Inside Laser Engraving: Process Secrets That Pros Hide

When companies choose laser engraving for their custom products, they often share samples with us that their previous supplier couldn't engrave properly. When our laser engraving experts test those pieces in the workshop, the conclusion is almost always the same: the machine was working fine. The real issue was incorrect settings or a mismatch between the laser type and the material.

When we diagnose the issue, we usually find a small setup error, such as:

• 0.3 mm in focus
• 2 kHz in pulse frequency
• 10 mm/s in scan speed
• 1–2 watts of power
• A single misaligned rotary axis

These small mistakes may seem harmless, but they are enough to make the engraving uneven, faded, blurred, or completely distorted.

Since these issues come up so often, and because so many GiftAFeeling customers ask us how laser engraving actually works, we decided to create a clear, accurate, and practical guide.

Laser engraving is a precise method of removing microscopic layers of material using a focused laser beam. This process, known as ablation, creates permanent, high-contrast markings without using ink or direct contact. Depending on the material, the engraving depth can reach 100 micrometers or more.

Laser engraving is commonly used for artistic design, product identification, industrial labels, and branding promotional products (such as pens, leather journals, mugs, water bottles, and awards), and is applied to metal, plastic, glass, and other materials.

In this guide, we explain the laser engraving process in a simple but technically accurate way. You’ll learn what laser engraving is, how it works, how CO₂, fiber, DPSS, and diode lasers interact with different materials, which surfaces engrave best, what materials you should avoid, and how to set up engravings correctly so every product looks clean and professional.

We also share real examples from our workshop, where we’ve engraved more than 1 million products for our customers over the past 5 years.

If you're evaluating decoration methods for promotional products, branded merchandise or corporate gifts, understanding how laser engraving works will help you choose the right material, the right laser, and the right settings for a clean, permanent outcome every time.

Let's dive in and understand the laser engraving process from start to finish!

1. What Is Laser Engraving?

Laser engraving is a precise, non-contact technique that uses a focused laser beam to remove material from a surface, creating intricate and highly visible patterns or designs.

It works by concentrating light into a tiny point, generating enough localized heat to vaporize or remove material without touching the surface. This allows the machine to create detailed marks even on small components or curved objects.

The method is controlled digitally, so the laser follows artwork, text, or serial numbers with exceptional accuracy. This level of precision makes it suitable for both decorative applications and functional marking needs across many industries.

This process, known as ablation, removes microscopic layers of material, allowing detailed engraving with spot sizes as small as a few microns. Because the beam interacts differently with each material, the quality of the mark depends on factors like wavelength, absorption, and heat behavior. Metals, plastics, wood, and glass each require specific settings to produce the cleanest, most consistent results.

Modern engraving systems allow fine control over power, speed, and focus, giving operators the ability to adjust depth, contrast, and clarity for everything from branding on drinkware to serial numbers on equipment.

Depending on the material, the engraving depth can reach 100 micrometers or more. Laser engraving is commonly used for artistic design, product identification, industrial labels, and branding promotional products (such as pens, leather journals, mugs, water bottles, and awards), and is applied to metal, plastic, glass, and other materials. 

Laser engraving is typically performed using two main types of laser systems: CO₂ and fiber. Each type of laser system interacts with materials differently, depending on how the surface absorbs the laser energy. Fiber lasers are especially effective for marking metals, as metal surfaces respond well to their shorter wavelengths, allowing clean and precise engraving. In contrast, CO₂ lasers are better suited for non-metallic materials such as wood, stone, plastic, and leather, as these surfaces absorb CO₂ wavelengths more efficiently, resulting in clear, well-defined markings.

2. How Laser Engraving Works: Principles, Laser–Material Interaction, Laser Types, and Real-World Examples

Laser engraving works by focusing light energy into an extremely small spot and using that concentrated energy to remove material from the surface. The laser heats the material so quickly that the surface melts or vaporizes, a process known as ablation. Because the beam is computer-controlled, it can move with exceptional precision, allowing text, logos, serial numbers, and images to be engraved with consistent depth and sharp edges.

(Credit:xtool)

Material removal only occurs when the absorbed energy exceeds the material’s ablation threshold (Fₜₕ), which depends on properties such as thermal conductivity, reflectivity, phase-change energy, and how well the material absorbs the laser’s wavelength. Metals mainly respond through photothermal absorption, while polymers and organic materials can undergo both photothermal and photochemical reactions depending on pulse duration. In practice, engraving depth and contrast are controlled by settings like power, speed, pulse frequency, focus, and the number of passes. Higher energy and slower speeds create deeper engravings, while faster motion and lower power produce lighter marks.

What Physically Happens to the Material

When the laser hits the surface:

1. The surface absorbs light energy.
2. The temperature rises very fast.
3. The material reaches its boiling or sublimation point.
4. Material turns into vapor and is ejected as a plume.
5. A small cavity is left behind; this is the engraved area.

Some heat spreads into the surrounding area, which creates a Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ). Good settings minimize this zone to keep edges clean.

A simple heat spread model:

Ld ≈ √(α × τ)
Where:
α = thermal diffusivity
τ = pulse duration

Shorter pulse times = less heat spread = cleaner engraving.

Types of Lasers Used in Laser Engraving

Different laser sources are used for engraving depending on the material and the required level of precision. Each laser wavelength interacts differently with surfaces, affecting absorption, heat distribution, and engraving quality. See the table below for the main laser types used in engraving and the materials they work best on.

Types of Lasers Used in Laser Engraving

Laser Type	Wavelength	Best Materials
CO₂	10.6 µm	Wood, leather, acrylic
Fiber	1064 nm	Metals
DPSS	532/355 nm	Polymers, micro parts
Diode	445–980 nm	Soft woods, plastics

One Practical Example (With Calculations)

Question

You are engraving stainless steel with a pulsed fiber laser. The laser has:

• Pulse energy, Epulse = 0.4 mJ
• Spot diameter, d = 50 µm
• Pulse duration, τ = 100 ns

a) What are the fluence (F) and peak power (Ppeak) at the workpiece?
b) Is this in a realistic range for stainless steel ablation?

Solution

Step 1: Convert units to SI

• Epulse = 0.4 mJ = 0.4 × 10⁻³ J = 4 × 10⁻⁴ J
  
• d = 50 µm = 50 × 10⁻⁶ m = 5 × 10⁻⁵ m
  
• τ = 100 ns = 100 × 10⁻⁹ s = 1 × 10⁻⁷ s
  

Step 2: Calculate spot area (Aspot)
Treat the spot as a circle:

Aspot = π (d/2)²

d/2 = 2.5 × 10⁻⁵ m

Aspot = π × (2.5 × 10⁻⁵)²
Aspot ≈ π × 6.25 × 10⁻¹⁰
Aspot ≈ 1.96 × 10⁻⁹ m²

Step 3: Calculate fluence (F)
Fluence is energy per unit area:

F = Epulse / Aspot

F = (4 × 10⁻⁴ J) / (1.96 × 10⁻⁹ m²)
F ≈ 2.0 × 10⁵ J/m²

So the fluence is about:
F ≈ 2.0 × 10⁵ J/m² (or 20 J/cm² if you convert units)

Step 4: Calculate peak power (Ppeak)
Peak power is pulse energy divided by pulse duration:

Ppeak = Epulse / τ

Ppeak = (4 × 10⁻⁴ J) / (1 × 10⁻⁷ s)
Ppeak = 4 × 10³ W

So:
Ppeak ≈ 4,000 W (4 kW) during each pulse.

Step 5: Explanation
Fluence in the range of ~10–50 J/cm² is commonly used for metal ablation with nanosecond fiber lasers, depending on the alloy and exact process. Our calculated value (~20 J/cm²) is within a realistic range for stainless steel engraving.

Conclusion
a) F ≈ 2.0 × 10⁵ J/m² (≈20 J/cm²), Ppeak ≈ 4 kW
b) Yes, these values are realistic for stainless steel ablation and will typically produce a clean engraved mark when scan speed and overlap are chosen appropriately.

How to Adjust Your Laser Settings

Here's how we think about laser settings at GiftAFeeling when engraving corporate gifts, branded merchandise, and other promotional products:

• Want more engraving depth?
  Increase the power or slow the speed so more energy reaches each point.
• Want cleaner, sharper edges?
  Make sure the focus is perfect and keep excess heat under control.
• Want darker contrast on wood?
  Slow the machine down and use higher power so the surface carbonizes evenly.
• Want black marks on stainless steel?
  Use controlled heating (annealing) instead of removing material, so the color change forms on the surface.

3. From Solid to Gas: Understanding the Laser Engraving Process

Unlike laser etching, which melts the surface to change its texture, laser engraving removes material by heating it so rapidly that it transitions directly from solid to vapor. This requires the laser to deliver intense, concentrated energy within milliseconds so the surface reaches its vaporization temperature.

The table below shows the vaporization temperatures of several commonly engraved metals:

Material	Vaporization Temperature
Aluminum	2327°C
Copper	2595°C
Iron	3000°C
Lead	1750°C
Magnesium	1110°C
Zinc	906°C

Source: “Corrected Values for Boiling Points and Enthalpies of Vaporization of Elements in Handbooks”

4. Where Laser Engraving Is Used in the Real World

At GiftAFeeling, we've engraved more than one million products over the past five years, helping companies that require long-lasting branding, personalization, and product identification. You'll find laser engraving on corporate gifts, awards, drinkware, signage, event merchandise, and on precision-marked parts used in electronics, healthcare, automotive, and aerospace.

Below are examples of products we regularly engrave for our customers in our workshop:

4.1. Laser Engraved Keychain

Permanent, high-contrast engraving on stainless steel or anodized aluminum withstands daily pocket wear and keyring abrasion. Useful for branded giveaways or access keys where small logos, numbers, or QR codes must stay legible over time.

You can find a wide range of engraved keychains for corporate gifts, events and employee programs on our website.

4.2. Laser-Engraved Glass Coffee Mug

Logos etched into tempered or borosilicate glass create a frosted, permanent mark that will not peel like printed ink. Commonly used in offices, cafés, and client gifts to reinforce branding during everyday coffee breaks.

You can find a wide range of engraved glassware options, including engraved glass coffee mugs, for corporate gifting, office use, and branded merchandise needs.

4.3. Engraved Water Bottle

Laser engraving on powder-coated stainless steel drinkware delivers crisp branding that resists scratching, condensation, and frequent handling. Ideal for employee programs, conferences, and wellness initiatives where names, logos, or team slogans need to stay readable for years.

Check out our engraved water bottles for workplace and event branding.

4.4. Engraved Bamboo Desk Organizer

A laser-marked logo on bamboo or other sustainable woods turns a functional desk caddy into a long-lasting branded touchpoint. Frequently used in onboarding kits and executive gifts where natural materials and subtle, permanent branding are preferred.

Check out our engraved bamboo desk organizers for an eco-conscious workplace gift.

4.5. Laser-Engraved Bluetooth Speaker

Engraving on metal or anodized aluminum speaker housings provides discrete, durable branding that won’t interfere with buttons or vents. Used as a premium gift at product launches, sales meetings, or partner events where long-term logo exposure is valuable.

Check out our engraved Bluetooth speaker options for branded event giveaways.

4.6. Laser Engraved Power Bank

Marking the metal or coated surface of a power bank with a logo, asset ID, or safety note supports both branding and equipment tracking. Popular for travel kits, remote teams, and technical staff who rely on portable power daily.

Check out our engraved power bank options for a portable branded gift.

4.7. Laser Engraved Pen

Fine engraving on metal pens delivers subtle, professional branding suitable for boardrooms, conferences, and client meetings. Names or initials can be added at scale, making pens a practical choice for personalized recognition without compromising a clean, corporate appearance.

4.8. Laser Engraved Premium Corporate Gift Set

Coordinated engraving across pens, power banks, and accessories ensures consistent logo presentation on every item in the set. Often selected for leadership gifts, deal celebrations, or partner programs where perceived value and cohesive presentation both matter.

4.9. Laser-Engraved Glass Tumbler

A frosted mark on whiskey or rocks glasses provides permanent branding that pairs well with bar carts, executive offices, and hospitality suites. Frequently used for milestone celebrations, client appreciation gifts, and small-batch event giveaways.

4.10. Laser Engraved Executive Gift Set

Engraving on metal or leather components within an executive set, such as pens, notebooks, card holders, or tech accessories, creates a unified, long-lasting presentation. Suited to promotion announcements, board recognition, or high-value client introductions where discretion and durability are important.

5. Which Materials Are Best for Laser Engraving?

Laser engraving works on many different materials. Below are some of the most commonly used surfaces for engraving products.

5.1. Wood (Maple, Cherry, Basswood, Birch, Plywood)

Wood is one of the easiest and most forgiving materials to engrave. It absorbs laser energy well, allowing for detailed images, logos, and photo engravings. Each wood species engraves differently; maple produces sharp, dark marks, while basswood creates softer contrast.

Best for: plaques, coasters, signage, artwork, personalized gifts.
Why it works: consistent burn patterns, wide tonal range, easy cleanup.

(Credit: Thunder Laser)

5.2. Acrylic and Laser-Safe Plastics

Cast acrylic engraves with a frosted white finish that stands out sharply against clear or colored acrylic. It cuts cleanly without charring, making it ideal for signage, awards, keychains, and decorative pieces. Other laser-safe plastics like Delrin and certain engravable laminates also produce crisp results.

Best for: awards, LED edge-lit signs, medallions, labels.
Why it works: predictable melting behavior, polished edges, smooth detail.

(Credit: Thunder Laser)

5.3. Glass (Bottles, Mugs, Awards)

CO₂ lasers create a smooth, frosted texture on glass by micro-fracturing the surface. This effect is widely used for custom drinkware, trophies, and décor. A rotary device helps engrave cylindrical objects evenly.

Best for: wine bottles, mugs, vases, glass awards.
Why it works: visible surface frosting with delicate detail.

5.4. Metal (Stainless Steel, Anodized Aluminum, Brass, Coated Metals)

Metals require fiber lasers or a marking compound when using CO₂ systems. Anodized aluminum produces bright, high-contrast results, while stainless steel can be either engraved (material removal) or annealed (color change).

Best for: industrial tags, tools, knives, tumblers, product labels.
Why it works: durable, permanent identification with clean edges.

(Credit: Thunder Laser)

5.5. Leather (Veg-Tan Only)

Laser engraving on leather yields rich, dark contrast without physical pressure. Veg-tan leather is preferred because it reacts cleanly to heat, while chrome-tanned leather must be avoided due to harmful fumes.

Best for: wallets, belts, journals, bags, fashion items.
Why it works: natural fiber structure produces smooth, detailed markings.

(Credit: Thunder Laser)

5.6. Stone (Slate, Marble, Granite, Basalt)

Stone engraves with a permanent, high-contrast mark as the surface lightens under laser heat. Slate produces sharp white designs, while granite creates speckled, textured contrast.

Best for: memorials, coasters, signage, home décor, art pieces.
Why it works: laser reveals natural mineral variations while staying highly durable.

(Credit: Thunder Laser)

6. Laser Engraving Material Comparison Chart

Laser materials respond differently to CO₂, diode, and fiber lasers, affecting contrast, detail, and overall engraving quality. The chart below gives a quick comparison of how common materials perform across each laser type so you can choose the right substrate for branding, personalization, or product marking.

Material Compatibility for Laser Engraving

Material	Best Uses	CO₂	Diode	Fiber	Contrast
Cast acrylic	Awards, signage	✓✓✓	✓	✗	High frost
Hardwoods	Gifts, décor	✓✓✓	✓✓	✗	High
Bamboo	Kitchenware, gifts	✓✓✓	✓✓	✗	Medium–dark
Anodized aluminum	Tags, promo items	✓✓	✓	✓✓✓	Bright white
Powder-coated metal	Drinkware, tools	✓✓✓	✓✓	✓✓	High
Slate	Coasters, signage	✓✓✓	✓	✗	Light gray
Glass	Drinkware, awards	✓✓	✗	✗	Frosted
Veg-tan leather	Wallets, belts	✓✓✓	✓✓	✗	Dark
Paper & cardboard	Packaging, crafts	✓✓✓	✓✓✓	✗	Medium
Laser-safe rubber	Stamps	✓✓✓	✓	✗	High
Stainless steel	Tools, devices	✓✓	✗	✓✓✓	High

7. What Materials Can You Not Laser Engrave?

Do not laser engrave chlorinated plastics (PVC, vinyl), fluoropolymers (PTFE/Teflon), ABS and some other plastics, polyurethane and polystyrene foams, synthetic leather/vinyl fabrics, fiberglass/FR-4 boards, beryllium alloys, lead- or cadmium-containing finishes, galvanized/zinc-coated metals, or unknown painted/coated materials. They can release toxic or corrosive fumes, fine dust, and metal vapors that harm people and damage the machine.

Materials that are not suitable for laser engraving:

7.1. Chlorinated plastics (PVC, vinyl, PVDC)

PVC and vinyl can decompose into hydrogen chloride gas, chlorinated organics, and dioxins when hit by a laser. These fumes are highly corrosive to optics and metal parts and are toxic to breathe, which is why manufacturers explicitly warn to never laser cut or engrave PVC.

7.2. Fluoropolymers (PTFE/Teflon, FEP, PVDF)

Laser processing PTFE can release hydrogen fluoride and other fluorinated gases, which are extremely corrosive to lungs and equipment and can form ultrafine particulate. These materials should not be engraved except in specialized, fully engineered industrial systems.

7.3. ABS and related nitrile/styrene plastics

ABS and similar plastics can emit hydrogen cyanide, styrene, and dense soot when burned by a laser. These byproducts are toxic, irritating, and leave heavy residues inside the machine, so several safety guides list ABS as “do not cut or engrave.”

7.4. Polyurethane foams and some flexible foams

Polyurethane and certain flexible foams can release isocyanates and hydrogen cyanide when decomposed by heat, and they ignite easily. This creates both toxic inhalation risk and high fire risk inside the laser enclosure.

7.5. Polystyrene foams (EPS, XPS)

Expanded and extruded polystyrene melt, drip, and catch fire quickly. They release styrene and other volatile organic compounds, producing thick smoke and sticky residues that contaminate optics and ventilation systems.

7.6. Synthetic leather / "pleather" / vinyl-coated fabrics

Many faux leathers and vinyl-coated textiles are PVC-based or contain halogenated additives, so they share the same chlorine and cyanide hazards as PVC when lasered. They are commonly listed as prohibited materials in makerspace rules.

7.7. Fiberglass, FR-4, and brominated resin composites

Glass-fiber reinforced plastics and FR-4 circuit board laminates combine glass fibers with epoxy resins and often brominated flame retardants. Laser processing can release formaldehyde, hydrogen cyanide, and other toxic gases, plus respirable glass dust.

7.8. Carbon-fiber / epoxy composites

Carbon-fiber panels with epoxy matrices can char, delaminate, and emit complex organic fumes and fine carbon dust when lasered. Some manufacturers note that while thin dry carbon cloth might be cut, coated or cured composites are not recommended without specialized extraction and controls.

7.9. Beryllium copper and other beryllium alloys

Heating or ablating beryllium-containing alloys can generate beryllium oxide dust and fume. Inhalation is associated with chronic beryllium disease and increased lung-cancer risk, so these alloys should not be laser engraved in general shop environments.

7.10. Lead- or cadmium-containing paints, platings, solders

Coatings or solders containing lead or cadmium can release toxic metal fumes when vaporized. Similar processes in welding and brazing are known sources of heavy-metal exposure, and the same concerns apply to engraving through these finishes.

7.11. Galvanized / zinc-coated metals

Heating galvanized steel can produce zinc oxide fumes, which are linked to metal fume fever and other respiratory symptoms. Several university laser labs explicitly list galvanized steel as a banned material for this reason.

7.12. Unknown paints, inks, adhesives, and powder coats

Paints, epoxies, and laminates can contain solvents, isocyanates, heavy metals, and brominated flame retardants. Laser heating can release hydrogen cyanide, formaldehyde, and other hazardous VOCs; users should not engrave unknown coated materials without confirming their composition.

8. How to Laser Engrave (Beginner-Friendly Guide)

Laser engraving starts with three essentials: a laser machine, design software, and a material that can safely be engraved. Once you have these, the process is simply preparing your artwork, dialing in the right settings, testing, and engraving your final piece.

8.1. Create Your Design

Create your artwork in a compatible format such as SVG, AI, EPS, DXF, PDF, PNG, or JPG. You can use vector-enabled software like LightBurn, Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, Inkscape, Affinity Designer, AutoCAD, or DraftSight to prepare the file. Check that the dimensions of the design match the size of the material you want to engrave.

8.2. Choose a Suitable Material and Set Up Your Workspace

Select a material your laser can safely engrave, such as wood, acrylic, leather, coated metal, glass, or slate. Position it flat and secure on the machine bed so it stays in place during engraving. If you’re engraving cylindrical items like tumblers or bottles, use a rotary attachment to maintain consistent alignment and even results.

8.3. Dial In the Speed, Power, and Focus

Adjust your laser’s speed and power according to the material you’re working with. Harder surfaces often need higher power, while softer materials require lighter settings to prevent burning or melting. Make sure the laser is properly focused, since a correctly focused beam produces sharp, clean, and consistent detail.

8.4. Run a Small Test Engraving

Before you engrave the real piece, do a quick test on scrap material. This confirms that your settings will give the depth, contrast, and clarity you want. It also prevents you from wasting your final product.

8.5. Start the Engraving Process

Once everything looks right, send your job to the laser and begin engraving. Stay near the machine; laser engraving can produce heat and smoke, and some materials may need small adjustments. Make sure ventilation or an exhaust fan is running to remove fumes.

8.6. Clean and Inspect the Result

After the engraver finishes, wipe the surface with a soft cloth or brush to remove dust or residue. This final cleanup makes the engraving sharp and professional.

FAQs

How to use the laser engraver?

To use a laser engraver, prepare a digital design, place a laser-safe material on the bed, focus the beam, and set correct speed/power values for the substrate. Run a small test, enable ventilation, and monitor the job. Consistent setup ensures clean, repeatable branding on corporate products.

How does a laser engraver work?

A laser engraver works by focusing a high-energy beam onto a surface, heating and vaporizing microscopic layers of material in a process called ablation. Controlled beam movement produces precise marks, enabling durable logos, text, and serials on metals, plastics, glass, and coated drinkware.

Is laser engraving permanent?

Laser engraving is permanent because it physically removes or alters the surface, creating recessed or micro-textured marks that resist wear. Durability depends on material hardness, environment, and handling. On stainless steel, anodized aluminum, and hardwoods, corporate logos can remain legible for years of daily use.

What material cannot be laser cut?

Materials you cannot laser cut include PVC or vinyl (chlorine gas), PTFE/Teflon (hydrogen fluoride), ABS (cyanide-bearing fumes), polyurethane foam (isocyanates), polystyrene foam (fire risk), fiberglass/FR-4 (epoxy fumes), and unknown coated metals. These release toxic gases or damage optics.

What is the difference between laser engraving and etching?

The difference between laser engraving and etching is depth. Engraving removes more material to create a deeper, tactile cavity, while etching uses lower energy to modify only the surface. Engraving is preferred for durable corporate gifts; etching suits fine detail on coated items.

How long does laser engraving last?

Laser engraving can last for decades because the mark becomes part of the material itself. On metals, hardwoods, and high-grade plastics, engraved logos withstand abrasion, moisture, and repeated handling, making them suitable for long-term corporate gifts and asset identification.

What materials can be laser engraved?

Metals, woods, plastics, leather, acrylic, glass, and coated ceramics can be laser engraved, depending on wavelength and power.

What determines engraving depth?

Engraving depth is determined by how much energy the laser delivers to the surface and how the material responds to heat. In practice, depth depends on the fluence (energy per area), the number of passes, pulse duration, and the thermal properties of the material.

Quick takeaway: Engraving depth depends on laser energy and material response, and most corporate products fall between 10–200 µm of engraved depth.

Is laser engraving safe?

Laser engraving is safe when the equipment is properly enclosed, operators use the correct protective eyewear, and the system has proper fume extraction. Commercial engravers follow established laser-safety standards.

Quick takeaway: Laser engraving is very safe when performed with enclosed equipment, proper filtration, and approved materials.

Can laser engraving damage materials?

Laser engraving can damage materials if the power is too high, the speed is too slow, or the laser is out of focus. Overheating can cause melting, burning, discoloration, or cracking depending on the material.

Quick takeaway: Laser engraving only damages materials when settings are incorrect, and professional operators prevent this with testing and proper controls.

Can laser engraving damage materials?

Laser engraving can damage materials if the power is too high, the speed is too slow, or the laser is out of focus. Overheating can cause melting, burning, discoloration, or cracking depending on the material.

How accurate is laser engraving?

Laser engraving is highly accurate, typically within ±25 micrometers (±0.001 in) on well-calibrated systems. This allows clean small text, detailed logos, and precise alignment on promotional products.

What is the laser engraving process?

The laser engraving process uses a focused beam to remove microscopic layers of material, creating a permanent mark. It typically includes artwork preparation, material setup, focusing, test engraving, final engraving, and inspection, ensuring clean, durable branding on corporate gifts and promotional products.

How do you convert an image to laser engraving

To convert an image for laser engraving, designers convert the artwork into a high-contrast vector or raster file, adjust brightness and contrast, and apply grayscale or dithering for shading. The optimized file is then imported into engraving software such as LightBurn, Illustrator, or CorelDRAW.

What is the lifespan of a laser engraver?

A laser engraver typically lasts 10–15 years, depending on usage and maintenance. CO₂ glass tubes last 2,000–10,000 hours, RF CO₂ tubes 20,000–30,000 hours, and fiber laser sources 50,000–100,000 hours, making them the most durable for high-volume industrial or promotional-product engraving.

What will a 100W CO2 laser cut?

A 100W CO₂ laser cuts non-metal materials such as acrylic (up to ~10–15 mm), plywood/MDF (6–9 mm), leather (3–5 mm), paper, cardboard, and rubber. It cannot cut metal, though it can mark certain metals with a specialized marking compound.

Which lasts longer, laser or inkjet?

Laser engraving lasts longer because it physically removes or alters the material, creating a mark that resists wear, abrasion, and UV exposure. Inkjet printing sits on the surface and can fade or rub off over time, especially on high-touch promotional products.

How thick can a 3000W laser cut?

A 3000W fiber laser typically cuts mild steel up to ~1 in (25 mm), stainless steel ~0.4–0.6 in (10–16 mm), and aluminum ~0.3–0.5 in (8–12 mm), depending on gas type, material quality, and machine calibration. Higher quality requires slower speeds and optimized assist-gas settings.

Custom laser engraving services for corporate gifts

Custom laser engraving services like ours at GiftAFeeling provide high-contrast, permanent branding on products such as bottles, pens, tech accessories, awards, and executive gifts. Companies can engrave logos, names, serial numbers, and variable data at scale, ensuring consistent and durable branding for employee programs, events, and client gifting.