How to Laser Cut a 3D Birthday Card: Step by Step Tutorial

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3D Birthday Card

2024-08-14

Key Information

Laser Machines
Material Needed
Paperboard
Project File Download
Settings
Laser Engraving
Speed: 1000mm/s
Power: 10%
DPI: 500
Settings
Laser Cutting
Speed: 35mm/s
Power: 15%

Introduction

Create a personalized greeting card for your friends or family!


Card stock is a popular material for making greeting cards, and this project takes it to the next level. Instead of just engraving, writing, or drawing, the sturdy nature of card stock helps create amazing 3D effects.


With intricate cut-out elements that pop up, this unique birthday card offers a stunning three-dimensional look and shows how much thought you have put into it.

Before your work begins

Clean the lens and mirrors
Check the laser head and nozzle for dust or buildup
Ensure ventilation and air assist are working properly
Confirm the machine is running smoothly and normally

Operational Process

STEP01

Prepare & Position the Material

Choose a sheet of paperboard and place it flat on the laser bed. A stable, even surface helps keep the engraving details clear and the cutting path accurate.


Secure the paperboard gently if needed to prevent shifting during engraving and cutting, while avoiding pressure that may crease the card surface.

paper material.webp
Pins
STEP02

Import & Adjust the Design File

Import the 3D birthday card file into LightBurn, then adjust the size, position, and settings according to your paperboard.


Double-check the engraving and cutting settings before starting. Make sure the pop-up elements, fold areas, and card outline are correctly placed.

laser cutting 3d birthday card 1
STEP03

Set the Correct Laser Focus

Accurate focusing is important for achieving clear engraving and clean cutting edges on paperboard. If your machine has auto focus, use it for quick setup. For manual focusing, lower the laser head with the focus stick until it touches the paperboard surface at the correct angle.

auto-focus-bolt.jpg
manual focus
STEP04

Start Engraving & Cutting

Use the Frame function to outline the laser processing area. Make sure the projected frame matches your paperboard and the card design stays within the material boundary.


Once everything is aligned, start the laser job. Stay near the machine while it’s running and monitor the engraving and cutting process carefully.

Frame your design
laser cut paper.webp
STEP05

Post Processing

When the engraving and cutting are complete, carefully remove the paperboard card from the laser bed.


Fold and shape the cut-out elements gently to create the 3D pop-up effect. Once finished, your personalized greeting card is ready to give to friends or family.

laser cut 3d paper birthday card.webp

Come and Try!

Making cards like this lets you express your creativity and give a gift that is truly one-of-a-kind. It is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or simply saying “thinking of you.”


With a little creativity and careful cutting, you can create a greeting card that will be treasured long after the occasion has passed.

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