PhotoVCarve

PhotoVCarve is an exciting development in the world of photo engraving. The software allows you to create amazing engravings of photographs or other bitmap images, using the V-Carve process.

A short, 'V'-pointed engraving tool is used together with laminated media that has a black coating over a white substrate. As the engraving tool works it exposes the white below. Because the tool is 'V'-pointed, the deeper you engrave, the wider the exposed white line becomes. PhotoVCarve converts bitmap images into a series of parallel toolpaths and controls depth of cut to create wider (ie., brighter) or narrower (ie., darker) white lines on the material. The effect is similar to the way newsprint uses different size black dots to create a photographic image.

TechSoft supply a large range of materials suitable for V-Carving but you could create your own. Providing the material is accurately flat, you can experiment by painting or laminating over most standard workshop material.

Engraving Laminates
Engraving laminates have a base material covered with a thin layer of a contrasting colour. As the material is engraved, the base colour is revealed, and the photographic image appears.

VCarving Board
This is a special manufactured wooden board which has a different coloured top surface (like an engraving laminate). Just like engraving laminates this material is ideal for PhotoVCarving.

Wood
Photos can be V-Carved into wood quickly and easily. However, to make the image stand out, either the surface needs to be painted/stained prior to engraving, or the engraved areas need to be infilled with colour and then the top surface sanded to remove any excess.

Brass & Aluminium
Once engraved an etching chemical such as ‘Blacking Fluid’, black paint or enamel is applied to the surface. Wipe the surface clean and polish to finish the process.

PhotoVCarve outputs directly to all Roland 3D capable miller/routers and the TechSoft RouterCAM range.

As well as engraving photo-images, PhotoVCarve can also be used for other techniques where depth of cut produces unique results:

3D Lithophane Machining
Lithophanes are 3D photographs that when back lit transform into stunning 3D pictures with depth and detail that cannot be seen in a flat 2D photograph.

3D Greyscale Image Machining
PhotoVCarve automatically converts a greyscale image into a 3D height map that can then be machined.

Classroom Licence
A classroom licence allows the software to be installed on up to 40 computers in one single classroom plus one teacher’s laptop which may be used outside of the classroom. It must not be installed on students individual or personal laptops.

Minimum Hardware Requirements
Windows XP (SP3) / 2003 / Vista / 7 / 8 / 10.
1366 x 768 minimum graphics display.
Microsoft recommended minimum hardware specification advised.
Network compatible.

Ordering
When ordering a classroom licence the full name and address of the educational establishment must be given along with an email address belonging to the school, college or university. For single licences an email address must be provided in order to receive the software activation code.