![[Laser cut and engrave] Glowing flower bloom](https://storage-us.atomm.com/resource/xtool/community/attachment/xtool-community/d66bfd13-bef2-4385-9098-3602f1cc9981.png?x-oss-process=image/resize,w_1200,h_900,limit_0/interlace,1/format,webp/auto-orient,1)
![[Laser cut and engrave] Glowing flower bloom](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Glowing flower bloom
Instruction
Information
This piece is a hand-crafted illuminated bloom sculpture I created to embody light, renewal, and the strength that comes from layering beauty over resilience. Each petal was designed with iridescent, opal-like textures and gold-edged vein work to reflect the idea that transformation is built from many parts of a lived journey — every trial, every victory, every chapter layered into form.
The close-up detail shows the care and intention put into each individual petal.
The blueprint highlights the precision and structure behind the design.
The final illuminated bloom reveals what all those pieces become when they come together: a radiant, living symbol of growth and inner power.
This artwork exists as both a creative expression and a reminder — that even under pressure, light finds its way through, and beauty takes shape.
Instruction
Step1: Prepare & Film the Acrylic
Step 1 — Prepare and Film the Acrylic Sheets
Begin with cast acrylic sheets in either clear or frosted clear. These should be 1/16” to 1/8” thick depending on how rigid you want your petals.
Lay the sheets flat on a clean surface and apply your iridescent dichroic adhesive film to the face that will become the front of each petal. Smooth the film with a felt squeegee or soft cloth to remove air bubbles. The frosted clear acrylic gives the film a soft, glowing diffusion that enhances the color shift and ensures even illumination once the sculpture is lit.
Trim excess film from the edges if needed. With the material pre-filmed and ready, the acrylic is now prepared for precise laser cutting in the next step.
Step2: CUT THE PETALS
Important Notes
1. Film Up or Film Down?
✔ Film UP → Best edge quality, clean finish (recommended)
✘ Film down → Can trap vapor under the film and bubble
2. Cast vs Extruded Acrylic
✔ Cast acrylic = clean cuts, no mushy edge
✘ Extruded acrylic = melts, smells, and warps
3. Ventilation
Acrylic fumes are strong — ensure active exhaust is running.
4. Don’t peel the film before cutting
Protective layers prevent smoke staining.
Cutting Layout & Quantity
For the standard bloom (same as your render):
• 12 Primary Petals
- 6 Secondary Back Petals
- You can fit 8–10 petals per sheet depending on size.
In this step, the iridescent acrylic sheet is placed inside the xTool F2 Ultra, and the petal shapes are precisely cut using the Blue Light laser module. The laser follows the outlined petal patterns, producing smooth, clean edges without melting or charring the material. With the iridescent film facing upward, each petal is cut to its exact shape, ready for engraving and heat-forming later in the build. This step forms the foundational structure of the bloom, ensuring every petal has consistent proportions and perfect symmetry.
