LASER INLAY ENGRAVING AND PRINTING APPARATUS AND PROCESS

摘要

This invention relates to a novel computerized laser inlay and inlay printing process. More particularly, this invention pertains to a novel process for engraving by use of computer a first excavated image in an inlay base, and secondly engraving a second corresponding relief image on an inlay wafer, and then inlaying the second relief image of the inlay wafer in the first excavated image of the inlay base. A laser process for producing an inlay of one material in another material comprising: (a) electronically scanning an art master and recording a first positive image of the scanned art master in a computer; (b) coordinating a laser cutting beam with said scanned first positive image to engrave a hollow in a base corresponding in shape with said first positive image; (c) producing a second negative image by preparing a negative mirror image of the first positive image and recording the second negative mirror image in the computer; (d) coordinating the laser cutting beam with the scanned second negative mirror image to engrave a relief on an inlay corresponding in shape with the second negative mirror image; and (e) juxtaposing the relief of the inlay with the hollow in the base to form an inlay in the base.