Making your own 3D hologram is not as difficult as you might think. Every year, thousands of hobbyists, students, and teachers make their own holograms in their homes, schools, or offices. If you want to make a hologram, you'll need some basic holography equipment and household items, a dark and quiet room, and 30 minutes to process the image. With enough time and calm at work, you can definitely make your own holograms!
Step
Part 1 of 4: Preparing the Ingredients
Step 1. Purchase the materials needed at a film supply store or the internet
Before starting the process, prepare all the materials needed so that you can create and process the hologram. Purchase all of the materials below at a film supply store or the internet:
- Holographic film plate
- Red holographic laser pointer (preferably adjustable)
- Holography processing kit
- Safety glasses
- Thick rubber gloves
- Large hardback book
- Metal clamp
Step 2. Use a solid, shiny object to make a hologram
Translucent, plastic, or fabric and feather objects will warp when they're drawn. To get a clear image, use a solid object made of metal or porcelain that reflects light at a smaller size than the holographic film plate you are using.
For example, coins make the perfect hologram subject, while teddy bears are not very suitable for hologram models
Step 3. Use a dimly lit room to create a hologram
Holograms will give good results when done in a dark room because the contrast between the object and the surrounding area will be greater when illuminated. Turn off all lights in the room used to create the hologram, and close all windows and other light sources, if possible.
- Do not use a room where the floorboards creak, have strong airflow, or other sudden noises as small vibrations can damage the hologram image. A room with tile, concrete, or carpeted floors is perfect for this purpose.
- Until it's time for you to illuminate the object with the laser beam, there's no need to turn off the light.
Step 4. Place the object on a sturdy table
Use a table that is able to hold the object firmly, does not creak, or sway. If you don't have a solid table, you can use a concrete or tiled floor.
Glue the object to a metal or wooden platform placed on the table if you are afraid that it will shift
Step 5. Wear safety glasses and rubber gloves
The chemicals used in hologram processing kits can be toxic when dry and undiluted. Wear thick rubber gloves and safety glasses to protect skin and eyes when you handle the processing kit.
- To prevent injury, never touch hologram processing chemicals without wearing goggles and gloves.
- If you are sensitive to chemical odors, also wear a respirator or dust mask while carrying out this process.
Part 2 of 4: Positioning the Laser Highlighter
Step 1. Set the holographic laser highlighter to red
Place the laser beam onto the plastic support using clothespins. Place the stand on a solid surface about 30–60 cm from the object you want to capture.
To prevent injury to the eyes, do not look directly at the laser beam or point the beam at other people
Step 2. Adjust the laser beam until the subject is completely exposed to the light
Turn on the laser beam, then aim it directly at the object. Adjust the beam so that the laser beam hits the object directly and illuminates the object as much as possible.
Step 3. Turn off all the lights in the room
Turn off the main lights and cover all sources of direct and natural light from entering the room. In order to process holograms properly, the room must be dark enough (with lighting that makes you unable to read the writing).
Try installing a small lamp under the table if you have trouble adjusting your vision in the dark
Part 3 of 4: Capturing Holographic Images
Step 1. Temporarily block the laser beam with a book or other object
Place a hardback book or other large flat object between the laser beam and the object to block the light. It functions as a "camera shutter" when capturing images of holographic objects.
If you're using something else to replace a hardback book, choose something solid. Translucent or transparent objects cannot withstand the laser beam
Step 2. Lean the holographic film plate against the object
Remove the holographic film plate from its place, then carefully position it on the object. If the film plate cannot stand on its own, provide plastic supports on both sides.
- Leave the holographic film plate in this position for approximately 10 to 20 seconds before the shooting process begins.
- Place the holographic film plate in a sealed box until you are ready to use it for extremely sharp images.
Step 3. Lift the object barrier about 3-5 cm above the table
At this stage, the book must still block the light from hitting the plate. Continue to hold the book in this position for about 10 to 20 seconds, waiting for the table vibration to subside before you continue.
Move slowly so that the table does not vibrate or make sudden noises, which could damage the hologram image
Step 4. Lift the object barrier for about 10 seconds
In about 10 seconds, lift the object barrier so that the laser shines on the holographic film plate. When 10 seconds have elapsed, lower the book back to block the laser beam.
Part 4 of 4: Processing the Holographic Plate
Step 1. Mix the holography processing chemical according to the instructions given in the kit
Mix the processing powder in a transparent bowl to dilute the strong chemical. Read the directions on the product packaging carefully, and add the recommended amount of water and mixed solution in another bowl. Stir the mixture carefully with a thin metal object.
- Do not add other solutions, unless advised on the package. Follow the product instructions carefully to prevent anything untoward from happening.
- Again, be sure to wear thick rubber gloves and safety glasses when handling hologram processing chemicals.
- Most kits include a bleach solution and a developer for processing the holograms. You have to mix each ingredient separately.
Step 2. Dip the hologram in the developer solution for about 30 seconds before you rinse it off
Shake the hologram back and forth in the solution using metal tongs. Do not expose your hands to chemical liquids. When 30 seconds have elapsed, immerse the hologram in a bowl of warm water for about 30 seconds.
Step 3. Repeat this process using the bleach solution
Use metal tongs to hold the object and gently shake it in the bleach solution for about 30 seconds. After 30 seconds have elapsed, wash the hologram again using warm water for about 30 seconds.
You can rinse both solutions using the same bowl of water, unless the instructions say otherwise
Step 4. Dry the holographic plate by leaning it against the wall
Place the holography plate vertically against the wall, and spread a tissue underneath to catch any dripping liquid. Let the plate dry on its own in the dark, and don't disturb it until it's completely dry.
Depending on the size, the holographic plate takes about 2 to 3 hours to dry completely
Step 5. Check the image on the hologram if something is wrong
When the plate is dry, take it to a bright room to check the hologram you made. If you are satisfied with the results, it means that your task of making the hologram has been completed.
- If you are not satisfied with the image, repeat the process using a new film plate or contact a professional with experience in creating holograms.
- Don't be discouraged if the first hologram you make doesn't live up to your expectations. Like any other hobby, it takes time and practice to make a good hologram.
Tips
In total, the cost needed to make one hologram is around IDR 1.4 million to IDR 7 million. If you want to make a hologram cheaply, ask a professional in this field or a holography supply store for advice
Warning
- When creating a hologram, work carefully and steadily. Small, unintentional movements can damage a hologram image.
- If not diluted, the chemicals used to process holograms can be toxic. If you are a teenager or child, ask an adult for help supervising the process. This is to prevent something unwanted from happening.
