Creating a unique and memorable crystal award takes more than just a single photo or basic engraving techniques. In this Cockpit3D tutorial, powered by 3dcrystal.com, we demonstrate the creative and advanced techniques used to create a custom crystal award for Emirates Airlines. This walkthrough highlights the possibilities when multiple techniques come together. You can observe how combining 2D logos, 3D models, and creative layout techniques using a subsurface laser engraver creates an amazing crystal award. This same creative approach can be utilized by green beam and UV laser owners for their own projects to create premium-looking, high-impact crystals for any occasion.
Using 2D Logos the Right Way in Subsurface Engraving
A common question that we come across often is why use Cockpit3D for 2D work? The simple answer is for depth control. Unlike the traditional surface etching, subsurface engraving relies on layering along the Z-axis to create contrast, thickness, and visual impact inside the crystal.
When working with logos, it is considered a best practice to use the white-on-black format. This makes sure that it's only the logo that becomes a part of the point cloud, and the background remains transparent. If you chose the other way around, the unwanted white areas could increase the number of points in the point cloud. This would increase the burn time and can also reduce the clarity.
Correcting the logo to white on black makes the logo seem like it's floating inside the crystal; at the same time, it keeps the point cloud efficient and maintains a reasonable engraving time.
Controlling Depth, Layers, and Burn Time
With Cockpit3D, you can control how thick or thin a 2D element appears in a crystal by adjusting the number of Z-layers. You can add depth and density to the logo by just increasing the layers. This makes the logo feel more substantial. At the same time, more layers imply more points and longer engraving times.
For logos with no gradients or shading, fewer layers are enough to achieve a sharp and professional result. Reducing the layers directly reduces the time taken for production without sacrificing the visual quality. This balance between the appearance of your crystal and efficiency in production is key when it comes to commercial production.
Combining 2D Logos with 3D Models
In the Emirates project discussed in the video tutorial, a 3D aircraft model was created separately using Cockpit 3D’s Fastpass conversion system. What really brings the award to life, showcasing its brilliance, is how the 3D model is combined with the 2D logo into a single, well-balanced design.
Clear labeling of the layers and managing them separately enables you to:
- Keep different layer depths for logos and 3D object
- Generate point clouds independently
- Avoid accidental changes to one element when adjusting another
One important rule to remember is never resize a point cloud. The scenes and textures can be resized before conversion without causing any issues. However, once the point cloud is generated, resizing it can cause visual issues or even cracks during the engraving.
Managing Margins, Bevels, and Crystal Geometry
Cockpit3D gives you two options to control how close your picture sits to the edge of the crystal. You have the option of manual XYZ margins and the Bevel settings. Bevels mimic the polished edges you normally see on the stock crystals. And the margin settings give you precise control in cases where you want certain elements of your image close to the front or the back of the crystal.
This flexibility comes in handy when you wish to design awards that need to look refined at the same time, maximizing usable engraving space.
Adding Creativity with Layered Effects
To elevate the design and take it to the next level, clouds were added behind the aircraft. This additional modification to the crystal award created a sense of motion and depth. Even though the clouds were placed as 2D elements, placing them at different Z positions added realism and visual separation.
This is where creativity pays off and becomes a business advantage. When you put thought and creativity into the design, you’re not just charging for the crystal. Now you are charging for your time, skill, and creative input, which accounts for the artistic value of the crystal. And in case of corporate awards like these, this added value allows you to price your work beyond just the cost of the crystal and the engraving.
Cockpit3D also lets you preview your final image file from multiple angles. You can also download and share this preview with your clients to get their approval or make necessary changes if needed. This helps to attain customer satisfaction and reduce costly mistakes or remakes.
FAQs
- Can Cockpit 3D be used for 2D logos?
Yes. You can generate 2D files using Cockpit3D. It also lets you layer 2D logos in the Z-axis to create depth that surface engraving may not be able to achieve.
- Why should logos be white on black?
In subsurface laser engraving, white represents the engraved area and black remains transparent. Hence, the white area implies more points to burn, which takes up a lot of space inside the crystal and increases the time taken to engrave. Making your logo appear white on black lets you reduce point count and improve clarity.
- Can I mix 2D and 3D elements in one crystal?
Yes. Cockpit 3D lets you merge multiple scenes into a single design.
- Am I allowed to resize a point cloud?
The short answer is no. You can resize scenes or textures before conversion. But never resize the point cloud itself.
- Is this approach suitable for commercial awards?
Absolutely. This approach can create magnificent results for corporate recognition, custom awards, and premium crystal projects.