Many people are curious about the capabilities of fiber laser engravers, especially when it comes to whether they can engrave on materials such as wood, leather, glass, plastic, and others. Before I conducted several experiments of my own, I didn't have a clear answer either. However, after diving into this topic, I can confidently share what I've learned. In short, a fiber laser can engrave on materials like metal, coated wood, ceramic, certain types of plastic, and slate.
To help you better understand how a fiber laser works with various materials, let’s break down the key aspects of its functionality and limitations with the "4 Ws". These will provide a comprehensive overview of the different materials fiber lasers can and cannot engrave.
Part 1: Why Glass Is Not Preferred for Fiber Laser Engraving
One of the first materials I tested was glass, but it quickly became apparent that fiber lasers aren't ideal for engraving this material. Glass is known for being brittle and transparent, making it a poor match for the properties of fiber lasers.
The main issue lies in how a fiber laser interacts with glass. Fiber lasers emit light at a wavelength of 1064 nm, which is a specific frequency that works effectively with metals and certain plastics. However, glass does not absorb this wavelength well, causing the laser's energy to dissipate inefficiently. Instead of engraving the material, the laser tends to cause microfractures on the glass surface, leading to cracks or breakage.
In an attempt to make it work, I lowered the laser’s power and increased the engraving speed. While this slightly improved the results, the glass still cracked due to the thermal shock from the laser’s concentrated energy. This demonstrated how poorly glass responds to fiber lasers, as it does not absorb the laser light effectively enough for proper engraving.
Professional training later revealed that glass’s low absorption efficiency for fiber lasers makes it difficult to achieve high-quality engravings without causing damage. Based on the successful results of my experiment with the EM-Smart Dual laser engraver on glass perfume bottles, it's clear that you can find an ideal laser engraver for glass engraving at EM-Smart.
Part 2: Why Fiber Lasers Work Well on Coated Wood
Coated wood is one material that truly benefits from the power of fiber lasers. While raw wood can be challenging to engrave with a fiber laser due to its poor absorption of the 1064 nm wavelength, adding a protective coating makes a significant difference. The coating on wood absorbs the fiber laser's light much more effectively, allowing the laser to engrave the surface without causing significant damage to the material underneath. Fiber lasers can create intricate designs, logos, and patterns on coated wood, making it a perfect material for customized products like signs, trophies, and decorative items.
Different types of coatings may respond differently to the laser. For example, lacquered coatings will produce smoother results with more detailed engravings, while painted coatings can leave more of a textured surface. This variation gives creators and manufacturers plenty of flexibility in designing and customizing the final product.
However, there are some considerations when working with coated wood. As the laser interacts with the coating, it often produces significant amounts of smoke and fumes, particularly if the coating is made from resin or paint. These fumes can obscure the engraving process and may be harmful to both the operator and the laser engraver over time. To optimize the process, air purifiers and proper ventilation are essential.
It’s also worth noting that the type of wood used under the coating can influence the final result. Hardwoods tend to engrave with more definition and contrast than softwoods, which may absorb more of the laser’s energy, making the engraving appear lighter or less detailed.
In short, when using fiber lasers on coated wood, you can achieve detailed, high-quality results—but it's crucial to maintain a safe working environment to ensure the best outcome.
Part 3: What Does “Certain Types of Plastic” Mean for Fiber Laser Engraving?
Plastic materials are tricky when it comes to fiber lasers. While some plastics are suitable for engraving, others can be hazardous due to the toxic gases they release when burned. This means that not all plastics are compatible with fiber lasers.
The term "certain types of plastic" refers to those that do not release harmful chemicals when engraved. Materials like acrylic and polycarbonate are good candidates for fiber laser engraving, as they produce clean, safe cuts and engravings. However, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) should be avoided, as it releases dangerous chlorine gas when lasered, which can damage the machine and pose serious health risks to the operator.
Aside from PVC, other plastics like ABS and polystyrene also pose challenges for fiber laser engraving. These materials can produce fumes that are not only hazardous but may also affect the engraver’s functionality. The fumes from certain plastics might leave residue on the internal components of the laser, potentially shortening the lifespan of the machine.
It’s also important to check the color of the plastic being engraved. Clear plastics or transparent materials can sometimes cause issues because the laser might pass through them without effectively engraving the surface. On the other hand, colored plastics tend to absorb more light, making them easier to engrave with fiber lasers.
When engraving plastics, always check the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure the material is compatible with a fiber laser. If you’re unsure about a particular plastic, conduct a small test on a sample piece first. This will help prevent accidents and ensure that the engraving process is both safe and effective.
Following the picture I’ve displayed here, this phone case was laser engraved by the EM-Smart Dual Laser Engraver. The case is made of PC (Polycarbonate), a type of plastic material.
Part 4: What Does It Mean to Engrave on Slate with a Fiber Laser?
Another material that works well with fiber lasers is slate. Slate is a natural stone, and like metal, it reacts well to the focused energy of a fiber laser. Fiber lasers can produce detailed engravings on slate, whether for decorative items, custom plaques, or other unique projects.
Unlike glass, which shatters under the influence of a fiber laser, slate has a much higher tolerance for thermal shock. The engraver’s focused energy creates a beautiful contrast between the stone’s dark surface and the light markings from the laser, making it a popular choice for personalizing gifts and home décor. Additionally, slate’s durability makes it ideal for engravings that need to stand the test of time, such as commemorative plaques or custom house signs.
Here is a slate engraving video for reference:
When working with slate, it’s important to adjust the laser’s focus and power settings to achieve optimal results. Too much power can cause the stone to crack, while insufficient power may lead to a less defined engraving. For the best results, start with a lower power setting and gradually increase it until you achieve the desired contrast.
Slate is a relatively durable material, and unlike glass, it is much better suited to handle the heat produced by fiber lasers. The engraving process on slate produces permanent, high-contrast markings that are perfect for creating personalized and artistic designs.
Part 5: Other Material Can a Fiber Laser Engrave on
While metals, coated wood, certain plastics, and slate are the most common materials for fiber lasers, there are several other materials that these machines can handle, albeit with varying degrees of success. Let’s take a quick look at a few other materials fiber lasers can engrave:
Ceramic
Fiber lasers can engrave certain types of ceramics, particularly those with a glossy finish. The laser creates a clean engraving, but care must be taken to avoid cracking the ceramic. Lower power and higher speed settings can help minimize the risk of breakage.
Anodized Aluminum
Fiber lasers work exceptionally well with anodized aluminum. The laser can remove the anodized layer to reveal the metal beneath, creating sharp, contrasting markings. This makes anodized aluminum popular in industries such as aerospace and automotive for part identification and branding.
Leather
While not as common, fiber lasers can engrave on certain types of leather, particularly those with a coated finish. The laser burns the leather’s surface, creating high-contrast designs, but special care should be taken to avoid excessive burning and charring.
Painted Metals
Fiber lasers are capable of engraving through painted surfaces, such as on powder-coated metals, to reveal the underlying material. This type of engraving is popular in industrial settings for creating durable markings on tools, machinery, and equipment.
In conclusion, fiber lasers offer exceptional precision and versatility when it comes to engraving a wide range of materials. While they excel at engraving metals, coated wood, and slate, they are less suited for materials like glass and some plastics. However, with the right knowledge of material properties and appropriate adjustments to the laser’s settings, fiber lasers can produce beautiful and lasting results on a variety of surfaces.
If you're considering purchasing a laser engraver, a fiber laser is an excellent choice for working with materials such as metal, coated wood, and slate. Just be sure to understand the material compatibility and take the necessary safety precautions when working with plastics and other potentially hazardous materials.
By exploring the possibilities of fiber laser engraving and gaining a better understanding of the materials you can work with, you can unlock a world of creative potential and elevate your projects to new heights.