Laser Pyrography: a powerful inspiration combining science and burn art
One lesser-known method of doing wood burn art is laser pyrography, where you do the burning with lasers instead of with hot nibs. Pyrography as an art form can differ based on the medium, the designs, and even the tools.
As more and more people learn about pyrography, many just go on drawing with a standard toolkit. But with the advancement of technology, this art form also developed to be more efficient. has even included laser usage.
In this guide, I am going to discuss this more modern method of pyrography and what it entails.
All About Laser Pyrography
How Is Laser Wood Burning Done?
It is a form of pyrography that uses laser technology to do the burning. A powerful controlled light beam burns the surface of your choosing, much like freehand toolkits. The main difference is that the whole task is largely automated with a laser machine.
The process is fairly simple. You can set the laser power and adjust the heat levels according to the design you want. Then you only need to load the design from the computer and let the machine work its magic.
Laser tip/beam pointer actually moved on a horizontal plane. This plane works on two axes, generally known as XY plane made with X axis and Y axis. Exactly same as printer head. Laser burns are very precise, so depending on your adjustments, the color tone of the design will change. You’ll be surprised at the array of shades laser burning can manage.
Have a look at the laser burn process video here
Another short video on this –
Laser Machines To Look Into
Laser machines generally use two types of lasers– CO2 lasers and Diode lasers.
- There are plenty of laser machines available in the market. Each type can work with different mediums and shapes.
- The most common type is the laser engraving or cutting machine for burning on flat surfaces.
- There are also laser rollers for curved surfaces that slowly roll them as the laser glide over them. The mechanism is basically a nib working down the plane in rapid sideways motion like a printer.
Mediums For Pyrography Using Laser
- As with manual pyrography, natural wood and leather are safe under the laser.
- Additionally, some very tough materials like stones and metals can also be worked on.
- The same is true for fragile materials like glass. This is due to the precise control of high heat production.
- Materials like plywood and plastics which produce fume are also suitable.
Let me elaborate a little more on the last one. The process involving laser doesn’t require your presence during burning. So, you can stay out of the workroom and avoid released toxins.
This makes some moderately risky materials like plywood and plastics safe to work on. But do remember to protect yourself from fumes and ventilate the room for when you go in afterward.
What Makes This form of Pyrography Suitable for You?
This method of pyrography may not be as widely practiced, but it has its own benefits.
- At a time, laser points affect an area that is only a fraction of a millimeter. So, you can comfortably undertake highly complex styles.
- It is easier than manual pyrography, as the process is mostly automated. Detailed designs are smoothly and accurately burned.
- Since the machine can trace its path without mistake, you can produce a design exactly the same several time.
- It is likely faster, especially for intricate patterns or photo-realistic images.
- If you are doing business with your pyrography projects, this is less expensive in the long run. It is also cost-effective since you can produce a larger number of products in the same amount of time.
- As a computer-run process, you can tweak the design and coloring at no additional cost.
- Lasers don’t actually generate heat; they only heat the surface they fall on. So, they are much safer to work with than hot tools.
- Since you can stay away during burning, this form of pyrography can also be better for your health.
Of course, there are also some drawbacks to this method. Manual pyrography tends to add character to the designs with personal touches and slight variations. With laser burns, the finished product might come out looking flat and a little too perfect.
You might get interested in doing some floral patterns for pyrography arts. You can try these patterns in the laser burning tool.
The Verdict
Now you know everything you need to know about laser woodburning to get started. People have tried and tested many forms of pyrography over the years. In the process, they discovered many new methods. With the variety of materials available around the world, there are countless combinations for one to look into.
Feel free to have fun trying out new techniques as you grow your skill. Happy burning!
Additional Reads
Here are many articles on the technical devices and techniques of pokerworks –
