Short answer
Converting your favourite picture from your phone into a realistic 3D crystal engraving is extremely simple using the Cockpit3D app; all you have to do is upload your image to Cockpit3D, then choose how you wish the background of the image to be handled (keep it or delete it). Then we seamlessly and quite accurately auto-convert the image into a 3D point cloud, so the file can be engraved using a compatible green beam, UV Laser or any other 3D laser box that Is designed for subsurface laser engraving.
In daily subsurface engraving workflows at 3D Crystal, Cockpit3D is relied upon to convert a large number of customer phone and facebook images into laser-ready 3D files that work perfectly well across green beam and UV laser systems.
Process explained in detail
Cockpit3D and the Fastpass system enable you to turn any flat image into a stunning 3D crystal engraving without any tough and time-consuming manual modeling or highly expensive software. All you have to do is create an account, specify the laser type you use upfront to make sure that the generated 3D files are compatible with your laser machines.
Once you are in the Cockpit3D software, the process begins with choosing the crystal shape and size from the wide variety of crystal styles available. The next step is to upload your image. Cockpit3D offers three practical approaches to handling your image background.
- It gives you the option to keep the entire background
- Remove it completely
- You should be careful while making this decision, as it directly affects depth clarity, point density, and engraving time of your crystal.
- Use Cinematic HD and enhancement
Background handling options
| Choice | Best used when | Trade-off |
| Keep background | Scenic or environmental photos | Higher point count, longer burn time |
| Remove background | Portraits and facial focus | Less context, smaller subject |
| Cinematic HD & Enhancement | Almost all the time. This is the secret sauce to creating super sharp images that stand out and 'pop’ | If images are very very washed out and blurry, these 2 options may make the image look like something else and not like the original person in the photo. |
Keeping the background preserves scene context but increases the number of engraved points. Whereas removing the background concentrates detail on faces which often improves perceived depth while reducing engraving time. You also have an option to keep a partial background where you remove the unwanted areas and save the remaining subject on a black background and then select Keep Background. In subsurface engraving, black represents zero points, meaning no engraving occurs in those regions. You should prepare your photo in advance to black out areas that you do not want to appear.
The submitted images appear in the control panel. Features like Cinematic HD and image enhancement are enabled by default, and they optimize tonal balance and contrast specifically for subsurface engraving, giving consistent results and striking output.
The next step is to sync the image file to auto-convert, where Cockpit3D generates a 3D preview appearing almost like what the final pointcloud will appear like in the crystal.
Managing point density and engraving time
Just as important as any other step is to set the point spacing and layer depth according to the laser type you use. These values you set ultimately determine how many points get engraved and how long the job will take.This is done after downloading your approved preview as a cockpit3d scene file and launching it in the software. You are then able to set the point space settings for resolution, brightness, and point count.
It is important to note that images with large white areas generate more points and take more time to engrave. This can be managed and optimized in the following ways.
- You can reduce the number of layers
- Remove unnecessary white regions in a photo editor
- Grey out any bright white so it's not as white.
Once you have exported the image file into the desired file format that best fits your laser, it is ready to be loaded into the laser software.
Practical checklist to follow to engrave your crystal
- Choose the size and shape of the crystal before uploading your picture.
- Decide on whether to keep, remove, or have partial parts of the background in your image
- Make sure to resize the subjects and focus on faces
- Keep Cinematic HD and enhancement enabled
- Adjust point spacing or the number of layers to manage engraving time
- Make sure that the inscriptions stay within safety margins
- Clean crystals thoroughly to remove dust and other particles before engraving
Key takeaway
Creating a breathtaking 3D crystal of your picture does not necessarily require an expensive Camera or a high-quality image. A simple photo from your phone gallery would work perfectly well when processed carefully using the Cockpit3D software.
Video walkthrough
For a better understanding of the process and a visual walkthrough, you can watch the explanation tutorial on our YouTube Channel.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a special camera to create 3D crystal engravings?
No. Any picture captured using your phone camera works well when processed properly in Cockpit3D. - Is it always the case that removing the background improves results?
No. It does not assure improved results. It can improve facial focus, but it reduces context if not resized correctly. - Does this workflow work for both UV and green beam lasers?
Yes. Cockpit3D is designed to output laser-specific files based on your selection. You can choose GLB or STL file option for the UV lasers and TKBR, CAD, DXF files for the green beam systems and the 3D laser boxes.