Guide to Holographic engraving on mirror-polished stainless steel
Instruction
Information
Unlock the Magic of Light ✨
With the xTool F1’s IR laser, you can transform polished stainless steel into a surface that dances with rainbow colors. This advanced holographic engraving technique uses precise vector settings and a special focal offset to create microstructures that bend and scatter light. The result? Deep black outlines paired with a shimmering, color-shifting fill that reveals its brilliance only when the light hits just right. Perfect for adding a premium, almost magical touch to your creations.
Instruction
Step1: Holographic Engraving
Disclaimer
The holographic engraving technique described here is intended for advanced users who already have solid experience with color engraving and a deep understanding of their machine’s capabilities.
Results will vary depending on several factors, including the specific stainless steel alloy used and the quality of the mirror polish. Experimentation and fine-tuning are essential to achieve the best possible result.
Principle of Holographic Engraving (Quick Recap)
Holographic engraving on polished stainless steel is achieved by creating microscopic surface structures that refract light in a way that produces shifting rainbow effects when viewed from different angles.
Unlike standard color engraving—where the laser’s heat alters the surface oxide layer to produce stable colors—holographic engraving relies on extremely fine vector engraving that disrupts light reflections while leaving most of the surface mirror-like.
Step2: Preparing the Design
Prepare your design exactly as you would for a color engraving.
(For my full tutorial on preparing designs for color engraving, see: https://www.atomm.com/template/19024-guide-to-create-a-model-for-color-engraving )
For holographic areas:
Use the following parameters for the xTool F1 standard IR 2W module:
Power: 100%
Speed: 100 mm/s
Lines per cm (LPC): 200
Select only the areas you want to appear holographic and apply the above vector engraving parameters.
Note: These settings are specific to the F1 standard. I have not tested them on the F1 Ultra or F2 models.
Step3: Preparing the Material and Laser Setup
3.1 Clean and Prepare the Workpiece
Ensure the stainless steel surface is perfectly clean and degreased. Any residue will interfere with the optical effect.
The polish must be true mirror finish—scratches or micro-abrasions will reduce the holographic clarity.
3.2 Check and Adjust the Laser
Inspect your IR lens and ensure it is perfectly clean—dust or residue can scatter the beam and reduce engraving precision.
Place the workpiece securely on the machine’s engraving platform.
3.3 Offset the Focal Point for Holographic Effect
⚠ Important: The focal point must be deliberately offset to achieve the holographic pattern while also allowing for a crisp black outline later.
Adjust the height so that the blue and red focus indicators are offset by about 2mm.
The red dot should appear to the left, and the blue dot to the right when viewed from above.
This offset is critical for creating the light-refracting microstructure.
Step4: Engraving Workflow
1. Engrave the Holographic Layer
Use Automatic Planning mode in your software.
Make sure the black layer is deactivated.
Run the engraving for the holographic areas only.
2. Engrave the Black Outline Layer
Switch to Intelligent Planning mode to optimize the engraving time.
Deactivate the holographic layer.
Engrave only the black contour.
Step5: Final Result
When done correctly, you will have a design with deep black outlines and a nearly transparent fill that looks subtle under normal light—but reveals a vivid holographic rainbow effect when illuminated from certain angles with strong light.
