3D relief Brass Coin

Place the brass coin flat on the laser bed with the surface to be engraved facing upward.

Make sure the coin blank is clean and free of fingerprints, oil, and dust. Surface contamination can affect laser engraving quality and lead to inconsistent results. Cleaning the brass before processing helps produce sharper lettering, a cleaner engraved background, and more consistent 3D relief details.

Import your vector or image file into LightBurn, then adjust its position to fit the coin surface. This workflow is suitable for custom brass coins, challenge coins, commemorative designs, and other personalized metal pieces.

For 3D brass coin engraving, image quality directly affects the final relief. A grayscale depth image, such as the bee design used in this project, provides depth information that helps create a dimensional relief effect with visible texture and contours.

To position the artwork accurately, create a separate frame layer to outline the coin. Measure the coin, draw a circle that matches its shape, and place the depth image inside it. This helps align the relief artwork and character layer with the edges of the brass coin blank.

Check the marking parameters before starting to ensure that the settings match the artwork and the desired relief effect.

For this project, bidirectional scanning is enabled to reduce processing time. The 3D image layer uses 1270 DPI, while the character layer uses 2540 DPI to retain fine lettering details. For the relief layer, select 3D Sliced image mode to create a deeper engraved background and a more pronounced 3D effect on the brass coin.

Deep brass engraving can require dozens or even hundreds of passes, depending on the artwork, material, and target depth. A high pass count is not unusual for relief work. Check the settings carefully before starting, and monitor the machine throughout the job.

Correct focus is essential for detailed brass coin engraving. Improper focus can affect engraving depth, lettering clarity, and the definition of the raised relief.

Make sure the laser is focused on the coin surface before starting. You can use autofocus or manual focus. For manual focusing, position the focus stick in close contact with the coin surface as specified for the machine.

Press the Frame button and check whether the red guide light outlines the intended marking area. Make sure the frame fits within the brass coin and that the 3D relief design is centered on the blank.

If the frame is misaligned, reposition the coin or adjust the artwork until they match. Once alignment is confirmed, close the laser enclosure and start the 3D engraving process with Aurora Lite. This workflow can be used to make personalized brass coins, challenge coins, and commemorative pieces with detailed relief.

Stay in the room and monitor the machine throughout the entire job. Never leave an operating laser unattended. Pause the process immediately if you notice an alarm, unusual sound, excessive smoke, abnormal odor, or unexpected material behavior. Deep engraving on brass can take a long time, so continue monitoring the machine and follow its operating and safety instructions throughout processing.

Once engraving is complete, allow the coin to cool before removing it from the laser bed. Inspect the engraved depth, lettering clarity, and consistency of the 3D relief to evaluate the finished result.

3D metal engraving can leave metal residue and fine particles on the coin and inside the machine. Clean the finished coin using a method suitable for the material and remove debris from the machine according to the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. If the coin can safely be cleaned with water, use a soft toothbrush under running water. For lens maintenance, follow the machine manufacturer's instructions regarding approved cleaning solutions and dust-free materials.

To increase contrast, you can apply a copper or brass blackening agent after cleaning the coin. Follow the chemical manufacturer's safety data sheet, ventilation requirements, PPE instructions, treatment limits, disposal guidance, and material compatibility recommendations. Once the treatment is complete, clean and polish the custom brass coin as directed by the manufacturer.