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UGA wants to see your best pumpkin carving. Use #dawgpumpkins when sharing your image on social media.
Move over, amateur pumpkin carvers.
The jack-o'-lantern enthusiasts at the University of Georgia have etched up some amazing creations ahead of Halloween.
The MakerSpace lab used a laser cutter to create some fun Bulldog-themed etches to give a modern twist on a classic October tradition.
Liz Holdsworth, librarian at the UGA science library, said the pumpkins are one of many projects by the MakerSpace lab, which opened on campus this fall.
A laser cutter is most popularly used as a personal engraver with the ability to cut into half-inch thick materials such as wood and acrylic, and can decorate objects including boxes and vases.
Here is the laser machine in action:
When a laser cutter is networked to a computer, the software uses an image and translates the format into something legible by the machine. The strength of the laser can be adjusted based on the type of material.
Are laser-engraved jack-o'-lanterns the way of the future? Holdsworth says laser engraving is a fun activity to do at home, with the right materials and technology, and as long as you don't stick your fingers near the laser.
But even though the technology is here, a laser cutter may be economically unattainable for many crafty artists.
Readily available laser cutters range in price from $3,000 to $8,000, and the laser cutter at UGA is available only to university students.
