Can we Laser Engrave and Cut Artwork into an Ostrich Eggshell? Let's Find Out!

Source: https://updating.co.za/co2-laser-ostrich-eggshell

published: 2023-12-05 22:19:17
modified: 2023-12-05 22:23:08
youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWJPeX76g3I

Today, we're diving into something truly intriguing. A customer handed us an ostrich egg, and the challenge was to explore whether we could engrave and cut artwork into it using a TruCUT CO2 Laser Engraving and Cutting Machine. It's uncharted territory for us, so consider this a test run. Let's jump into the design phase and see where this journey takes us!

Watch the below video to see the if the Eggshell can handle our powerful TruCUT Laser Machine!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWJPeX76g3I
Watch Video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWJPeX76g3I

The first step is to import our artwork and vectorise it. Since there are two colours, a three-colour vectorizing process is needed. After expanding the results and ungrouping the image, we eliminated the black background. Saving the design as a DXF file with black colour facilitates the laser cutting program.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWJPeX76g3I

Now in RDWorks, we measure the egg and adjust the artwork size accordingly. The cutting settings are configured at 45% power and 50-speed, to ensure that we don't damage the egg.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWJPeX76g3I

For engraving, a separate piece of artwork piece is chosen and converted to a single colour, and vectorized. The resulting black image is then exported as a DXF file. The engraving settings include a 300 mm per second scanning speed and 35% power, considering the fragility of the egg.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWJPeX76g3I

At the CO2 Laser Engraving and Cutting Machine, we have set up a makeshift jig using scrap wood to prevent the egg from moving during the process.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWJPeX76g3I

We are now ready to download our artwork to the Laser Machine. The engraving is done first and this is pretty simple. Just make sure you have levelled the head correctly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWJPeX76g3I

We then rotate the egg for the cutting phase. It is important to make sure that the egg is framed correctly, otherwise, the laser will cut out the artwork in the wrong location. Multiple attempts are made with varying power levels to ensure a clean cut without excessive burning!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWJPeX76g3I

Despite initial challenges and concerns about burning, adjustments are made to the power settings for the cutting phase. It's discovered that engraving is a more suitable option, requiring less power and resulting in a cleaner finish than cutting. We had to finish off the cutting with a chisel to remove certain areas that weren't cut out fully.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWJPeX76g3I

We also noticed that the laser burned the other side of the egg, and so we decided to engrave the artwork, that we attempted to cut, on the other side as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWJPeX76g3I

The experiment concludes with surprising results. The ostrich egg proves to be resilient, requiring substantial power for cutting. Engraving, on the other hand, emerges as a more efficient and aesthetically pleasing option. The final piece showcases a delicate leaf engraving and highlights the unexpected strength of an ostrich egg!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWJPeX76g3I

In the world of laser engraving and cutting, experimenting with unconventional materials like ostrich eggs opens up new possibilities. This unique journey, from design to execution, showcases the challenges and rewards of pushing boundaries in laser artistry. Whether engraving delicate designs or testing the limits of cutting, it's a reminder that creativity knows no bounds.

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