving parameters
4. Select 3D Slice mode
5. Enable Z-Axis Drop
6. Configure cleaning layers
7. Start the engraving process

Recommended settings include:

• Line Spacing: 0.1mm
• Laser Power: 50%
• Laser Count: 50 layers
• Angle Increment: 15°
• Drop N mm: 0.1 mm

Follow official machine specifications or instructions.

Why Relief Carving Matters

Relief carving creates depth-based engraving effects that standard engraving cannot achieve. Instead of producing only flat surface markings, relief carving gradually removes material layer by layer to generate a dimensional appearance.

This process is ideal for:

• Artistic wood engravings
• Decorative panels
• Personalized gifts
• Detailed portrait carving
• Custom woodworking projects

Using proper LaserBurn settings is essential because incorrect parameters can affect engraving depth, carving quality, and overall surface smoothness.

Before You Start

Before starting the relief carving process, make sure:

• The machine is properly connected
• The work area is clean
• The wood surface is flat
• The carving file is prepared correctly

Relief carving often requires longer engraving times because the laser performs multiple engraving layers to create depth.

Requirements

Materials Needed

• Birch wood
• Black walnut wood

Recommended thickness:

• 10–20mm thickness for best results

Prepare Carving File

Depth map:

• Check that the background is a uniform color
• Even slight dots can affect printing quality

Software Used

• LaserBurn

Laser Model Used

• Nano Duo

Laser Type Used

• 450nm

 

Precautions

Before beginning the engraving process, follow these precautions carefully.

Material Preparation

• Ensure the wood surface is clean and dry
• Avoid warped or uneven wood boards
• Use recommended material thickness whenever possible

Depth Map Preparation

• Ensure the background remains completely uniform
• Remove any unwanted dots or image noise
• Verify grayscale depth consistency before importing the file

Machine Safety

• Ensure proper ventilation during engraving
• Monitor the machine throughout the carving process
• Follow official machine specifications or instructions

Important Z-Axis Note

The Z-Axis Drop feature:

• Must be enabled
• Is currently only available on Nano Duo machines

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Connect the Machine

Action

Connect the machine.

Expected Result

LaserBurn successfully detects and connects to the Nano Duo machine.

Important Notes

• Ensure the machine is powered on
• Verify stable communication before continuing
• Reconnect the machine if LaserBurn does not recognize it

 

Step 2: Import Carving Materials

Action

Import carving materials.

Expected Result

The material appears correctly inside the LaserBurn workspace.

Important Notes

Recommended materials:

• Birch wood
• Black walnut wood

Recommended thickness:

• 10–20mm thickness for best results

Different materials may require different engraving parameters.

 

Step 3: Parameter Settings

Action

Configure the engraving parameters in LaserBurn.

Expected Result

The software is properly configured for relief carving.

Important Notes

Different parameters for different wood boards; material testing required.

 

Image Mode

Setting

Engraving mode:

• Select 3D Slice

Expected Result

LaserBurn prepares the image for layered relief engraving.

Important Notes

3D Slice mode is required for relief carving effects.

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Line Spacing

Setting

Distance between lines:

• Recommended: 0.1mm

Expected Result

The engraving produces smoother surface detail and cleaner depth transitions.

Important Notes

Smaller line spacing generally improves engraving detail but may increase engraving time.

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Laser Type

Setting

Select:

• 450nm

Expected Result

The software uses the correct laser configuration.

Important Notes

Using the correct laser type helps maintain engraving consistency.

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Laser Power

Setting

Laser output power:

• Recommended: 50%

Expected Result

Balanced engraving depth without excessive burning.

Important Notes

Material testing is required because different woods respond differently to laser power.

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Speed

Setting

Laser engraving speed:

• Recommended: mm/min

Expected Result

Stable engraving movement during carving.

Important Notes

Follow official machine specifications or instructions.

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Slice Config

Laser Count

Setting

The actual number of layers engraved:

• 50 layers recommended

Adjust the number of layers according to the required depth.

Expected Result

The engraving gradually builds carving depth layer by layer.

Important Notes

Higher layer counts may improve carving depth and detail.

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Angle Increment

Setting

The scanning angle of each layer during engraving:

• 15° recommended

Expected Result

The laser scans at different angles during each engraving layer.

Important Notes

Changing scanning angles can help reduce visible engraving lines.

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Z-Axis Drop Distance

Enable Z-Axis Drop

Setting

Z-axis column rise/fall switch:

• Must be enabled

Currently only available on Nano Duo machines.

Expected Result

The Z-axis automatically adjusts during the carving process.

Important Notes

This feature is required for proper relief carving depth.

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Every N Layers

Setting

Z-axis drop after every N sculpting passes:

• 1 pass recommended

Expected Result

The Z-axis lowers after every sculpting pass.

Important Notes

Frequent Z-axis adjustment helps maintain focus consistency.

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Drop N mm

Setting

Distance the Z-axis drops after every N sculpting passes:

• 0.1 mm recommended

Expected Result

The machine gradually increases carving depth during engraving.

Important Notes

Improper drop distance settings may reduce engraving quality.

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Cleaning Layers

Every N Layers

Setting

Cleaning should be initiated after every N engraving passes:

• Recommended every 5–10 passes

Expected Result

The machine performs periodic cleaning engraving passes.

Important Notes

Cleaning layers help reduce residue buildup.

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Laser Power

Setting

Cleaning power after every N engraving pass:

• Recommended 20–30%

Expected Result

Gentle cleaning without damaging engraved details.

Important Notes

Excessive cleaning power may overburn the material.

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Speed

Setting

Cleaning speed after every N engraving pass:

• Recommended 15000–20000 mm/min

Expected Result

Fast cleaning movement across the engraved area.

Important Notes

Higher cleaning speed helps reduce heat accumulation.

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Line Spacing

Setting

Distance between lines during cleaning engraving:

• Recommended 0.1–0.2 mm

Expected Result

Even cleaning coverage across the engraved surface.

Important Notes

Proper cleaning spacing helps improve final surface appearance.

 

Below are screenshots showing the effects of the recommended parameters:

Birch

Common Problems and Solutions

Tips for Better Results

Use Clean Depth Maps

High-quality grayscale depth maps produce smoother relief carving results.

Test Materials First

Different wood boards react differently to laser engraving. Perform material testing before final production.

Monitor Long Engraving Jobs

Relief carving may require extended engraving time because multiple layers are engraved sequentially.

Keep the Laser Lens Clean

Residue buildup can reduce engraving quality during long carving sessions.

Start with Recommended Settings

Beginners should start with the recommended settings before making adjustments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is relief carving in LaserBurn?

Relief carving is a layered engraving process that creates 3D-style depth effects using grayscale depth maps.

Which materials are recommended?

The tutorial recommends:

• Birch wood
• Black walnut wood

with 10–20mm thickness for best results.

Why must the depth map background be uniform?

Even slight dots can affect printing quality and produce unwanted engraving artifacts.

What does 3D Slice mode do?

3D Slice mode converts grayscale image depth into layered engraving passes.

Why is Z-Axis Drop required?

Z-Axis Drop allows the machine to gradually lower during engraving, helping maintain proper focus and carving depth.

Which machine supports Z-Axis Drop?

According to the tutorial, this feature is currently only available on Nano Duo machines.

How many engraving layers should be used?

The recommended setting is:

• 50 layers

Adjust the number of layers according to the required depth.

What cleaning layer settings are recommended?

Recommended cleaning settings:

• Every 5–10 passes
• 20–30% laser power
• 15000–20000 mm/min speed
• 0.1–0.2 mm line spacing

Final Thoughts

Relief carving in LaserBurn enables users to create impressive 3D-style engravings on wood using layered engraving techniques and grayscale depth maps. By carefully following the original workflow and using the recommended parameters, beginners can achieve cleaner engraving depth, smoother surface finishes, and more detailed carving results.

Always perform material testing before final engraving and follow official machine specifications or instructions.