Laser Engraving v Laser Cutting

Laser engraving and laser cutting are both processes that use lasers to modify materials, but they differ significantly in what they do to the material.

Laser Engraving

Process: In laser engraving, a laser beam is used to remove a thin layer of material's surface, leaving a permanent mark. The laser essentially "burns" the surface, creating a design or text by etching into it.

Depth: The engraving is shallow, usually a few microns to a couple of millimeters deep, depending on the material.

Effect on Material: The material's surface is altered, but it generally doesn't go all the way through. It leaves a permanent, high-contrast marking, such as a logo, pattern, or text.

Materials: Common materials used for engraving include wood, leather, glass, metal, acrylic, and some plastics.

Applications: Used for marking, personalizing, or adding logos and designs to objects like awards, jewelry, and promotional products.

Laser Cutting

Process: Laser cutting uses a focused laser beam to cut through a material, typically at higher power settings, with precision and accuracy. The laser melts or vaporizes the material, completely cutting through it.

Depth: The cut is much deeper, as the laser goes all the way through the material.

Effect on Material: Laser cutting creates a clean, precise cut with smooth edges and can be used to create intricate shapes and designs.

Materials: Like laser engraving, laser cutting can be done on various materials such as wood, metal, plastic, fabric, and more.

Applications: Used for creating parts, components, or full designs from a material, like cutting shapes for signs, architectural models, or prototypes.

Key Differences

Purpose: Engraving is for marking the surface, while cutting is for completely separating or shaping materials.

Depth: Engraving is shallow and focused on surface detail, while cutting goes through the material.

Power & Precision: Laser cutting usually requires higher laser power for full penetration, whereas engraving uses lower power for fine surface detailing.