The aim of Laser Engraving is to engrave a specific picture or logo onto a selected material.  It is a subtractive manufacturing method. However, before the actual engraving process can begin, the machine needs a file sent from a computer to the machine’s controller, which then positions the laser. When the Laser Engraving process starts, the beam creates a high heat that burns or evaporates the surface according to the image from the file. Two different forms should be distinguished: line engraving and surface engraving. While the first one uses vector images to follow paths or lines, the second vaporizes the material to create an image into the material or give the design a 3D-like impression. 

 

What type of file do you need for Laser Engraving? Laser Engraving systems can not read any 3D files like .stl. So you have to use formats like jpg, pdf, png, or ai that are 2D files. The model contained in the file will be converted into dots and the distance between them determines how deep the engraving will be. 

 

Laser Marking compared to Laser Engraving

 

Laser Marking is different from Laser Engraving and Laser Etching as it does not vaporize part of the material and therefore does not change the surface of the piece. Laser Marking uses a beam with low power to work with the material, which causes oxidation, and the material turns black. Due to this reason, Laser Marking is sometimes also described as Laser Dark Marking. In the end, this method produces an image with high contrast, which is permanent. 

 

Usually, Laser Marking and Laser Etching are used to produce text or logos onto a material part.