Laser Engraving: The Ultimate Guide

Welcome to our ultimate guide to laser engraving. Whether you're a seasoned professional looking to expand your knowledge or a beginner eager to learn the basics, this guide has something for everyone. Below, we'll explore a variety of frequently asked questions and provide tips on choosing the best materials for engraving. 

How Does Laser Engraving Work?

The process of laser engraving involves using computer software to adjust the intensity and speed of a high-powered laser beam. The beam is projected through a series of mirrors and refined through a focal lens to heat up and vaporise or change the colour of the surface of a material, leaving behind a permanent mark.

Is Laser Engraving Permanent? 

Yes, laser engraving is permanent. During the engraving process, a laser beam will remove the material's surface in the shape of your design, making the engraving permanent and resistant to wear and tear, including rubbing off when etched at depth. 

What Materials Can Be Laser Engraved?

Laser technology can be used to engrave various materials, including metal, wood, acrylic, glass, and stone. 

How Deep Can You Laser Engrave? 

The simple answer is as deeply as you like. However, engraving at depth requires multiple passes of the laser beam, which will extend the processing time and cost. 

It's worth noting to engrave at depth, you must apply large amounts of heat to a material's surface. Certain materials, such as metal, wood, or acrylic, are ideal for withstanding these heat levels. 

Glassware, however, when subjected to large amounts of heat from the laser beam, can result in the glass chipping or, worse, cracking. 

Additionally, engraving at depth is a balancing act. At Laser Engraving Service, we aim to engrave as deeply as possible without compromising the quality of the outcome or damaging/distorting the material or item being etched. 

Can You Engrave Around Spherical Objects?

Using a rotary attachment on a laser machine, you are able to engrave around spherical objects. 

What Are the Advantages of Laser Engraving? 

Laser technology allows for the engraving of intricate detailing that is almost impossible to replicate by hand whilst still achieving a clean, crisp finish. Additionally, laser engraving has faster turnaround times and is more cost-effective than other engraving methods. It's also worth noting that programming a design into an engraving machine enables consistent replication across multiple units.

What Are the Limitations of Laser Engraving?

Engraving on uneven surfaces can produce inconsistent results due to the focal point of the beam. Additionally, it's worth noting that, unlike hand engraving, which is 3D, laser engraving is 2D. 

How Much Does Laser Engraving Cost?

Every project is one-of-a-kind, and the cost of laser engraving varies depending on the following factors: 

Artwork Requirements: Laser machines require a vector file in the appropriate format and settings to engrave correctly. Depending on the complexity, artwork can take 15 minutes to several hours. 

Setup: Setting up a laser engraving machine demands meticulous attention and time due to several critical factors. Initially, precise placement of the object within the machine is imperative to ensure accurate engraving. Furthermore, configuring the laser parameters such as power, speed, and pulse frequency to align with the material's properties is essential. This comprehensive setup guarantees optimal machine performance, resulting in high-quality engraving outcomes.

Detailed Artwork: To achieve a clean and crisp finish, it's essential to adjust the laser parameters to engrave at a reduced speed and narrower intervals, which will extend the processing time.

Engraving at Depth: To engrave at depth, a laser beam must pass over the same area multiple times, which increases the processing time.

What Are the Best Glass Types for Laser Engraving? 

Soda-lime glass is used to produce 90% of glassware items. It is the best glass type for laser engraving due to its low melting temperature, which results in minimal chipping and flaking. 

CO2 laser technology provides unmatched speed, precision, and affordability when engraving glassware compared to traditional hand engraving techniques. Find our more in our comprehensive guide to glass engraving.

What Are the Best Wood Types for Laser Engraving? 

Poplar, plywood, cherry wood, and basalt are the best wood types for engraving due to their low resin content and minimal streaking. 

Wood types with high resin content can produce unsightly discolouration when exposed to the heat of the laser beam. Additionally, wood with streaking can vary in colour, density, and pattern. Sadly, these streaks can lead to inconsistent results when laser engraving or cutting wood.

What Are the Best Stone Types for Laser Engraving? 

While our laser machines are versatile and can engrave various stone types, specific stones are particularly well-suited for laser engraving due to their composition and characteristics. Here are three of the best stone types for engraving:

Granite: renowned for its exceptional durability and finely textured grain, which lends itself to precise and intricate engraving. The laser-etched areas provide a strong contrast against the polished surface, making the engraved design pop. 

Marble: Marble's consistent composition allows for consistent engraving results and is particularly successful when engraving complex designs with intricate detailing. 

Slate: Once engraved, slate's natural, layered structure creates a striking contrast. It is well-suited for laser engraving and commonly used for signage, coasters, and personalised home décor items. 

It's important to note that while these stones are particularly well-suited, laser engraving machines can be adjusted to work with other stone types, allowing for flexibility in material choices based on specific project requirements.

Looking for an Engraving Service in London?

Our fantastic team of engravers are readily available to offer our customers a variety of laser cutting, engraving, and marking services. Whether you're looking to add that personal touch to a gift, such as an item of jewellery or glassware, engrave your business's logo onto your products, or create a custom sign, harnessing the capability of our state-of-the-art CO2 and fibre laser technology, we can process a diverse range of materials.