3D Laser Engraving AI Pipeline Companion

Step 01 · Source image

Generate the Base 2D Subject

Build a clean, high-contrast 2D subject optimized for depth extraction. Crisp inputs produce sharper bas-relief engravings.

Prompt Builder

Interactive

Subject description

Art style Detail level

Bas-relief preset bas-relief style, isolated on a pure black background No text / watermarks Clean subject only — no logos or captions High edge contrast Clear silhouette for cleaner depth edges Single centered subject One focal form, centered framing Soft studio lighting Even light to avoid harsh cast shadows in depth AI

Assembled prompt

Open Google Gemini

Operator tips

Best practice

Resolution first. Use high-resolution source images to avoid pixelation in the final engraving. AI tools work best when starting with crisp, clean inputs.
Black background. Isolating the subject on pure black helps depth converters treat the field as zero-height.
One subject. Crowded scenes confuse depth models and produce noisy intermediate grays.
Prep in Gemini. Use Gemini for generation or cleanup (background removal, contrast boost) before depth conversion.

Before you leave Step 1

Source is high-res (ideally 2K+) Subject isolated / black background No text, logos, or busy scenery

Step 02 · Depth map

Convert to 3D Depth Map

Transform your 2D image into a grayscale height map: White = highest, Gray = intermediate, Black = deepest.

Tool Recommender

Project-aware

Project type

Launch recommended tool SculptOK Depth-R

Depth-R offers free daily depth maps — ideal for pipeline tests before spending credits on production runs.

SculptOK vs Depth-R

Cheat sheet

Aspect	SculptOK	Depth-R
Best for	Faces, animals, organic form	Mechanical, prototypes, learning
Strengths	Facial/organic detail, smooth transitions	Fast iteration, free daily maps
Weaknesses	Credit cost for high detail	Less refined organic micro-detail
Credits	Paid credits for quality runs	Free daily allowance + paid tiers
Pipeline fit	Final production reliefs	Test engravings & hard-surface

Depth map preview

Drag & drop

Drop a grayscale depth map to preview how values map to physical height (mock extrusion).

Drop depth map here

or click to browse · PNG / JPG

Before you leave Step 2

Depth map exported as grayscale White peaks / black valleys verified Transitions smoothed if too harsh

Step 03 · Controller

Engrave Settings (Laser Controller Setup)

Configure LightBurn (or equivalent) for your laser type and material so the depth map becomes a clean 3D relief.

Laser Settings Configurator

Dynamic

Laser type Material

Pre-engrave checklist

Final gate

Run a small test engraving first Check contrast; adjust in Photoshop if transitions are too abrupt Confirm white = high / black = deep orientation Focus height set for material surface Correct layer mode selected (3D Sliced or Grayscale) Exhaust / safety gear ready; area clear

0 / 6 ready

Calibration tips · omglaser.com

Material note

Wood is excellent for quick tests, but grain can mask fine depth steps. Metal (fiber), slate, and anodized aluminum typically yield the cleanest, most detailed 3D relief without wood’s natural grain limitations.