Laser Etched / Laser Cut Business Cards

This is an easy method to create your own Laser Etched / Laser Cut Business Cards (like the one seen in the picture.) The method uses a raster engrave for the text on the card and then a vector cut to remove the individual card from the larger piece of cardboard.

Step 1

The most important thing to note in making your cards is the choice of cardboard.

This method will only work if the color of the interior layers of cardboard is different than the color of the exterior layers of cardboard. For my card I chose cardboard that had a bright pink (fuschia) exterior color and a light brown interior color. By looking at the edge of the cardboard you can see that there are layers of light brown (interior) sandwiched by layers of pink (exterior).

Comments

[bestjosh]

Do you have a source for the cardboard? I am failing at finding it.

[velogirl]

Hi bestjosh, I went to my local art supply store, Dick Blick's on State Street in Chicago. I imagine any art supply or hobby store would have them. Look for any cardboard that would have a different color filler. Thin museum board (black with white filler) might do as well.

[bestjosh]

Thank you.

[velogirl]

I am not certain what more you would like me to speak of.
I'd be happy to add more to it if you have a suggestion! :)

The logic behind the short post is the following.
Depending on the laser cutter you use, you would setup the template accordingly in the appropriate software. Some places use autocad, some use illustrator, hence why i didn't post any of the files. Also, I didn't post the settings for the vector cut or the raster engraving because it really depends on the material you choose to engrave to and the Watts on the laser cutter model being used. Too many variables to account. It was more showcasing the technique of raster engraving to achieve the contrast with the material. I'd received lots of complements on the cards and thought I would post it for others to see.

[CrLz]

Looks like a good Instructable to me!

Rather than "short", I'd suggest elegant.

Nice business cards.

[agis68]

is this a complete instructable????...