Guide 2024: How to Build Photo Frames using Laser Cutters?

• Introduction
• Conclusion

If you are into DIY stuff, you might know that building your home decorations is an extremely rewarding and satisfying experience. Thanks to laser cutters and engravers, the hobby of handcrafted home décor items has met more accuracy in results for DIYers and also offers possibilities for much more creative ideas.

Photos frames, another important category of items in the home décor space can also be made with laser cutters and engravers. People love photo frames as they save their favorite moments and can be made even more special with creative designs, thanks to laser cutters. If you are interested in framing a particular item or undergoing a do-it-yourself project and want to learn how to build photo frames using laser cutters then first gather these things in your arsenal:

1. Laser Cutter

This one is obvious but is the most important one as a good decision of laser cutter will directly affect the cut accuracy and smoothness of the frames. You will also need to have a laser cutter, which is very precise, software is optimized for the hardware, and is also user-friendly for novices. One such is Ortur LM3, a next-generation laser cutter optimized for such DIY projects. You get a super accurate 20-watt laser module and an air assist system, which is capable of removing wood debris and avoiding any burning of surfaces.

2. Materials

Next is a choice of wood or any other commonly available for the frame to be made. You can go with wood, MDF, or acrylic sheets, the decision is entirely personal. For wood, which remains the most commonly used material for photo frames, people prefer birch, poplar, MDF, cherry, and basswood.

3. Software

Again, this is quite an obvious one but is significant in the results. Your design software should be compatible with laser hardware and should offer you options to easily design and execute the cutting process of photo frames, which are quite delicate items. Any mistake will lead to an error in such DIY items, and to avoid that, we recommend using Inspiraesth, a software package coupled with Ortur LM3 laser cutter. It is designed to be user-friendly and is extremely capable of such projects.

4. Clamps, Adhesives etc

Wood glue for assembling the frame parts if needed, MDF or cardstock to be used as backing for the frame, glass or plexiglass used to cover and protect the photo inside the frame, photo frame hangers, and some products to give a finishing look like varnish or stain.

Now you have everything in place for your DIY project, below is how to build photo frames using a laser cutter and engravers:

1. Design the Frame

In the design software, ensure that the design file has the inner dimensions of the frame which are according to the size of the photo you’ll be framing e.g., 5x7 inches, 8x10 inches. Next, always consider some creativity here as you can go with design round, oval, or abstract-shaped frames with fine engraving like patterns, engravings, or cutouts. Just see where your imaging takes you. Also, consider the rabbet depth which is the groove where the photo, glass, and backing will sit.

2. Setting Up Laser

Just remember this: For wood, you may need to use higher power and slower speed, while acrylic requires lower power and faster speed. If your design file includes engraved details then be sure to configure the engraving depth & its resolution in the file to match your material’s properties as it will affect the final result.

3. The DIYing

Once you are sure of your settings on the laser cutter, always proceed on a scrap piece before moving on to the final piece. Once you have desirable results, proceed with cutting the frame pieces, which will be four in total. Add custom messages, names, or dates on the frame for a personalized touch.

4. Final touches

Once done, apply adhesive or wood glue to the corners of four sides, and use extra clamps to hold them in place until the glue dries. Also, add staining or varnishing it to enhance its appearance (acrylic will go with a light polish). Now cut the glass or plexiglass to the same dimensions that you set for the interior of your frame. Finally, sawtooth hangers, attach D-rings, or wire to the back of the frame to hang it on the wall.