How to Avoid Common Laser Engraving Mistakes

Whether you are an experienced engineer or a novice maker, learning the proper uses of design equipment to avoid pitfalls and mistakes takes time and experience. From time to time, issues come up that leave designers wondering what they did wrong or how they could do something better. This is true in any field and laser engraving is no different.

Knowing how to avoid these mistakes so they don’t come up again is half the battle. With that in mind, Epilog Laser offers five of the most common mistakes when it comes to laser engraving and suggestions for how to avoid them in future projects.

• Mistake 1: Engraving Fabric but the Laser Burns through the Material. The first step in avoiding burning fabric with a laser engraving/cutting machine is to understand what fabric can withstand the process and at what temperatures. Heartier fabrics such as denim, canvas and leather can withstand higher power settings during engraving. But when it comes to delicate fabrics, it is important to start on a high speed setting and a low power setting—maybe 5 percent to 10 percent. Then if the fabric can withstand it, increase the power from there until you get the results you are looking for.

Image caption: Hearty fabrics can withstand high power but lighter fabrics may work better with a lower power engraving. (Source: Epilog Laser)

• Mistake 2: Acrylic Doesn’t Produce a Frosty White Engraving. More than likely, this is caused by using the wrong acrylic in the application. Two types of acrylics are typically used in laser engraving and both are suitable for different applications. Cast acrylic sheets and objects are made from a liquid acrylic that is poured into molds that then can be set into various shapes and sizes. This type of acrylic is ideal for engraving because it turns a frosty white color when engraved, making it suitable for awards and plaques. It can be cut with a laser, but it won’t give projects flame-polished edges.

Image caption: To get a frosty white finish, use cast acrylic materials. (Source: Epilog Laser)

• Mistake 3: Inconsistent Glass Engraving. Oftentimes, when a laser strikes glass it will fracture the surface but not engrave deeply or remove the material needed to engrave fully. The fractured glass surface will produce a frosted appearance, but can be rough and chipped depending on the type of glass that is being engraved. While the frosted look is desired, no one wants a rough surface or chipping.

Image caption: Using a lower DPI or 80 percent black may help glass engraving avoid cracking or a rough finish. (Source: Epilog Laser)

• Mistake 4: Wood Engraving Produces Different Results on the Same Setting. Wood is one of the most laser-friendly materials available not only because it can be cut very easily, but also because it engraves very well. However, different woods have different reactions when they are laser-engraved and produce different characteristics.
• Mistake 5: Laser Engraver Doesn’t Perform as Fast Anymore. Clean your machine! Much like other types of design equipment, a clean machine produces better results than one that is not properly maintained.

These mistakes are common among makers and designers that use laser engraving machines, especially those just beginning to use the equipment. But as you can see they are easily avoidable if you have the knowledge to correct the mistake.

Learn more about Epilog Laser and how the company is providing valuable services to a wide variety of industries.

Editor's note: This is a sponsored blog post from Epilog Laser.