The premier feature of LASER engraving is its’ great versatility. Nowhere is that more apparent than in the range of materials that can be engraved and/or cut using a laser engraving system.

Acrylic

Acrylic has been a favorite of laser engraving since the beginning.  With the beauty and clarity of glass and the durability of plastic makes it desirable for many applications including awards, executive desk items, and frames.  Acrylic is manufactured in a wide range of colors, shapes and products.

Acrylic is generally engraved using low Power and high Speed. This will produce a frosty look.  For more depth (needed if you are going to add color) consider multiple passes.  You can also mask the piece prior to engraving. Acrylic does have a tendency to scorch and/or burn when exposed to the heat of a laser, so Masking it with a dampened transfer tape will help to protect it. 

Acrylic can also be cut using a laser. It is advisable, during cutting to mask and dampen both sides.  Elevate the material at least ½" above the engraving table. Most acrylic is vector cut using full power and low speeds.

Metals

Coated or painted metals will engrave well using a low powered CO2 Laser engraving system.  Today's laser engravable coated metal products are attractive because they are polished and lacquered prior to the application of the outer layer of paint. This results in an engraved mark that is bright, crisp, and indelible.  The lacquering also prevents oxidization.   

Coated metal products are generally engraved using low power and moderate speed. Settings will vary depending on actual material and desired effect.

Additionally, there are now products on the market that allows one to use low powered CO2 laser engraving system for the engraving on bare metals.  Ferro (formerly DMC2 and Cerdec) produces product(s) that can be applied to bare metals prior to engraving. The material can be applied through spray or brush and is wiped off after engraving.  The result is a dark permanent mark.  This product works well on most silver colored metals such as aluminum, nickel, and stainless, but not so well on gold colored metals like gold and brass.  For best results, experiment with power and speed settings.  These will vary depending on the metal, laser Wattage, and desired results. 

Glass

Laser engraved glass produces a surface mark that looks "frosted" which is attractive for many applications. Wine bottles, stemware, vases and picture frame glass can all be laser engraved. Use caution, however. Some glass, that which has a high lead content, may be prone to shattering and/or cracking.  It is best to experiment and always ask for extra pieces when possible. When you find glass pieces that work well for the application, stick with them. Much of your success in laser engraving glass will be dependent on the material you choose.

Because glass is prone to thermal shock, keep in mind that anything you can do to keep the heat away from the material will be beneficial to achieving the desired look.   Overheating may result in chipping, flaking, and/or breaking. One way to accomplish this is to wet newspaper or yellow pages and place on the area to be engraved.  This will help to pull the heat away from the engraving surface. Laser engraved glass can also look rough right off the machine  To smooth it out, use a scotchbrite type pad or wire brush and rub over the engraved area.  This should help to eliminate the rough look. 

Glass is usually engraved at full power and full speed.

Hard Surfaced Materials

Hard surfaced materials such as Corian, Fountainhead and Avonite can also be laser engraved.  The material is the same color throughout, so that color filling is necessary for providing the needed contrast in the finished product.

Such materials are usually engraved at full power and moderate speed. For Deep Engraving, multiple passes may be required.

Leather

Leather, when laser engraved, can produce some interesting and attractive results. Belts, hats, watch bands, wallets, etc. are some of the common applications for laser engraved leather.  When working with leather, be aware that leather products tend to vary greatly. Therefore, laser engraving results will also vary. It is important to experiment and to stick with products that engrave well.  Leather also tends to produce odor when exposed to the heat of a laser. A good working Exhaust System is necessary for removing the vaporized material and fumes to the outside.

Leather is usually run at high speeds using low power settings.
 
Matboard

Matboard and other paper products can be both engraved and cut using a laser.  Popular product ideas include architectural models, picture and photo mats, greeting cards, scrapbooking materials, and decorations. For engraving, moderate power is used and high speeds. PPI can be lowered to help prevent discoloration.  For cutting, use moderate power and low to moderate speed.  Dampen and elevate for best results.  Again a lower PPI is recommended.

Marble

Marble is another great material for laser engravers. Its' natural beauty makes it a perfect choice for custom awards and gift ideas.  You will want to look for pieces that allow for contrast. Marble also lends itself well to the addition of color through paintfilling. Marble is a natural product, so it does have some inconsistencies that make multiple runs difficult. Typically, each piece will require a set up.

Marble is usually run at high power and high speed.  Use caution as too much power may result in the browning of the material.

Plastic

There are a variety of plastics that both raster engrave and vector cut with great results. Manufacturers of plastic materials have created plastics with thin outer layers that are easily removed by laser to show a contrasting color underneath. This has resulted in less melting, scorching, and discoloration that was associated when laser engraving earlier plastic materials. Today's laser engravable plastics come in a range of colors and patterns and are used for a wide range of applications including signage, plaques, and nametags.

Plastics are typically engraved at low to moderate power and high speed, and do tend to vary a great deal in what settings will work best. Equipment manufacturers and suppliers of plastics will provide recommended settings, but nothing beats experimentation in determining the best and most efficient settings.

When cutting plastic, look for microsurfaced plastics that are recommended for laser processing.  When cutting, mask both sides of the material, dampen and elevate. Settings will vary but typically, plastics are cut using moderate speeds and low power.

Rubber Stamps

Making rubber stamps and other "rubber" products are advantageous with a laser because other methods require more time and labor.  Making them does require the usage of a special driver, now called the "3D driver".  Again, you will want to look for rubber products that are sold as laser friendly.  These will not only laser better but will produce less odor as well.  Exhausting the fumes and keeping your machine clean will be more of a challenge when using your machine for this application, but you will have the benefit of providing additional products for your customers.

Rubber does engrave at full power and low to moderate speeds.  When cutting, moderate power and low speed works best.  A lower PPI setting allows you to make multiple stamps and keep them attached until all engraving is done.  The stamps can then be easily separted because the attached area is perforated.

Wood

Laser engraved wood continues to be a mainstay of laser engraving. When lasering wood, Look for woods that provide contrast when engraved. Favorites include oak, walnut, maple, cherry, and mahogany. There are a variety of exotic woods available as well. Popular product choices include trophy bases, plaques, awards, and bats. When buying wood for laser engraving, look for products that are sold as laser engravable.  This will assure that any stains, bleaches, oils, etc. used in finishing the wood will not react adversely with the laser.

When cutting through wood products, dampen the material and elevate.  Settings usually require moderate power and low speeds.  Multiple passes may be required due to material hardness.

Settings used for laser engraving on wood will vary greatly depending on wood and desired effect.

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