✨ SCULPFUN G20 3D Relief Engraving Guide for SGD Laser
3D Relief Engraving is a laser engraving technique that creates a three-dimensional effect and realistic depth by precisely controlling the height variations on the material surface. In simple terms, it transforms a flat material surface by creating raised and recessed areas, producing an effect similar to that of a sculpture.
Unlike standard laser engraving, which typically leaves a two-dimensional pattern on the material surface, 3D relief engraving creates different processing depths to add shading, depth, layering, and a three-dimensional appearance to the design.
1. Ensure the machine is placed on a stable and level work surface, and make sure the laser module is parallel to the engraving platform.
2. Engraving Material: A round brass coin is used in this tutorial.
3. Prepare a 3D relief model file or image file. (Make sure the file format is supported by SGD Laser software.)
4. Before engraving, ensure that the material surface is clean and smooth.
Connect the machine to SGD Laser software, then click ‘New’ to create a canvas.
Place a metal cutting plate on the machine base plate first, then place the engraving material. This helps prevent the laser from damaging the machine base plate during engraving.
In the bottom-right corner of the software, check ‘Turn on focus light’ to enable the focus light for focusing.
Press the Focus Button on the machine to adjust the height of the laser module until the two red dots overlap; the focusing is now complete.
Go back into the software interface and locate ‘3D Relief’ at the bottom of the left toolbar. Click it to enter the 3D relief parameter settings interface. As shown in the figure, the related parameters required for 3D relief engraving can be configured on the right side of the interface.
Click ‘...’ in the upper-right corner of the interface to import the engraving file. The supported file formats include STL, OBJ, and some image formats. (Select the corresponding file format when importing the file.)
1) Import the 3D Relief Model File
2) Import the Image File & Adjust the Parameters
When importing an image file, the image will be automatically converted into a relief model. (Make sure to select the corresponding image file format when importing.) However, image imports may result in incorrect size proportions. It is recommended to use a 3D model file for relief engraving.
After importing an image file, the “3D Construction” window will automatically pop up to generate the 3D model and configure the related parameters. By default, the Y-axis length is locked. When adjusting the X-axis length, the Y-axis length will automatically change accordingly. To manually adjust the Y-axis length, click the ‘🔒’ icon in the upper-right corner to unlock it. As shown below.
Parameter Description：
X Dimension (mm): The length along the X-axis, which directly determines the model size in the X-axis direction.
Y Dimension (mm): The length along the Y-axis, which directly determines the model size in the Y-axis direction.
Note: Incorrect settings of the above parameters may cause the model proportions to become distorted.
Z Dimension (mm): The height of the model, which determines the engraving depth on the material.
Contour Threshold: The threshold used to identify the edges and details of the image when converting it into a 3D model. A lower value provides higher recognition accuracy but may also increase the number of unwanted fine imperfections.
After importing the file, configure the parameters.
1)‘Settings’ Section - Parameter Description
Relief material: Click '...' to import a relief file. The supported file formats include STL, OBJ, and some image formats. When an image file is imported, it will be automatically converted into a relief model.
Z axis movement (mm): Controls the Z-axis movement distance through the software. Click 'Move Up' or 'Move Down' to adjust the laser height.
Marking is completed and the axis position is restored: This function allows you to choose whether the laser module returns to its starting position after the engraving process is completed.
2)‘Object Parameters’ Section — The relief parameters used in this tutorial are as follows.
Parameter Description：
Number of layers: The default value is 30 layers. A higher number of layers provides higher engraving accuracy but also increases the engraving time. Users can adjust this parameter according to their actual requirements.
Frame settings: Set the shape. Available in rectangle or circle. Adjust the setting according to the design, material, and engraving requirements.
Spacing (mm): The distance between the outer frame and the set value (model edge). A positive value expands it, while a negative value shrinks it.
Power (%): Sets the laser output power. A higher value increases the laser energy, resulting in deeper engraving marks; a lower value reduces the energy and produces lighter marks. Adjust this parameter according to the material characteristics and desired engraving effect.
Speed (mm/s): The movement speed of the laser during engraving. A higher speed improves engraving efficiency but may reduce fine details; a lower speed is better for detailed engraving but takes more time. Balance engraving speed and quality when setting parameters.
Frequency (KHz): The number of laser pulses emitted per unit of time. At a higher frequency, pulses are denser, producing smoother and more continuous engraving lines. At a lower frequency, each pulse has higher energy, making it suitable for creating deeper marks. Adjust the frequency according to the engraving material and desired results.
Marking model scale: Adjust the marking scale of the model to set the engraved pattern size. After adjusting this value, the “Model Size” below will be updated accordingly. You can adjust the pattern size based on the material size. After completing the adjustment, use the preview function to check the marking area on the material.
Export Configuration: After testing and achieving the optimal engraving results, click this option to export the parameter settings for future use. After the export is completed successfully, the following pop-up window will appear.
Import Configuration: Import previously saved engraving parameter settings and apply them directly.
Preview: Preview the engraving position and area. During preview, the red light will appear on the material and you can check the engraving position and size. Make adjustments based on the actual situation.
Marking: Click this button to start engraving.
3)Advanced Parameters Section — The relief parameters used in this tutorial are as follows.
Parameter Description:
Z axis descending distance: When this function is disabled, the laser will not automatically move downward and will operate at a fixed height. When enabled, the laser will descend according to the set parameters to ensure that the laser focal distance remains at the correct working position.
After enabling this function, the following parameters can be configured:
Every N layers: The laser performs the Z-axis descending operation after completing the specified number of layers.
Descending Height: The distance the laser moves downward during the descending operation.
Filling Density (mm): The line spacing filled in each layer. A smaller value results in denser filling, but increases the engraving time. Balance the engraving time and desired results when setting this parameter.
Cleaning: Clean the engraved material to remove dust, residue, and surface imperfections. It is generally performed immediately after completing the set number of engraving layers before proceeding to the next layer.
After enabling this function, the following parameters can be configured:
Cleaning layer interval: The cleaning operation is performed after completing the specified number of engraving layers.
Cleaning power range (%): The laser output power used during the cleaning scan. Higher power provides stronger removal of residue and better surface cleaning results; however, excessive power may damage the workpiece surface. Select an appropriate power level based on the material characteristics.
Cleaning speed (mm/s): The movement speed of the laser during the engraving. A higher speed improves efficiency but may reduce fine details; a lower speed is better for detailed processing but takes more time. Adjust according to the desired results.
Frequency (KHz): The number of laser pulses emitted per unit of time. At a higher frequency, pulses are denser, producing smoother and more continuous engraving lines; at a lower frequency, each pulse has higher energy, making it suitable for creating deeper marks. A high frequency is generally recommended for fine surface finishing.
After completing the parameter settings, click ‘Preview’ to confirm the engraving position and area. Then click ‘Marking’ to start the engraving process.
After engraving is completed, clean and polish the surface to enhance fine details and improve the overall depth and layered effect.
Number of layers: 270
Frame settings: round (based on your material shape)
Spacing (mm): default 0
Power range (%): 100
Speed (mm/s): 500
The engraving speed can be set to 500 mm/s or 1000 mm/s.
• If a deeper engraving effect is desired, the speed can be set to 500 mm/s. However, please note that the engraved pattern may appear darker. A dedicated brass cleaner can be used to clean the surface and improve the appearance.
• When the speed is set to 1000 mm/s, the engraved pattern will have a cleaner appearance, but the engraving depth will be relatively shallower.
• Users can adjust the parameters according to their preferences and specific requirements. It is recommended to perform test engravings first before starting the final engraving process.
Frequency (kHz): 30
Marking model scale: 1.5 (based on your material size/diameter)
Every N layers: 50
Descending height: 0.5
Filling density (mm): default 0.03
Cleaning layer interval: 30
Cleaning power range (%): 50
Cleaning speed (mm/s): 3000
Frequency (kHz): 30
Final Result
Stunning 3D relief engraving on a brass coin with Sculpfun G20.
Important Note
- This tutorial provides detailed instructions on how to perform 3D relief engraving using the G20 laser engraver.
- The parameters provided in this tutorial are for reference only. It is recommended to adjust the parameters according to the actual working conditions.
- Due to variations in material properties, thickness, and surface conditions, the engraving results may differ even when using the same engraving parameters.
- Before starting the final engraving process, it is recommended to perform parameter tests to achieve the optimal engraving results.
- Make sure the material is properly positioned and securely fixed to prevent movement during processing, which may affect the engraving quality.
- Before processing, confirm that the laser focus distance is set correctly.
- After processing, the material surface may be hot. Wait until the material has cooled down before touching or performing further operations to avoid burns.
- Note: 3D relief engraving may take a long time. Do not leave the machine unattended during operation.
