For the next experiment, I chose to experiment with the laser cutter we have at university. The main idea was to engrave a pattern onto the paper (photography).
What I wanted to learn:
- How deep an engraving can be?
- Is the engraving deep enough to create a tactile experience
- How does the engraving affect the photo?
For the next experiment, I decided to use the laser cutter available at our university. My main idea was to engrave a pattern onto a piece of paper to see what would happen. I wanted to learn three things from this experiment:
- The depth.
First, I wanted to find out how deep the laser cutter can engrave. Knowing this would help me understand what kinds of designs I could make and how precise they could be. I used a 150 g paper.
Result: The depth of the engraving turned out to be shallower than I expected. Although I can measure the exact depth, it’s clear that it didn’t penetrate as deeply as I had hoped. This might be because the paper I used was relatively lightweight. I suspect that using a heavier paper could result in a deeper engraving. However, I am concerned about how using thicker paper might impact the quality and appearance of the photograph. I aim to avoid paper that is too thick, as it could alter the way the photograph looks and feels. Balancing the paper weight to achieve the right engraving depth without compromising the photo’s integrity is something I need to consider further.
Another unexpected outcome was that the design became visible on the front side of the photograph due to the paper’s thinness. I’m still unsure how I feel about this. While it adds an interesting element, I’m not entirely pleased with how it changes the original appearance of the photograph.
- Tactile experience.
Second, I wanted to see if the engraving was deep enough to feel with your fingers. If the engraved lines can be felt, it would add a new sensory experience to the photography, making them more interesting to touch as well as to look at.
Result: The tactile experience is minimal. Because the engraving isn’t very deep, there’s not much to feel with your fingers. When the pattern is visible on the front of the photograph, it suggests that it should be touched. However, if the pattern weren’t visible, I don’t think it would be as apparent to the observer that they should touch it.
- Effect.
Third, I was curious about how the engraving would affect a photo. I planned to engrave a pattern onto a printed photograph to see how the lines and textures created by the laser would interact with the image underneath.
Result: The engraving appeared on the photograph more prominently than I had anticipated. This was not the outcome I was aiming for, as it significantly altered the original image. Moving forward, if I decide to experiment with the laser cutter again, I recommend using a much more minimal pattern or design for engraving. By doing so, the impact on the photograph should be less intrusive, preserving its original aesthetic while still incorporating the engraved elements. This approach would allow for a subtle enhancement rather than an overwhelming alteration.
