Laser Discoloration in Acrylic Painting of Visual Art: Experiment and Modeling

This study discloses a method for painting artwork using a CO₂ laser. The continuous-wave laser beam, at a predetermined heat flux and a predetermined number of laser beam passes, mixes and displaces the plurality of colored polymer-based compositions, respectively, by way of melting and vaporizing them. Experiments showed a great accuracy of colors and designed patterns between the computer aided design (CAD) drawing and what was achieved after laser discoloration. It was found that lower values of power and speed provide sufficient energy and time to make a melt pool of colors and cause their vaporization from the surface. A detailed numerical simulation was performed to obtain a detailed understanding of the physics of laser interaction with paint using ABAQUS software. The comparative analysis indicated that the top layer of paint (including yellow and green colors) melted upon increasing cutting speed and employing one laser pass. For blue and red paints, two passes of lasers are required; in the case of red color, lower laser speed is also necessary to intensify the heat. This method can be applied for making art designs on each surface color because it is based on melting and vaporization using a laser.