Subsurface laser engraving software converts images or three-dimensional data into spatial coordinates that a laser focuses inside transparent materials such as crystal or glass. Unlike surface engraving systems, the laser does not remove material. Instead it creates microscopic internal points that collectively form a visible image suspended within the object.
Because the engraving occurs beneath the surface, the software must calculate where each laser pulse is placed in three-dimensional space rather than trace visible outlines.
Conventional laser engraving software typically prepares two-dimensional paths or grayscale depth maps. Subsurface engraving requires volumetric data describing internal point placement.
| Software Type | Laser Action | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Vector engraving | Traces lines | Surface markings |
| Raster engraving | Burns pixels | Flat image |
| Relief carving | Varies depth | 2.5D carving |
| Subsurface engraving | Places internal points | Volumetric image |
Instead of toolpaths or solid geometry, subsurface systems use a point-based representation. Each point corresponds to a single focused laser pulse positioned at a specific X, Y, and Z coordinate.
The visibility of the image depends on point spacing, layering order, optical scattering behavior, and viewing angle through refractive material. This makes the preparation process closer to volumetric imaging than traditional manufacturing.
When starting from a photograph, the software estimates spatial structure so the subject appears recognizable when viewed from outside the material.
The software operates independently from the laser but must account for optical properties such as focal tolerance and internal fracture spacing. Different machines may require different point densities and layer separation distances.
Several specialized systems exist within this category. Portrait-oriented systems are designed specifically for human or pet subjects, while general systems may prepare arbitrary 3D models. Cockpit3D is an example of portrait-focused subsurface engraving software that generates point-cloud data from photographs for volumetric crystal imaging.
Subsurface laser engraving software is a specialized category of imaging software that prepares volumetric point data rather than cutting paths. Its purpose is to reproduce recognizable imagery inside transparent materials by precisely positioning internal light-scattering points.
