Trick or Treat Coin

1.    Locate an appropriate image to engrave onto your coins.

2.    Produce a depth map.

-    Using AI you can easily create images and depth maps using prompts. I used Google Gemini for this. Once you have a suitable image, you can upload it to www.sculptok.com to generate a 3D image of what your depth map will look like once engraved. This image can then be inserted onto the PC LDS software.  

Due to file size limitations, the .LPB and .LP2 files are unable to be uploaded here. The attached .png files can be used instead.

1.    Turn your image into a layered 3D greyscale file.

-    Select Effect from the top left and select 3D greyscale.

-    Ensure the parameters selected for this are Convex and set to the maximum 255 layers.

Once you insert the image, resize it to fit your coin, I used 34mm as the diameter of the design. Align this image to centre.

2.    Set your Parameters.

-    As it is being engraved onto brass, select the 1064mm laser at a 4k resolution. Frequency is set to 30khz, Power is set to 100%, depth is set to 30 and pass is set to 1.

You will see that you can preview each layer independently, the attached image shows layer 95 for example.

I used this Link for guidance. I initially used 60khz frequency, but this burnt the coin, so adjusted it to 30khz after.

3.    Export the .LDS file.

-    Use a USB stick to save this file to. This is crucial to prevent inadvertent interruption of the engraving process, and also speed up the speed of engraving.

-    Once uploaded to the USB, put the USB back into the LP5. (You can do this process for the reverse coin image at this stage too).

1.    Open a new blank design.

2.    Open the file using the USB symbol within the LDS software.

3.    Set you coin up ready for engraving. Ensure it is clean and free from oils.

4.    Preview the file by clicking preview.

5.    Click Engrave. Ensure that the alignment is correct, the coin is stable and the safety doors/shields are in place.

Be aware, this process can take approximately 4hrs each side.

After a few hours, the engraving will be complete.

1.    Engrave the other side.

-    Turn the coin over (once cool enough to do so) and repeat the uploading process if you haven't do so already.

-    Preview the file and engrave the new side of the coin.

A few hours later, your coin will now be complete.

2.    Finishing touches (optional).

-    Remove the coin (once cool enough to do so).

-    Polish

You will see the coin is quite rough and will have some tarnish marks. To remove these I used a Dremel with a buffer attachment and some metal polish. It will not take too much time and effort to achieve a nice finish.

3. That's it! Admire your work and have some fun.