Laser Engraving: All You Need To Know

November 7, 2024

What is laser engraving?

Laser engraving is a process that uses focused laser beams to etch or carve designs, text, or images onto various materials, including metal, wood, glass, plastic, and more materials. During this process, the laser vaporizes the material’s surface, creating a permanent mark that can range from fine, detailed artwork to deep, bold engravings.

Laser engraving is fast, requires minimal setup, and works with many materials, making it versatile for both creative and functional applications.

How hard is laser engraving?

Laser engraving is easier to get started with than many people think, thanks to user-friendly software, presets, and straightforward machine interfaces. However, mastering it can take some practice, especially when learning about the best settings for different materials, like adjusting power, speed, and focus.

For beginners, most entry-level machines offer guided tutorials, and many have presets for common materials, making the initial learning curve manageable. As you gain experience, you’ll develop a feel for optimizing settings, working with design files, and handling different materials, so it becomes easier to create more complex designs and achieve professional results.

In short, it’s accessible for newcomers and offers plenty of depth for more advanced users.

How does laser engraving work?

You may have seen videos like the one below, where laser engraving looks quick and effortless. But what’s really behind the process? How does the design actually take shape?

A laser engraver works by directing a focused beam of light onto a material’s surface, either to engrave, cut, or mark it. Here’s how it happens in a few steps:

Laser Beam Generation: Inside the laser machine, a laser tube (often CO₂ or fiber) generates a high-energy light beam.

Focusing the Beam: The beam is focused through a series of mirrors or a lens, concentrating it to a fine point on the material.

Material Interaction: The intense energy heats, vaporizes, or removes the surface of the material. For engraving, it removes a thin layer; for cutting, it penetrates all the way through.

Movement and Precision: The machine’s software-controlled motors move the laser along specific paths in the design file, allowing for precise details.

Depending on the power and speed settings, the laser engraver can produce various effects, from shallow etching to deep cuts. Different materials require different laser settings to achieve the best results without damage or unwanted burns.

What laser is used for engraving?

The main types of lasers used for engraving are CO2 lasers, fiber lasers, and diode lasers. Each type is suited for different materials:

Often used for engraving versatile non-metallic materials like wood, glass, acrylic, leather, and some plastics. Their wavelengths (typically around 10.6 micrometers) make them ideal for organic materials, offering deep and clear engravings. CO2 lasers are popular for hobbyists and businesses alike due to their versatility.

Best for metals and some hard plastics. With a shorter wavelength (around 1.06 micrometers), fiber lasers are excellent for engraving metals like stainless steel, aluminum, and gold. They produce detailed engravings and are widely used in industrial settings for parts marking, tools, and jewelry.

UV lasers are especially suited for engraving delicate or heat-sensitive materials such as plastics, glass, and some metals with thin coatings. The shorter wavelength allows for a process called “cold marking,” where the engraving effect occurs without significant heat generation, preventing melting or distortion on sensitive surfaces.

Typically lower-powered and used for softer materials, such as wood and plastic. Diode lasers are common in hobbyist laser engravers for their affordability, though they may be less effective on tougher materials.

Here’s an explanation from our team on different types of lasers and their applications. You can also gain a more visual understanding by watching the video.

What materials can you laser engrave?

Laser engraving can be applied to a wide range of materials, here are some common materials for laser engraved products:

1. Wood

Wood is highly receptive to laser engraving and cutting, allowing for detailed and creative designs. Different wood types (such as maple, cherry, and plywood) produce varying shades and effects when engraved, making it ideal for signs, plaques, artwork, and decorative items.

2. Acrylic and plastics

These materials are widely used in signage, awards, and artistic projects because of the clarity and variety they offer. Acrylic, in particular, produces smooth, polished edges and vibrant designs. Colored, clear, frosted, and mirrored acrylics each bring distinct aesthetic results.

3. Glass

Using a CO2 laser to engrave glass creates a frosted effect on the surface, which is highly visible and smooth to the touch. Glass engraving is widely used for custom bottles, awards, and décor pieces. Often, a rotary attachment to engrave curved glass surfaces evenly.

4. Metal

Engraving metal requires fiber lasers or CO2 lasers with marking agents. Metals like stainless steel, anodized aluminum, and coated metals are popular for branding, product marking, and personalization, especially in industries like automotive and manufacturing.

5. Leather

Leather’s natural texture provides a unique backdrop for laser engraving, resulting in clear and crisp patterns or logos on wallets, bags, and belts. It’s often used for personalization and branding in fashion and accessories, and CO2 lasers typically work best.

6. Stone

Stone materials, like granite, marble, slate, and basalt, respond well to laser engraving, producing deep, high-contrast designs. Stone engraving is popular for memorials, custom home decor, and art pieces, as the laser creates a lasting effect without needing much maintenance.

Learn more about laser engraving materials>>

What materials can not be laser engraved?

1. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

Engraving PVC releases toxic chlorine gas, which is harmful to health and can damage laser equipment over time.

2. Polystyrene (Styrofoam)

Polystyrene tends to melt and emit unpleasant fumes when lasered, leaving a poor-quality finish and creating health hazards.

3. Fiberglass

Fiberglass can produce toxic fumes and damages the laser lens with its glass fibers, leading to subpar engraving and equipment issues.

4. Epoxy resin

Epoxy resin can burn, producing toxic fumes and leaving behind sticky, poor-quality engravings. It also tends to clog the laser bed with residue.

5. HDPE (High-density polyethylene)

HDPE melts rather than engraves, leading to an uneven, messy result. It also emits fumes that can be irritating.

6. Artificial leather (PVC-based)

Synthetic leathers often contain PVC or similar compounds, making them unsafe for laser engraving as they emit toxic fumes and damage the laser optics.

7. Carbon fiber

Carbon fiber can emit toxic particles when engraved, and the material structure may fray or damage easily, making it difficult to get clean results.

Learn more information in our knowledge base>>

How to laser engrave?

To start laser engraving, you’ll need a laser engraving machine, design software, and a compatible material for your project. With these essentials, you can bring designs to life by engraving patterns, text, or images onto various surfaces.

1. Prepare your design

Start with a digital design file in formats like .jpg, .svg, or .pdf, using software compatible with your laser engraver (such as Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, or LightBurn). Adjust the size and layout for your material.

2. Select the right material and set up the machine

Choose a material that’s suitable for engraving, like wood, glass, acrylic, or metal. Place the material securely on the machine bed, and if working with round objects like bottles, use a rotary attachment for even engraving around curves.

3. Adjust laser settings

Configure the laser power, speed, and focus for your material. Higher power suits harder materials, while softer materials need lower power to prevent burning or warping.

4. Run a test engrave

Do a test run on a scrap piece to ensure the settings are correct. This helps confirm the design and settings produce the desired depth, contrast, and clarity.

5. Start engraving

Once everything is set, initiate the engraving process. Monitor the machine in case adjustments are needed, and ensure proper ventilation, as some materials release fumes when engraved.

6. Clean the engraved item

After engraving, remove residue or dust from the engraved area with a soft cloth or brush. This step gives your engraved design a clean, professional finish.

Here’s a basic instructional video on CO2 machine operation, showing you how to select files for engraving. You can watch the video to learn, or visit our youtube channel for more information.

Tips and tricks for laser engraving

1. How can you achieve sharper details in laser engraving?

To enhance the precision of your engravings, begin by ensuring that your design is high-resolution and that your laser engraver’s lens is clean and focused. You should also adjust the power and speed settings to align with the material type. Regularly checking and adjusting these settings during long engraving sessions helps keep details sharp and ensures consistent quality across the entire design.

2. What's the best way to minimize material burning?

To reduce material burning, especially with materials like wood or acrylic, optimize the power and speed settings to avoid excessive heat buildup. Higher speed and lower power settings help prevent scorching, and adding an air assist can direct airflow around the engraving area, dissipating excess heat.

3. How can you align your design on the material perfectly?

Achieving perfect alignment can be a challenge, especially for irregularly shaped objects. Before engraving, use the “frame” or “trace” function on your laser engraver, if available, to outline the engraving area without starting the actual job. Alternatively, use a jig or template for items you’ll engrave repeatedly to streamline the setup and keep designs centered.

4. How can you make post-engraving cleanup easier?

Masking with transfer tape before engraving keeps the material clean, while a soft brush or microfiber cloth works well for removing dust. For materials that produce a lot of residue, consider lightly sanding or using an alcohol-based cleaner for smooth surfaces.

Is laser engraving dangerous?

Laser engraving can be safe with the right precautions, but there are some risks to consider. Exposure to laser radiation can be dangerous for eyes and skin, so protective goggles or shields are essential. Engraving certain materials may release toxic fumes, so good ventilation or an air filter is important. Additionally, laser heat can create fire risks, especially with flammable materials, so monitoring the machine is recommended.

In a word, with proper safety measures and equipment, laser engraving is manageable and safe.