A Timeless Art Form That Brings Images To Life

Bas-relief is a sculptural method where the sculpted elements protrude from the background, firmly anchored to the supporting structure, unlike standing figures that rest on fragile legs and ankles.

Where you can see it

Bas-relief is everywhere! From the ancient pyramids in Egypt to your local high-end furniture outlet. Figures projecting from surfaces like walls and furniture panels, carved in wood, molded into ornaments, embossed characters on greeting cards, or creatures moulded with plaster by children in art class. If you examine a coin in your pocket you will likely see a relief sculpture there too. Other notable examples of where relief sculptures may be found include the Temple of Karnak in Egypt, The Parthenon Marbles in ancient Greece, the Chartres Cathedral and Bourges Cathedral in medieval Europe, and Mount Rushmore in the United States.

Automating the Process

In ancient times, when the relief was carved into stone or wood, the background was painstakingly chiselled away to leave the untouched areas seeming higher. Modern day reliefs may be created in all types of materials such as metals, clay, wood, ceramics, and even papier-mâché. These materials could be chiselled, built up, or fabricated by any number of casting processes.

alati3D creates computer-controlled machines and tooling that make carving bas-relief sculptures as effortless as a walk in a park. Many of these are specially tailored for small businesses and do-it-yourself enthusiasts.

Need to Carve 3D Graphics On-site?

If you're a DIY craftsman (Do-it-Yourself) with access to a 3D printer then alati3D can help you take your talents on the road with portable Laser-cutting and CNC carving machines. Build them yourself by downloading our construction plans and 3D component models, or request a custom unit Made2Order. We can create Carve-in-Place machines that clamp to surfaces like door panels and cabinet faces so you can carve your designs directly on the panel without removing the door or disassembling the cabinet.

Click Here to Learn More about Lasers for Carving

Download Plans & Kits for Your Custom Machines

alati3D provides you with construction plans and component kits that you could use to build your own custom Laser cutters and CNC carving systems. Our basic machine pictured above is designed for easy construction using readily available 3D printers. We can also provide automated material loading/unloading systems that make it possible for our machines to run all day long completely unattended so you could focus your energies on running your small business instead of wasting time loading stock and unloading parts.

Click to Visit our DIY & Made2Order page.