Abstract: The 3-D relief pattern blank and method of using comprises the steps of using a cutting machine to cut a thin, retroreflective heat reflective sheet in a desired pattern. The thin, retroreflective heat reflective sheet is formed to provide a heat-retroreflective mask. Subsequently, the heat-retroreflective mask is transferred to a preferably smooth surface of a foamed thermoplastic substrate. The assembly of heat-retroreflective mask and foamed thermoplastic is then exposed to a source of visible and/or infrared radiation. The radiation does not have to be coherent and the exposure need not be under automatic guidance or control. Unmasked areas of the foamed thermoplastic absorb radiant heat more rapidly than masked areas, causing the unmasked areas to collapse into a relief of the desired pattern. The resulting relief ranges between approximately an eighth of an inch and one inch in depth.

Abstract: The 3-D relief pattern blank and method of using comprises the steps of using a cutting machine to cut a thin, retroreflective heat reflective sheet in a desired pattern. The thin, retroreflective heat reflective sheet is formed to provide a heat-retroreflective mask. Subsequently, the heat-retroreflective mask is transferred to a preferably smooth surface of a foamed thermoplastic substrate. The assembly of heat-retroreflective mask and foamed thermoplastic is then exposed to a source of visible and/or infrared radiation. The radiation does not have to be coherent and the exposure need not be under automatic guidance or control. Unmasked areas of the foamed thermoplastic absorb radiant heat more rapidly than masked areas, causing the unmasked areas to collapse into a relief of the desired pattern. The resulting relief ranges between approximately an eighth of an inch and one inch in depth.