Whether you’re a mompreneur looking to make money at home or a small business owner planning on providing customized creations, there is no question that owning a laser engraving machine unlocks endless possibilities. Exploring your new machine and its capabilities can be a fun part of the process, though when looking to maximize your machine’s capabilities, you might wonder, how deep can a laser engraver go?
At Aeon Laser Canada, we know that learning how to use your laser engraver can come with a bit of a learning curve. That’s why we are here to help you learn how to use your laser effectively and have a better understanding of what it is capable of. In this post, we dive into the different factors that can impact how deep a laser engraver can go and help you determine if your current laser is suitable for your intended use.
What Factors Impact Laser Engraving Depth?
There are many factors that can impact how deep a laser engraver can go. However, it is important to note that deeper isn’t always better. This is especially true for the first factor that you’ll need to consider, which is material type. Softer materials such as leather or fabric shouldn’t be used with deeper cuts, even if your machine is capable of it. Determining what you wish to laser engrave will help you know what type of laser is right for your needs. See What Materials Can I Cut or Engrave for possible materials to use with your Co2 Laser engraving machine.
The power of your laser will also play a significant role in determining how deep your engraver can cut. Generally, laser engravers range from 60 to 130 watts, with higher-powered machines being capable of producing deeper engraves. Keep in mind that in many cases, you won’t need to utilize deep engraving as even popular projects such as laser engraved Yeti mugs can be done with a desktop laser. The ideal tube size for engraving is typically 60-90 watts and of course if you want the extreme detail then an RF tube which is usually around 30-60 watts.
Is There an Ideal Depth for Laser Engraving?
If you’re looking to upgrade to a more powerful laser, you might wonder, is there an ideal depth for laser engraving? Though flat-out answers are convenient, there is no all-encompassing answer to this question. The ideal depth for laser engraving will mainly depend on the design, the material, and the intended use of the finished product. Knowing how deep to laser engrave can take some trial and error while you discover what helps you create your desired finished product.
Always keep in mind that deeper engravings take more time, energy, and resources. Getting the perfect finish can be a balance between precision and depth. For many projects, a shallow cut can work just fine. However, for increased accuracy and speed, upgrading to a more advanced laser, such as an Aeon Mira Series laser, could be a good idea.
Though your laser engraver might be able to go deep, the question you should be asking yourself is – how deep do you ‘really’ need to go? By knowing your intended material, understanding your machine, and having a clear vision for the end product, you can answer this question and use your laser engraver to its full potential. It is all about the look and feel of the material in most instances. For more help with discovering which laser engraver is right for you, contact the experts at Aeon Laser Canada.