Laser Engraving Glossaries

Laser engraving is a highly versatile and popular technology used to create permanent marks or designs on a variety of materials.

From jewelry to industrial machinery, laser engraving has become an essential tool for many industries. However, understanding the technical terms and concepts used in laser engraving can be daunting, especially for beginners.

In this glossary, we will explain the most common terms used in laser engraving and provide real-life examples to help you better understand them.

Laser Engraving Terms

I’d be happy to explain the glossaries of laser engraving and provide real-life examples to help you understand them better.

Laser

A laser is a device that produces a highly focused beam of light that is amplified by stimulated emission. In laser engraving, the laser is used to create a permanent mark or image on a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and plastic. The laser beam is highly precise and can create detailed and intricate designs, making it a popular tool for engraving and cutting.

Example: A laser pointer is a small, handheld device that emits a laser beam that can be used to point out objects or during presentations. The laser beam is highly focused, allowing it to be seen from a distance.

Diode, CO2, and fiber lasers are three types of laser technologies used in various applications, including laser cutting, engraving, and marking. Each type of laser has its unique properties and benefits, making them suitable for specific applications.

Diode lasers use semiconductors to generate laser beams, making them highly efficient and cost-effective. They are commonly used in small-scale laser engraving machines and are ideal for engraving on materials such as plastics, woods, and soft metals. Diode lasers have a lower power output compared to other laser types, making them less suitable for heavy-duty applications.

CO2 lasers use a gas mixture to generate a high-powered laser beam. They are commonly used in industrial applications and can cut and engrave a variety of materials, including metals, plastics, and ceramics. CO2 lasers are known for their high precision, and their ability to create intricate designs and cut materials of varying thicknesses. However, they are more expensive to operate compared to diode lasers and require specialized maintenance.

Fiber lasers use optical fibers to generate a high-powered laser beam. They are known for their high precision and ability to cut and engrave metals, including steel, aluminum, and copper. Fiber lasers are highly efficient and have a longer lifespan compared to other laser types. They are commonly used in industrial applications and are more expensive compared to diode lasers but less expensive than CO2 lasers.

In summary, diode lasers are suitable for small-scale applications and are cost-effective, CO2 lasers are ideal for industrial applications and can cut and engrave a wide range of materials, and fiber lasers are highly efficient and suitable for cutting and engraving metals. Choosing the best type of laser will depend on the specific application and material being worked with, as well as factors such as budget, precision requirements, and production volume.

Engraving & Marking

Engraving is the process of cutting into a material using a tool or machine to create a design or text. In laser engraving, the laser beam is used to burn the design or text onto the surface of the material. This process creates a permanent mark that can withstand wear and tear.

Example: The intricate designs on the face of a watch are created by engraving the metal surface of the watch with a laser. The laser creates precise and detailed cuts that are permanent and can withstand daily use.

Laser engraving and laser marking are two common methods of creating permanent marks on a variety of materials using a laser. While both methods use a laser beam to create the mark, there are significant differences in how they work and the types of marks they create.

Laser engraving involves removing material from the surface of the material being engraved, leaving a permanent and highly visible mark. The laser beam heats the material, causing it to vaporize and create a cavity. The cavity forms the engraved design or text, and the surrounding material remains untouched. Laser engraving is commonly used for creating decorative designs on materials such as wood, metal, and plastic. It can also be used to engrave serial numbers or logos on products, making them easy to identify.

Laser marking, on the other hand, involves changing the color of the material being marked without removing any material. The laser beam heats the surface of the material, causing a chemical reaction that changes the color of the surface layer. The resulting mark is permanent and highly visible, but it is not as deep or defined as an engraving. Laser marking is commonly used for marking materials such as metals, plastics, and ceramics. It is often used to add product information or branding to products without affecting their performance.

In summary, laser engraving involves removing material from the surface of the material being marked to create a highly visible and permanent mark. Laser marking involves changing the color of the surface layer of the material without removing any material. Laser engraving is commonly used for creating decorative designs on materials such as wood, metal, and plastic, while laser marking is commonly used for adding product information or branding to products made of metals, plastics, and ceramics. Both methods offer highly precise and accurate marks and are widely used in various industries.

Resolution

Resolution refers to the level of detail that can be achieved in a laser engraving. Higher resolution means more detail, while lower resolution means less detail. Resolution is measured in DPI (dots per inch) or PPI (pixels per inch).

Example: A high-resolution laser engraving can be used to create a photo-realistic image on a piece of wood. The higher the resolution, the more detailed the image will be. A low-resolution engraving, on the other hand, might be used to create a simple logo or text.

Vector file

A vector file is a type of digital file that is made up of mathematical equations that define the shapes and lines in an image. In laser engraving, vector files are used to create precise and accurate engravings. Vector files can be scaled up or down without losing quality, making them ideal for creating large or small engravings. Learn more on raster vs vector.

Example: An artist might create a vector file of a custom logo design that they want to engrave onto a piece of metal using a laser engraving machine. The vector file will contain precise lines and shapes that the laser can follow, resulting in a high-quality engraving.

Raster file

A raster file is a type of digital file that is made up of pixels that define the colors and shades in an image. In laser engraving, raster files are used to create engravings that have a photographic quality. Raster files are best suited for creating detailed images or photos.

Example: A photograph of a pet could be converted into a raster file and then engraved onto a piece of wood using a laser engraving machine. The laser will burn the wood in different shades and tones to create a photo-realistic image of the pet.

Power

Power refers to the strength of the laser beam used in engraving. Higher power levels allow for deeper engravings, while lower power levels are better suited for surface engravings. Power is measured in watts.

Usually, a high power Co2 laser can engrave the coated metal cups easily.

Example: A high-powered laser engraver might be used to engrave a deep image onto a piece of metal. The higher the power, the deeper the laser can cut into the material. A lower-powered laser might be used to engrave a simple design onto the surface of a wooden plaque.

Speed

Speed refers to the rate at which the laser engraving machine moves across the material being engraved. Faster speeds can result in a lower-quality engraving, while slower speeds allow for more precise and detailed engravings. Speed is measured in inches per minute (IPM).

Example: A laser engraving machine might be set to a slower speed when engraving a detailed design onto a piece of jewelry, while a faster speed might be used for engraving a simple logo onto a plastic tag.

Speed & Precision

Laser cutting speed, engraving speed, and precision are all important factors in laser cutting and engraving. Each of these factors plays a significant role in determining the quality and accuracy of the final product.

Usually, portable lasers are the speediest lasers. They offer 5000 mm/s speed while a Co2 laser works at a speed of 600 mm/s max.

Laser cutting speed refers to how fast the laser beam moves across the material being cut. Faster cutting speeds are generally preferred as they result in a smoother and cleaner cut. However, cutting too fast can also lead to a reduction in the quality of the cut and can even damage the material being cut. The optimal cutting speed will depend on the material being cut, the thickness of the material, and the power of the laser.

Engraving speed refers to how fast the laser beam moves across the material being engraved. Similar to cutting speed, faster engraving speeds generally result in a lower quality engraving, while slower speeds result in more precise and detailed engravings. Engraving speed will also depend on the material being engraved, the resolution of the design, and the power of the laser.

Precision, on the other hand, refers to the accuracy and level of detail that can be achieved in a laser cut or engraving. A higher precision level means that the laser can produce finer details and more intricate designs. Precision is determined by several factors, including the resolution of the design, the power of the laser, and the speed of the laser. A laser with higher precision can produce more accurate and detailed designs, but may require more time to complete the job.

In summary, laser cutting speed and engraving speed refer to the rate at which the laser moves across the material being cut or engraved, while precision refers to the accuracy and level of detail that can be achieved. Achieving the optimal balance between these three factors is essential for producing high-quality laser cuts and engravings. It’s important to note that the optimal speed and precision level will depend on the specific project and material being worked with, and may require some experimentation to find the best settings for each job.

Lightburn

Lightburn is a popular software used for controlling laser engraving machines. It is compatible with a wide range of laser engraving machines and offers a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to use. Lightburn supports both vector and raster engraving, allowing users to create precise and detailed designs on a variety of materials.

Pros of Lightburn:

• User-friendly interface: Lightburn has a simple and intuitive interface that makes it easy to use, even for beginners.
• Compatibility: Lightburn is compatible with a wide range of laser engraving machines, making it a versatile tool.
• Supports both vector and raster engraving: Lightburn supports both vector and raster engraving, allowing users to create precise and detailed designs on a variety of materials.
• Affordable: Lightburn is reasonably priced, making it accessible for both individuals and businesses.

Cons of Lightburn:

• Limited features: Lightburn has fewer features compared to other more advanced software, making it less suitable for complex projects.
• Lack of advanced editing tools: While Lightburn offers basic editing tools, it lacks more advanced tools such as 3D modeling and advanced image editing.

Other similar software to Lightburn includes RDWorks and LaserGRBL.

RDWorks is a free software that supports both vector and raster engraving. It offers a range of editing tools, including 3D modeling and advanced image editing. However, RDWorks has a steep learning curve and is less user-friendly compared to Lightburn.

LaserGRBL is another free software that supports both vector and raster engraving. It offers a simple and easy-to-use interface, making it suitable for beginners. However, LaserGRBL has limited features and lacks advanced editing tools.

When comparing these software options, Lightburn offers a balance between user-friendliness and advanced features. It is compatible with a wide range of laser engraving machines and is reasonably priced. While other software options may offer more advanced features, they also have a steeper learning curve and may be less user-friendly. Ultimately, the best software for laser engraving will depend on individual needs and preferences.

Rotary Attachments

A rotary attachment is a device that is used in laser engravers to engrave cylindrical or rounded objects. It allows the laser to rotate the object being engraved, creating a consistent and precise engraving around the circumference of the object. The rotary attachment consists of a motorized roller or chuck that holds the object securely in place while it rotates during the engraving process.

There are two main types of rotary attachments:

1. Chuck rotary attachments: This type of rotary attachment uses a set of jaws or a chuck to hold the object being engraved in place. The object is then rotated by the chuck or jaws, allowing for precise and consistent engraving around the circumference of the object. Chuck rotary attachments are commonly used for engraving objects such as cups, bottles, and other cylindrical objects.
2. Roller rotary attachments: This type of rotary attachment uses a set of rollers to hold the object being engraved in place. The rollers rotate the object during the engraving process, allowing for consistent and precise engraving around the circumference of the object. Roller rotary attachments are commonly used for engraving objects such as pens, pencils, and other rounded objects.

The use of rotary attachments offers several benefits in laser engraving, including:

1. Precision: Rotary attachments ensure precise and consistent engraving around the circumference of the object, regardless of its size or shape.
2. Versatility: The use of rotary attachments allows for the engraving of a wider range of objects, including cylindrical and rounded objects.
3. Efficiency: Rotary attachments can increase the efficiency of the engraving process by allowing multiple objects to be engraved simultaneously, which can save time and increase productivity.

Overall, rotary attachments are an essential accessory for laser engravers that are used for engraving cylindrical or rounded objects. They offer precise and consistent engraving, versatility, and increased efficiency, making them an excellent addition to any laser engraving machine.

Air assist

Air assist is a common feature in laser engraving machines that involves blowing a stream of compressed air onto the surface of the material being engraved. This is done to help remove smoke, debris, and vapors created during the engraving process, allowing for a cleaner and more precise engraving.

During laser engraving, the laser beam heats up the material being engraved, causing it to vaporize and create smoke and debris. Without air assist, this smoke and debris can build up on the surface of the material, obscuring the laser beam and affecting the quality of the engraving. Air assist helps to blow away this smoke and debris, ensuring that the laser beam remains unobstructed and allowing for a cleaner and more precise engraving.

In addition to removing smoke and debris, air assist can also help to cool the material being engraved, preventing it from overheating and potentially damaging the material. It can also help to prevent fires by removing any combustible materials that may be created during the engraving process.

Overall, air assist is an important feature in laser engraving machines that helps to improve the quality and accuracy of the engraving by removing smoke, debris, and vapors from the surface of the material being engraved. It is a standard feature in most laser engraving machines and is essential for achieving high-quality and precise engravings.

Honeycomb Bed

A honeycomb bed is a common feature in laser engraving machines that provides a stable and level surface for the material being engraved. The honeycomb bed consists of a series of hexagonal cells, similar to a honeycomb, that are made of metal or other heat-resistant materials.

During laser engraving, the laser beam heats up the material being engraved, causing it to expand and potentially warp. The honeycomb bed helps to minimize this warping by providing a stable and level surface for the material to rest on. The hexagonal cells in the honeycomb bed also allow for better ventilation and air circulation, reducing the buildup of heat and smoke during the engraving process.

In addition to providing stability and reducing warping, a honeycomb bed also helps to prevent scorching and marking on the underside of the material being engraved. The hexagonal cells in the honeycomb bed allow for air and smoke to flow freely, preventing them from becoming trapped between the material and the engraving bed. This helps to minimize scorching and marking on the underside of the material and ensures a cleaner and more precise engraving.

Overall, a honeycomb bed is an important feature in laser engraving machines that helps to provide a stable and level surface for the material being engraved. It helps to minimize warping and scorching, ensuring a cleaner and more precise engraving. Honeycomb beds are commonly found in both hobbyist and industrial-grade laser engraving machines and are essential for achieving high-quality and professional-grade engravings.

Water Chiller

A water chiller is an accessory often used in laser engraving machines to cool down the laser tube and prevent it from overheating. The laser tube is a critical component of the laser engraving machine and is responsible for generating the laser beam used to engrave or cut the material. The laser tube operates at a high temperature and needs to be cooled to ensure that it operates efficiently and reliably.

A water chiller works by circulating water through the laser tube, which absorbs the heat generated by the laser tube and carries it away from the machine. The water is cooled down by the chiller unit and then recirculated back into the laser tube to continue the cooling process. This cycle of cooling helps to maintain the temperature of the laser tube at a safe and stable level, preventing it from overheating and potentially damaging the laser tube or other components of the laser engraving machine.

In addition to preventing overheating, a water chiller can also improve the performance and lifespan of the laser tube. By keeping the laser tube at a consistent and safe temperature, a water chiller helps to reduce the wear and tear on the laser tube and other components of the laser engraving machine. This can lead to improved accuracy, precision, and efficiency in the engraving process, as well as a longer lifespan for the laser engraving machine.

Overall, a water chiller is an essential accessory for laser engraving machines that use high-powered laser tubes. It helps to keep the laser tube at a safe and stable temperature, preventing overheating and improving the performance and lifespan of the laser engraving machine. A water chiller is a recommended accessory for anyone using a laser engraving machine regularly or for prolonged periods.

Pass-Through

A pass-through feature in a laser engraver allows the machine to engrave or cut materials that are larger than the bed size of the machine. With a pass-through feature, the material is passed through the machine, allowing for a continuous engraving or cutting process without the need to stop and reposition the material.

Pass-through features are commonly found in laser engraving machines designed for larger or industrial applications. These machines are typically designed with a removable section of the engraving bed that allows materials to pass through the machine while still maintaining a level and stable surface for the material to rest on.

The pass-through feature offers several benefits, including:

• Increased productivity: With a pass-through feature, larger or longer materials can be engraved or cut without the need to stop and reposition the material, which can save time and increase productivity.
• Versatility: The pass-through feature allows for a wider range of materials to be engraved or cut, as it eliminates size limitations that may be present with a standard engraving bed.
• Precision: The pass-through feature allows for continuous engraving or cutting of long or wide materials, which can help to improve precision and accuracy.

While the pass-through feature offers many benefits, it is important to note that not all laser engraving machines come with this feature. Machines with pass-through features tend to be more expensive and may be more suitable for businesses or individuals with specific needs for larger or longer materials.

Conclusion

In conclusion, laser engraving has become an indispensable tool for many industries due to its precision, versatility, and efficiency. Understanding the technical terms and concepts used in laser engraving is essential for anyone working with this technology. We hope this glossary has provided you with a clearer understanding of the most common terms used in laser engraving, and how they are applied in real-life scenarios. Whether you are an artist, a manufacturer, or a hobbyist, laser engraving offers endless possibilities for creating high-quality and long-lasting designs on a variety of materials.