If you own both a 3D printer and a desktop laser engraver, have you ever thought about trying laser engraving 3D prints? The good news is—you absolutely can, right at home, using a laser engraver machine. This process brings extra creativity to your 3D-printed parts. With 3D laser engraving, you can add unique designs, realistic textures, and even experiment with engraving on different types of materials.
What is 3D Printing?
In simple terms, 3D printing is the process of turning a digital design into a physical object. Unlike traditional methods such as cutting or milling, 3D printing builds up the object layer by layer—almost like stacking building blocks, but with the help of a machine.
What makes 3D printing so attractive is its low barrier to entry and high level of creativity. With just a desktop 3D printer and a computer, you can turn downloaded designs—or your own creations—into real, usable items. Many hobbyists use 3D printing to make small tools, decorative pieces, figurines, or even replacement parts for things around the house.
How Does 3D Printing Work?
For home users, the two most common 3D printing methods are:
- FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling): Plastic filament is heated, melted, and deposited layer by layer. This is the most common and cost-effective method, perfect for beginners.
- SLA (Stereolithography): A laser cures liquid resin step by step, creating highly detailed prints. This method is ideal for projects that demand smooth surfaces and fine details.
Because of its ease of use and declining costs, more and more people are bringing 3D printers into their homes. According to industry data:
• In 2023, the global 3D printing market exceeded $20 billion.
• By 2030, it is expected to surpass $88 billion.
• The average annual growth rate is projected to be over 17%.
3D Printing Materials for Laser Engraving
When combining 3D printing and laser engraving, choosing the right material is crucial. PLA and PETG are the most recommended options. They are stable to print with, easy to work with, and pair very well with plastic laser engraving.
Other materials like ABS, polycarbonate (PC), and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) can also be used. In most cases, colored plastics produce the best engraving results, as the engraved patterns show stronger contrast and finer details.
For beginners, it’s best to start with PLA or PETG, then gradually explore other materials. This way, you’ll achieve higher success rates while still getting satisfying results from your laser engraving 3D prints.
Feasibility of Laser Engraving with 3D Printing
If 3D printing helps “bring ideas to life,” then a desktop laser engraver takes those creations to the next level. While the technology may sound complex, the principle is actually simple: the machine emits a high-energy laser beam that vaporizes or changes the surface of the material, leaving behind clean patterns, text, or textures.
The greatest value of a desktop laser engraver lies in personalization. For example, some makers use laser engraving 3D prints to add custom textures to a phone case, while others engrave wooden crafts, keychains, or personalized gifts.
Another big advantage is accessibility. A desktop laser engraving machine is much more affordable than industrial-grade equipment, and its compact size makes it ideal for home studios or small maker spaces. Many models even support plug-and-play operation—just connect to your computer, upload your design, and start engraving.
Of course, safety is just as important. Always use certified equipment, ensure proper ventilation, and wear protective gear to avoid the risks of fumes.
Safety and Precautions
Just like 3D printing, laser engraving also requires attention to safety:
• Wear laser safety goggles when operating the machine.
• Ensure proper ventilation to avoid inhaling fumes. Since most 3D printing filaments are plastics, plastic laser engraving can produce unpleasant odors.
• Keep flammable materials out of the work area.
• Test your settings on a sample piece before applying them to the final work.
Choosing the Right Laser for Engraving
The most common laser types are fiber, diode, CO₂, and UV. All four can be used for plastic laser engraving, but due to their different principles and working conditions, the diode laser is generally the most recommended option:
| Laser Type | Wavelength Range | Suitable Materials | Features & Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Diode Laser | 450–455nm | PLA, PETG, ABS, and common plastics | Best entry-level choice, affordable, ideal for beginners and small projects. |
| CO₂ Laser | 10.6μm | Wood, acrylic, some plastics | Excellent for non-metal materials, fast speed, mid-to-high price range. |
| Fiber Laser | 1064nm | Metals, engineering plastics (e.g., PC, nylon) | High precision, capable of high-contrast results, not suitable for all plastics. |
| UV Laser | 355nm | Most plastics (including transparent and light-colored materials) | Short wavelength, allows for detailed engraving on almost all plastics, higher price. |
If you already own a fiber laser, it’s best to use low power and high speed settings when engraving plastics. For example, with a 20W fiber laser, recommended parameters are 20–30% power and 2000–3000 mm/s speed. This minimizes heat damage since plastics are highly sensitive to temperature.
In short, the best laser depends on your specific needs and budget. Whether you’re focused on laser engraving 3D prints for personal projects or experimenting with different materials, choosing the right laser will help you achieve better results with 3D laser engraving.
Convert a 3D Printer into a Laser Engraver
Some 3D printer users want laser engraving but don’t want to buy a separate machine. Since a desktop laser engraver is usually more expensive, they look for ways to add a laser head to their printer. Tutorials online suggest steps such as:
• Buying a compatible laser diode.
• Removing the hotend and fan.
• Installing the laser module and power.
• Adjusting focus.
• Using slicing software to set laser parameters.
Related Reading: Convert 3D Printer to Laser Engraver
That said, this process is complicated and risky, and may damage your printer. Unless necessary, it’s better to buy a diode laser engraver for safe and reliable laser engraving 3D prints and plastic laser engraving.
Laser Engraving 3D Printed Parts
Engraving on 3D printed parts is not as complicated as it may seem—the process is almost the same as plastic laser engraving.
Preparation
Make sure the 3D-printed surface is smooth and flat. Always print an extra test piece to find the right power and speed before engraving the actual model. For curved parts, use a heat-resistant padding. For rotary engraving, you’ll need a rotary attachment.
File Design
LightBurn is the go-to software for laser engraving enthusiasts. It offers better compatibility and usability compared to most custom programs. Since most 3D printing materials are plastics, engraving is usually applied to simple designs like logos, text, or basic cutouts.
• For simple patterns: import a vector file, set the size, and engrave.
• For advanced designs: use LightBurn’s right panel to adjust fill, layers, and other details.
Engraving Process
Choose non-white materials for best results. Place the part flat in the work area, use the red-light preview to check size and position, then set parameters. Example (20W laser):
| Operation | Laser Type | Power | Speed | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engraving | Fiber | 20% | 1000 mm/s | 20 kHz |
| Cutting (5mm) | Blue Diode | 60~80% | 800mm/s | 20kHz |
Applications
While 3D printing creates objects from scratch, laser engraving 3D prints adds detail and customization:
1. Logos, trademarks, and surface decoration – engraving designs that printing alone can’t achieve.
（pic from Batch Studio）
2. Keychains and tags – cutting and engraving 2–3mm plastic sheets; engraving names, QR codes, or custom patterns.
3. Everyday items – adding textures or decorations on phone cases, stands, or storage boxes.
（pic from Batch Studio）
Conclusion
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced maker, combining 3D printing and 3D laser engraving opens up endless possibilities. 3D printing brings ideas into reality, while laser engraving adds fine details, texture, and personalization. From custom gifts to prototypes, from education to small-batch production, this combination shows incredible flexibility and creative potential.
