What is Laser Engraving?The word "laser" is actually an acronym that stands for "light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation." When used for engraving, it works kind of like a chisel, etching permanent letters, numbers, or symbols into the material. Laser engraving is commonly used on metal, wood, glass, stone, fabric, tile, or thermoplastics.
How Does Laser Engraving Work?Let's go back to science class to discuss how a laser works!To understand this technology, the first thing you need to know is that normal light moves on varying wavelengths. Basically, the light is moving across space all willy-nilly.What a laser does is concentrate all those wavelengths into one concentrated beam. This beam has enough energy and heat to burn through an item. It's why the student in the 1985 movie Real Genius is evaporated by the laser created by his professor!A laser is also powerful enough to cut through materials that are otherwise tough to destroy. For example, you can laser engrave "The Smith Family" into a thick wood cutting board without an issue.
Can You Laser Engrave Anything?Because lasers are so powerful, they can only be used to engrave materials that can handle the heat. Laser engraving works on the following materials:WoodGlassAluminumStainless SteelGoldPlatinumTungstenTitaniumCobaltMarbleGraniteStoneTileCardboardCorkLeatherFeltCottonHempThermoplasticsAcrylicDelrinMylarPolyamidePolycarbonatePolyesterPolytheneTeflonYou'll know the material isn't safe for a laser cutting if the machine is smoking, smelly, or worse, on fire! The factories operating the machine will shut it down immediately if they notice an issue.
A CO2 laser is the most commonly used. In this machine, the carbon dioxide is inside a glass tube. When the laser passes through, the energy around the gas particles increases, allowing them to create a light source.
What Can I Laser Engrave?A laser engraver is extremely versatile. It can be used to etch an image, letters, symbols, or patterns onto a surface. All you have to do is send in your design, usually in a vectored format, and the laser will take care of the rest!It's time to create a laser engraved design! You can laser engrave any of the following:
Can I Order Engraved Gifts?Do you have an image you'd love to laser engrave? You're in luck! There are a ton of amazing laser engraved gifts you can order.Take a look at these awesome laser engraved gifts and promotional items!
You can also engrave wedding rings, dog tags, watches, bracelets, cuff links, and wallets. These gifts are the perfect choice for holidays, parties, and other celebrations.
Laser Engraving: What Are Advantages & Disadvantages?Just like with any other imprint process, there are pros and cons to using a laser cutter. These are highlighted below.
Benefits of Laser EngravingDownsides of Laser EngravingElegant lookRequires an expertAccurateExpensiveFastLimited color choicesWorks on a variety of materialsDangerous fumes may be emittedNo ink, so the design won't chip off or fadeRisk of fire or burnsReview the pros and cons of laser engraving before you decide to use this customization technique. A laser cutter is a great choice as long as it's wielded safely, and you have the money to splurge on engraved swag or gifts.
How Much Does Laser Engraving Cost?The cost for laser engraving will vary based on the item you want to engrave and how much space your design covers. Generally, it will be priced anywhere from $35 to $250.Why are the prices so different? Take a look at the two engraved items below!
Engraved Stylus PenCost for Engraving: $5The imprint area on this engraved stylus pen, which in this case is the barrel, is only 0.38" H x 1.5" W. The laser doesn't have as much space to cover, plus a pen is relatively cheap to make. As a result, the cost for engraving is only $5.
Engraved Bluetooth SpeakerCost for Engraving: $60A custom Bluetooth speaker has more bells and whistles than a stylus pen. The imprint area is also larger at 4" H x 3.2" W. This is why the cost for engraving here is 20x higher than for the pen.DISCLAIMER: Based on 2022 pricing. Cost for engraving is subject to change.
Will Laser Engraving Wear Off?Unlike ink printing, which may chip or fade over time, a laser engraved design is permanent and won't wear off. Since the design is chiseled into the material, the etching will last for years.The only time an engraving will be damaged is if the item itself is damaged. Meanwhile, some materials like plastic, granite, and leather are prone to weathering, which could affect the quality of the engraving.
Is Laser Engraving Worth It?If you have the money, then engraving is a great way to make a gift feel more special. People always feel happy to receive a personalized gift, especially when it's adorned with a heartfelt message or cool, one-of-a-kind design.Engraving adds a custom touch to any gift. A marrying couple, for instance, may get their rings engraved with a short vow or quote before the wedding day.A business owner can also engrave their logo on company swag, or even over a sign over their front door.
Engraving on a wedding ring is anywhere from $50 to $100.The global market for laser engraving is $2.76 billion.62% of Americans want a gift that feels personal. Engraving is a great way to add that special touch.
The Bottom LineLaser engraving has many uses aside from just gift-giving. Auto makers use it to etch their logo into the dashboard. Medical companies use it on orthopedic implants, syringes, and other supplies. Even NASA uses a laser engraver. You never know what this technology will do next!
ReferencesNASA Science. What is a Laser? Retrieved from, https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/laser/en/Landry, J. (2021, July 16). How Does Laser Engraving Work? Retrieved from, https://www.laserax.com/blog/how-laser-engraving-workSculpteo. Laser Engraving: An Ultimate Guide. Retrieved from, https://www.sculpteo.com/en/3d-learning-hub/laser-cutting/laser-engraving-a-ultimate-guide/Cleveland Public Library. Never Cut These Materials. Retrieved fromAdreco Plastics. List of Thermoplastics. Retrieved from, https://adrecoplastics.co.uk/list-of-thermoplastics/HPC Laser LTD. How Does a Laser Cutter Work? Retrieved from, https://hpclaser.co.uk/how-does-a-laser-cutter-work/Rapid Direct. (2022, July 28). Laser Engraving: What is it and How it Works. Retrieved from, https://www.rapiddirect.com/blog/laser-engraving/Kooser, A. (2022, July 22). NASA Shows Off ‘First Letter to Be Laser-Engraved on Mars'. Retrieved from, https://www.cnet.com/science/space/nasa-shows-off-first-letter-to-be-laser-engraved-on-mars/Booth, J. (2022, April 16). Get Inspired By These Wedding Ring Engraving Ideas. Retrieved from,Grand View Research. Laser Marketing Machine Market Size, Share, & Trends Analysis Report. Retrieved from, https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/laser-marking-machine-marketNew York Post. (2019, November 15). Most Americans Want This Type of Gift for the Holidays. Retrieved from, https://nypost.com/2019/11/15/most-americans-want-this-type-of-gift-for-the-holidays/
Alyssa Mertesamertes@qualitylogoproducts.com866-312-5646 x 277Alyssa is the Lead Copywriter at Quality Logo Products. As a promo expert, she's uncovered the world's first custom tote bag, interviewed the guy behind rock band AC/DC's logo, and had a piece published by the Advertising Specialty Institute, a leader in the promotional products industry.