Laser engraving and laser cutting both use a focused beam, and both are common in manufacturing and in craft work. They do different jobs, though. This article explains the differences so you can pick the right one for a project.
What laser engraving is
Laser engraving uses a focused beam to make a design, pattern or text on the surface of a material. The beam's heat burns or vaporizes the top layer and leaves a permanent mark. How deep it goes depends on the settings and the material. Engraving does not cut through the part. It leaves a shallow mark.
It is the usual choice for fine detail: names and logos on wood, leather, glass, acrylic and other products, and identification such as serial numbers. A CO₂ laser cutter and engraver engraves nonmetals. For bare metal, a fiber laser is the right tool.
What laser cutting is
Laser cutting uses a stronger beam to cut completely through a material, so the beam melts, burns or vaporizes it along a path. The result is a clean, accurate edge. Cutters handle a wide range of materials and thicknesses: a CO₂ laser cuts nonmetals such as wood, acrylic and leather, and a fiber laser cuts metal.
Key differences
Purpose
Engraving marks or decorates a surface. Cutting separates a material to make parts and shapes from a larger sheet.
Depth
Engraving affects only the top layer and leaves the rest intact. Cutting goes all the way through and divides the material.
Precision
Both are accurate. Cutting can follow very fine and intricate outlines with tight tolerances. Engraving adds detail and texture to the surface.
Materials
A CO₂ laser engraves and cuts nonmetals, and a fiber laser engraves and cuts metals. Thickness is the limit on cutting. Engraving has no such limit, because it only marks the surface.
Speed
Cutting through a material generally takes longer than marking its surface, and cutting time grows with thickness.
Applications
Engraving is used for branding, labeling and decoration, for example gifts, awards and promotional items. Cutting is used in manufacturing and prototyping, and for parts that need to separate from the main material.
When to use each
Engraving. Use it when you need to mark or decorate a surface: trophies, plaques, personalized gifts, and serial numbers, barcodes or logos on products. It also suits materials that cannot take the heat of cutting.
Cutting. Use it when you need to separate material or make precise shapes: parts for manufacturing, custom patterns and prototypes.
Choosing
The right choice depends on the material and the job. Many projects use both: cut the part, then engrave it. A CO₂ machine such as the Ascent 130W cutter and engraver does both on nonmetals. For metal, look at a fiber laser cutter, such as the Ascent fiber laser cutter.
Ascent Lasers Pro sells machines for both kinds of work and installs them at your facility. Operator training is included in the price. Contact us to talk about your project.
