Can You Laser Engrave Anything?

Product customization and personalization create a sense of belonging and identity. People love gifts with personalized designs, and businesses use marked items for branding and building a solid connection with customers. Over the years, there have been different marking methods, and technology continues to bring in more. One such method is laser engraving. You might have heard about it, but you wonder what materials can be engraved in order to increase value and make money.

So, can you laser engrave anything? No, some materials can’t be laser engraved. They can’t withstand the heat of laser cutters or engravers. These materials include carbon-coated fiber, polystyrene foam, fiberglass, and artificial leather. On the other hand, laser cutting materials include glass, tiles, metal, wood, leather, fiber clothing, and some plastics. 

Let’s get into detail.

What is Laser Engraving?

Laser engraving involves etching permanent engraving marks on the surface of different materials. The process uses laser engraving equipment to vaporize a specified surface to carve into preferred requirements. The result is markings with higher contrast than the other areas around the specific area. This enhances its visibility and physical touch. It is suitable for making logos, serial numbers, barcodes, and QR codes on surfaces.

That said, many materials are not engravable because of the potential danger they may cause. Never engrave the following materials:

  • PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride), pleather/artificial leather. These materials emit pure chlorine gas when cut. This substance is a pulmonary irritant.
  • Polycarbonate/Lexan. Not easy to cut, discolors, and can easily catch fire.
  • Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). It emits cyanide gas and can melt due to heat.
  • Polystyrene Foam. It can easily catch fire.
  • Milk plastic bottles. It can melt due to the heat.
  • Fiberglass. Emits dangerous fumes during laser treatment.
  • Coated carbon fiber. Emits noxious gases when exposed to heat.

The following materials can be easily engraved:

  • Most wood types. However, avoid oily wood, which has the potential to catch fire.
  • Stainless steel
  • Marble
  • Stone
  • Tile
  • Plywood/Composite wood. 
  • Paper, card stock
  • Cardboard
  • Thin Polycarbonate Sheeting 
  • Delrin (POM) 
  • Depron foam
  • Leather/Suede 
  • Magnetic Sheet 
  • Non-chlorine rubber
  • Carbon fiber mats

How Engraving Works.

Laser engraving works under the process of sublimation. Sublimation is the change of a substance from a solid to a vapor state. The laser engraving machine exerts massive energy, producing high heat needed for vaporization. It uses a laser and creates beams that move on the surface of the object where engraving is required. Laser beams focus on a specific area to turn the solid surface (like a powder coating) into gas. The fume extraction system filters the vapor in the laser engraving machine. 

The engraving created is permanent as it entails the removal of some coating. It is, therefore, suitable for identifying and personalizing items such as diamonds, jewelry, and other unique items. Laser engraving can also be used for branding and customizing items to one’s preference.

What are the Steps for Engraving a Section on a Surface?

The engraving process is straightforward and involves the following steps:

Idealization 

Idealization involves creating the idea of how the markings will appear. It requires artistic knowledge and high creativity. Idealization is the most crucial part of the engraving process as it determines the efficiency and quality of the engraving. When doing idealization, be keen to make the right markings, as there can’t be alterations when the process is complete.

Designing 

Designing an image or writing for marking is performed using a computer program. Some computer programs include Onshape, Adobe illustrator, Light burn, Graftsight, and Inkscape. For effective marking, there should be compatibility between the machine and the designed file.

Choose a Material

 The material should complement your desired design and align with your laser engraver. Different engraving machines suit specific materials based on the heat they produce. For instance, UV lasers produce low heat, thus suitable for lighter materials like plastic. 

Setting Up the Machine and Engraving

For accurate and effective engraving, set the number of passes, laser strength, line thickness, cut depth, and speed. Settle the settings according to your taste and preference. 

How Long Does It Take to Laser Engrave?

There is no specified time for laser engraving as it is affected by different factors. They include the design’s size, material, laser power, marking speed, and resistance. Generally, it takes about five seconds to several hours. The pre-engraving activities, such as designing, and post-engraving activities, such as removing unwanted residue, also add to the time taken. 

What Can You Make with Laser Cutting Machines or Engravers?

Laser cutters or engravers can make various objects for different purposes. To make these objects, you use different laser-cutting materials. They include:

Customized Objects

The art of customizing objects is the most common use of laser engravers. They custom-engrave glass, coins, bottles, pens, belts, and other things. Also, laser engravers can mark your electronics, such as smartphones, laptops, or tablets. Customization is also a business opportunity for its users. You can sell items to customers by customizing objects to their tastes and preference. It is a business with potential, as people love customized items.

Decoration 

Laser engraving machines and cutters allow you to express your creativity in decor. Just how you like and want it, the idea in your mind can come into reality. Some decorating items include jewelry boxes, wall hangings, vases, flower pots, and much more. 

Identification Items

With laser engravers, you can make identification items for brands and individuals. They include logos, QR codes, numbers, barcodes, names, etc. Bands use these identification items for marketing purposes. 

Why is Laser Engraving Important?

Below are reasons why people embrace laser engraving over other methods:

Eco-friendly

Laser engraving doesn’t use chemicals that, when emitted into the environment, pollute it like inkjet marking. They also do not produce noise like the dot-penning machines; hence the process is energy-efficient and eco-friendly.

High Precision 

Precision is the most important advantage of laser engraving. The laser beam is precise, ensuring a clean and accurate engraving. It is also convenient for you to control the size of your logo or text by adjusting the laser light spot size.

Repeatability 

The laser engraving software keeps the design and can create identical markings. It helps in enhancing the turnaround time and creation of multiple pleasing products.

Durable Marks

The laser engraving machines make permanent markings with high contrast, hence easy visibility. These markings can withstand environmental conditions such as chemicals, abrasion, and heat. This is unlike other marking methods, such as inkjet marking, which can be easily washed off under unfriendly environments.

Non-contact marking

When laser engraving, there is no direct contact with the material. It helps avoid distortion of its mechanical and physical attributes. This is different from most marking techniques like dot peening, which strikes the material using the stylus.

It’s now clear that you can laser engrave some items while others cannot be engraved. To laser engrave a surface, you’ll need a laser cutter or engraving machine. There are different types and suppliers of these machines in the market. Look out for one that suits your specific needs. One of the highlights is that it helps you make money. For more information about laser engraving and equipment, get in touch with our team today.