5 Avoidable Mistakes of in Laser Engraving

Author: Steven Glassner

Utilizing heavy machinery demands its proper usage to avoid pitfalls. Whether a novice or an experienced engineer, it is important to learn how you can avoid common mistakes while operating heavy machinery like Laser engraving. It may harm its sensitive parts as not all the parts come with a great resistance power except for Mitsubishi spare parts and Fanuc spare parts.

When issues occur, you might end up just guessing what went wrong while using it. So, to help you we have come up with common mistakes you might be making.

  1. Using Wrong Fabrics

Using laser on a fabric which cannot withstand with it will end up burning. Research and understand which fabrics can combat high power settings during the process. Denim, leather, canvas can resist high power settings. When you use delicate fabrics, set your settings at high speed and gradually lower the power to 5%-10%. And to avoid wasting any material, test a small piece, in the beginning, to see if the fabric can withstand. Adjust the power until you get the results.

While attempting direct-to-garment engraving, lower the DPI (dots per inch). Engraving at a lower DPI will ensure the laser vaporizes the top layer and doesn’t burn entirely through the fabric. General engravings work best at 150 to 300 DPI.

2.Using the Wrong Acrylic

There are two types of acrylic used in laser engraving.

  1. Liquid Acrylic
  2. Extruded Acrylic

Liquid acrylic is best when producing cast acrylic sheets and objects. You pour it into the molds to set into various shapes and sizes. It is the perfect type of acrylic for engraving as it turns frosty white color while engraving. It won’t give your projects flame-polished edges on cutting it with the laser.

Another type of acrylic used for engraving is Extruded acrylic. A machine turns extruded acrylic in sheet format. And because of the high-volume manufacturing technique, it is less expensive. It cuts clean with smooth outputs and produces a flame-polished edge. And when used for engraving, it provides you with clear engraving. So, if you want a frosted white finish, do your engraving project with liquid acrylic.

3. Inconsistent Glass Engraving

While you are using laser engraving on glass, sometimes it does not get through it properly. As a result, it fractures the surface. Eventually, it will produce the fractured glass surface with a frosted appearance. Rough and chipped.

To avoid that and produce a smooth frosted finish, here are some tips to help you:

  • User lower resolution. Up to 300 DPI. As you separate the dots you are engraving, it will produce better results.
  • A DIY tip: Apply a thin, wet sheer of newspaper or a paper towel to the area to help with the heat dissipation. It improves the overall process. Make sure the paper you are applying is flat and not wrinkled.
  • You can also try changing the color black in your graphic to 80 percent black.
  • Polish the area with a non-scratch scouring pad.
  • User better laser parts. Mitsubishi spare parts, Fanuc spare parts will increase the efficiency of your machine.
  • Apply a thin layer of liquid dish soap in the area.

4. Not Getting Same Results while Wood Engraving

We see maximum engraving happening on the wood. It is one of the most laser-friendly materials available out there. As woods have different types, they might react differently to laser engraving. For example, if you make a large square from a piece of cherry, it would have a uniform appearance. If the same piece was made out of oak, it might vary in height with a non-uniform appearance.

  • To smoke and debris, try engraving from the bottom up.
  • Wipe off the surface of the wood with a damp cloth when engraving the stained wood.

5. Lack of Efficiency in the Engraver

When it comes to maintenance, it is important to clean the machine on a regular base. You get the manuals along with your machine. It is also important to inspect the optics on a weekly base when needed. Notice when your optics look smudgy. Because that’s when you have to clean them.

Conclusion

These are the most common mistakes you could be making. If you are a manufacturer, designer, or a layman, avoid these mistakes and increase the efficiency of your laser machine.