Wood laser engraving, one of the beginner-friendly laser engraving projects, can be both straightforward and challenging. Additionally, compared to other non-metallic materials such as leather and acrylic, wood is relatively inexpensive and easy to obtain. In this blog, we will walk through a wood laser engraving guide using the EM-Smart Dual SE, our newly launched dual-laser engraver.
Right Laser Sources for Woodworking
Wood for Laser Engraving and Cutting
Low-density woods (such as basswood and pine) are often the first choice for engravers due to their loose fiber structure and low thermal conductivity—the laser can penetrate the material quickly and achieve efficient cutting even at lower power. Resin-rich hardwoods (such as walnut and red sandalwood) offer another creative possibility: the resin undergoes a coking reaction at high temperatures of 200–300°C, giving the engraved areas a natural gradient from dark brown to black, almost like the wood’s own “ink,” which adds a rustic texture to wooden ornaments.
Steps for Laser Cutting Wood
For our EM-Smart Dual series, the first step is always machine connection. Make sure your computer interface matches the image below:
The word “Ready” indicates that your machine and computer are successfully connected. As mentioned earlier, you should choose either a CO₂ or diode laser for wood engraving. Unlike fiber laser engraving, which uses “mm/s” as the processing unit, diode lasers use “mm/min.” You can adjust this unit in the “Galvo and Basic Settings.”
Material Test
If you plan to engrave photos or intricate patterns, performing a material test before starting the actual engraving is recommended.
After clicking “Material Test,” you’ll see a detailed parameter screen. Set the X-axis to represent Speed and the Y-axis to represent Power—these are the two key parameters for laser engraving and cutting on wood. Assign an integer value to each parameter so you can easily determine the optimal settings for your final work.
Import Laser Cut Files
Import your laser cutter files from online sources or your computer, and adjust the engraving area size. As shown in the image below, this file contains three layers. If you only want to engrave one layer, toggle “Output” to off—the diode laser will skip that layer and process the rest. Clicking “Show” will hide the layer in the workspace, which is helpful when working with multi-layer complex designs.
Note that intricate patterns are not ideal for very small engraving areas (e.g., 30×30 mm), as both diode and CO₂ lasers use thermal energy, which can lead to excessive charring or even ignition. For laser cutting, be sure to select “Run Continuously” or set the number of passes.
Recommended Parameters (20W Diode Laser):
|
Parameters |
Speed |
Power |
Frequency |
Material |
|
Laser Engrave |
6000mm/min |
80% |
20kHz |
40*40*1.5mm |
|
Laser Cut |
6000mm/min |
100% |
20kHz |
40*40*1.5mm |
Focusing
After setting your parameters, place the material on the workbed. Use the electric lift to adjust the height until the two focal points on the wood surface align completely—this indicates successful focusing. Precise focusing concentrates the laser energy for faster and cleaner cuts.
Start Engraving
Once everything is set up, put on your laser safety glasses and close the safety enclosure. Remember, the blue laser light is visible and can be harmful to your eyes. If you have any concerns during the process—for example, if the machine does not stop as expected—the EM-Smart Dual SE is equipped with an emergency stop button. Press it, and the machine will shut down immediately.
NEW EM-Smart Dual Laser Engraver
As our regular users, we upgrade the original Dual into EM-Smart Dual 2 and Dual SE. Dual 2 combines 30W MOPA with 20W Diode lasers, which are much more friendly for DIYers and small business owners. While Dual SE, our special guest on our blog, has 20W Fiber and 20W Diode with an absolutely friendly and affordable price.
Both of them get 0.001 mm laser accuracy and 300+ material compatibility. And Dual SE has 150*150mm work area with 150mm work height, made for crafters and studios. For wood engraving and cutting, 20W diode laser power is enough for almost wooden ornaments and decors.
Conclusion
Laser cut wood has a wide range of applications, providing unlimited possibilities for creativity and design. Whether it is a craft enthusiast or a small studio, you can use the laser key cutting machine, EM-Smart Dual desktop laser engraver to achieve efficient and accurate wood ornaments, improve production efficiency and product quality. It will help you turn ideas into reality and bring new breakthroughs and opportunities to your projects and business.
