Sculptors are able to process ordinary wooden boards and ordinary tiles as raw materials, and use the relief process to carve out beautiful patterns, turning them into works of art. Relief carving is such a marvelous process that it has always been a direction of continuous research and improvement for carvers. So, ordinary people can also learn to relief carving? Of course they can, but once upon a time, people were limited by ordinary engraving tools and needed to spend a lot of effort and time to learn. Now with the emergence of jewelry pneumatic engraving machine, it relies on air pressure to control the strength of the carving at will, saving time and effort, for ordinary people to learn relief engraving provides an easier way. Next, this article will introduce how to use pneumatic engraving machine for relief engraving.
Understanding Pneumatic Engraving Machines
The first thing you need to understand is the principle of using a pneumatic engraving machine. It relies on the compressor contained in the machine to compress the air and then provide power for the engraving handpiece (the handheld electric engraving tool of the pneumatic engraving machine), which can be used to perform high-precision engraving on a variety of materials such as metal and ceramics. Therefore, jewelry industry engravers choose it for jewelry creation and use it to complete detailed engraving. It is also important to understand that its key components are mainly the compressor, engraving handpiece, engraving nib, and control system.
Understanding the Relief Craft
Relief carving process is divided into two kinds of high relief and low relief, different people need to choose a different process for carving.
1. High Relief
High-relief carving out of the pattern from the background raised, close to the height of the background plane. The carving depth is large and the details are complex. Mainly used in the creation of artistic sculpture or architectural decoration, creation requires a high level of technology, suitable for carvers.
2. Low relief
Low relief pattern raised shallow, only a small amount of background and pattern raised to present a little three-dimensional effect. Carving depth is shallow, detail processing is simple, suitable for ordinary people to master the basics.
Preparation before using pneumatic engraving machine
Before engraving, you need to make adequate preparation.
1. Selection of materials
The use of pneumatic engraving machine for relief engraving, a variety of materials can be used. But the choice of materials for different people are different, such as gold, silver, copper, platinum and other hard metals, suitable for the mastery of skilled carving technology and will not cause waste of precious metals carver to choose. Wood, clay, plaster, foam and such softer and easier to shape the material is suitable for ordinary people to learn and contact low relief carving techniques.
2. Designing Relief Patterns
Whether the relief design is a high relief design or a low relief design, it is necessary to use computer-aided software to design a three-dimensional carving design. Once the design is completed, it is transferred to the material using tracing or transfer methods.
3. Fixed engraving material
During the engraving process, the vibration generated by the gas engraving machine may cause the engraving material to shift position resulting in engraving errors. In order to avoid accidents, it is necessary to use a special engraving jig to fix the engraving material on the surface of the working table.
Steps to using a pneumatic engraving machine for relief engraving
With the preparations complete, you are ready to start the pneumatic engraver to begin creating your own relief crafts.
1. Set the air pressure
The first step to start engraving is to set the air pressure index in the compressor, the size of the air pressure index will affect the quality of the engraving. When you need to carve a detailed part, set a lower air pressure: when removing a large amount of material, set a higher pressure. Start with a lower pressure and gradually increase the pressure as needed.
2.Choose engraved nibs
Choose the right nib for the size and detail of the design. Use a spherical nib for engraving the overall rough shape. For fine details, switch to a pointed or flat nib.
3. Create an outline
Use a larger carving nib to remove excess material and define the basic shape of the relief. Focus on carving larger areas to show the main shapes and contours of the design.
4. Engraving Details
Once the basic shape is defined, switch between pointed or flat engraving tips for intricate details. Vary the depth and shading of the carving to create different levels of depth to give a three-dimensional effect to the piece.
5. Smooth refinement
After carving details, you need to use the sandpaper tool to smooth out rough areas or lines. Refine the piece and create a more refined, professional look. You can also continue to use the pneumatic engraver to adjust the depth of engraving in certain areas to add more three-dimensional effects to the design.
6. Finishing touches
Once the relief carving is complete, clean the piece to remove any dust or debris. Depending on the material, a polished surface may be an option to enhance the visual appeal of the carving.
Precautions for pneumatic engraving machine
During the engraving process affected by the vibration of the pneumatic engraving machine, some small debris will fly out directly. Be sure to wear protective glasses and ear muffs to avoid injury.
Conclusion
Using an air engraver for relief engraving is an effective and efficient method that can be used by both engravers and laymen to create unique designs on different materials. By understanding the proper steps above on how to use an air engraver, you will find that an air engraver will be an invaluable tool in your crafting process.