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The 3D image is
'etched' inside the glass block by using a powerful laser.
This laser produces a very pure light beam that is focussed
to a specific point within the glass and at the beams focus
the glass fractures. By controlling the power of the beam
and the position of the focus, a 3D image is created inside
the glass block. Software controls the beam position, which
is directly related to the original design produced on a 3D
CAD system.
The
original image is generated by using a computer programme
that can generate 3D images. These files are converted into
a format for controlling the laser. Formats that are generally
accepted for input to the laser system are 3D .dxf files.
Other formats can be used, e.g. Rhino, 3DS, StrataVision,
STL.
Aurora
Glass Creations can generate the original from customer supplied
information.
The
following is an example of the process:
|
Stage
1:
- Define
the customers requirement.
|
Spitfire
aeroplane over an airfield in an 80x50x50 block. |
|
Stage
2:
- Design
in 3D.
- Send
Design to customer.
- Get
approval to manufacture.
|
 |
|
Stage
3:
- Manufacture
Glass blocks and ship to customer.
|
 |
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