Sub-Surface Laser Engraving.  The simple 2D laser crystal etching answer:  We take a digital image or scan of a traditional photo (like the image of Shawnae Jebbia, Miss USA 1998) and etch them into optically perfect laser crystal without damaging the surface.  We only offer the finest quality crystal which is sometimes referred to as K-9 crystal.

The simple 3D laser crystal etching answer:  Using a 3D Scanner, we take a 3D image facial scan of the subject.  The resulting 3D facial scan (head or bust) is etched using the same laser crystal etching system.   We also have 1,250+ 3D images in our Image Library which can be combined with 2D images and 3D heads and text.  We can also convert traditional portrait photographs into 3D heads.  

The simple 3D etching answer for text and custom 3D images.  Our 3D artists can turn any 2D image format (jpg, adobe Illustrator, bitmap, eps, PhotoShop) into a 3D laser image for sub-surface laser etching.  We can also turn any text font into 3D.  Our 3D artists have created thousands of 3D images from photos.  (Our crystal pricing does not include art work necessary to turn photographs into 3D images.)  

The technical answer:  Light is actually an electro-magnetic wave and thus has an electric field.  A laser beam, also known as coherent light creates an electric field greater than 10 million volts per centimeter.  The focus of the laser beam creates “free” or unattached electrons.  The “free” electrons, accelerated by the electric field created by the laser beam causes the high energy electrons to collide with atoms and ions in the focus area.  As the process continues it causes a chain reaction and produces about 1 million trillion free electrons per cubic centimeter in about 1 trillionth of a second.   This phenomenon is called “multiphoton absorption.”

Multi-photon absorption is used to create this crystal art.  The process involves focusing a “light fantastic laser beam” to a spot (about one-tenth of the diameter of a human hair) within a block of optically perfect crystal.  The laser then emits a short pulse beam (a few billionths per second) and produces a tiny micro crack.   The systems then perfectly align and position tens of thousands of additional micro cracks to create 2D or 3D images.  Although, the laser generates power densities of 10 billion watts per square centimeter, the surface of the crystal is NOT damaged due to the highly transparent nature of optically perfect crystal.  The resulting images appear to float within the crystal. 

Isn't science great? 

Laser engraved images include: pictures of people, pets, cars, boats, planes, buildings, national monuments, birds, animals, reptiles, comic characters as well as text.    All we need is a digital picture and within minutes a finished product can be provide to you.  We have delivered thousands of custom pieces with a single picture or multiple pictures within the crystal.  Let us offer you a 2D, 2 1/2D or 3D image with a special caption. 

Crystal Magic, Inc. is a licensee of U.S. Patent No. 5,206,496, which was filed in the United States on August 15, 1991.  This patent covers the making, using, selling or other disposition of Sub Surfaced engraved products.  All sub surface laser engraved products manufactured and sold by Crystal Magic, Inc. are covered under this license.

What is Dye-sublimation? Dye-Sublimation or Sublimation for short is the process of ink changing into a gas or vapor, without first passing through the intermediary liquid state. An example of this process which most recognize is "dry ice."  In the printing world, the term sublimation is used to describe heat-activated inks that change into a gas when heated and have the ability to bond with ceramic, polyester, acrylic and other surfaces.

How Sublimation works? Using an inkjet printer and special dye-sublimation inks the desired image is printed to special sublimation transfer paper.  The transfer paper is then placed on the sublimation-ready product using various pressure devices.  The sublimation product with the attached transfer paper is then placed in an oven or on a heat press.  The heating process activates the ink in the transfer paper and changes the ink into a gas.  At the same time, the heat causes a molecular change (greater porosity) in the surface of the sublimation product.  The sublimation product then absorbs the gas resulting in a transfer of the image on the transfer paper to the sublimation product.  A pressure of approximately 40lbs. per square inch is needed to insure that the gaseous vapor is forced inside the surface of the sublimation product. When the sublimation product is removed from heat its polymer surface cools and regains its original qualities with the ink gases trapped within the surface of the product. Much like a tattoo, the image is below the surface, protected from the elements that could cause a decal to scratch, fade or peel.

Benefits of Sublimation? Any digital image (including photographs) can be printed and be ready to sublimate in a matter of minutes as opposed to silk screening which requires a setup process to create the screen.  The sublimation process is perfect for projects numbering from one to thousands of custom pieces.  Although, the cost benefits of sublimation are probably better suited for smaller quantity (1-100) custom projects, the resulting product is superior to silk screening.  The full color benefits of sublimation and the finish offer spectacular results.  Due to ink impregnating the sublimation product polymer surface there is much greater durability than silk screening.  Sublimated images are extremely washable, scratch resistant and dishwasher safe because the image is protected within the surface.  Sublimation can be applied to floor tiles and withstand daily foot traffic.

What can be sublimated? There are hundreds of blanks that can be sublimated.  We inventory many blanks, but have access to a wide variety of other sublimation products.  Please see our Photo-Gift pricing for our current products, if you do not see what you want on our price list, please call us for other sublimation options.

What is a Giclee (zhee-CLAY)?  A Giclee is a high-resolution printing process on a special large format printer. Giclees are produced from digital scans or photographs. Giclees can be printed on a number of media types, from canvas, watercolor paper, vinyl, metals to transparent acetates. Giclees are superior to lithography, the colors are brighter and last longer. Giclee width is limited to the print width of our printers (up to 42"), but the length of the print can be almost 60".

Giclees use inkjet technology, but are far more sophisticated than your desktop printer. The process employs at least six colors compared to only 3 colors in most consumer inkjet printers. The inks are very specialized and some are quartanted to last up to 70 years.

Giclees are often confused with oil paintings from a distance and are perfect for office art or promotions. Giclees can be produced economically in limited quantities. Giclees can stretched and mounted on wood stretcher bars and hung like original art or framed.

The best image we deliver is YOU!