Abstract: A region of a pile fabric is impacted with a laser at spaced illuminated areas in a dithered image, wherein the laser energy and duration of impact in the illuminated areas are selected to shorten the fibers within the illuminated area. The spacing of the illuminated areas within the region and the amount of shortening within the illuminated areas are selected to essentially maintain a hand or feel of the pile fabric. Fleece and corduroy can be sculpted to provide a three-dimensional image, while maintaining the hand of the fleece. In dyed pile fabrics, the illuminated areas can be selected to change the dye distribution within the pile material to provide an altered coloration.

Abstract: A marking apparatus for printing and laser treating a workpiece in a single registration with a pallet. Printing heads and pallets are moveable relative to each other to apply an ink to the workpiece, such that, upon locating the printing head in relocated position, a laser beam can controllably intersect the workpiece.

Abstract: A region of a pile fabric is impacted with a laser at spaced illuminated areas in a dithered image, wherein the laser energy and duration of impact in the illuminated areas are selected to shorten the fibers within the illuminated area. The spacing of the illuminated areas within the region and the amount of shortening within the illuminated areas are selected to essentially maintain a hand or feel of the pile fabric. Fleece and corduroy can be sculpted to provide a three-dimensional image, while maintaining the hand of the fleece. In dyed pile fabrics, the illuminated areas can be selected to change the dye distribution within the pile material to provide an altered coloration.