5 Common Laser Engraving Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Are you new to the world of engraving? Do you wonder how to avoid common engraving mistakes?

There are many benefits of laser engraving technology and when done correctly, it can help your company in many ways. However, there are several mistakes that people often make when using it, which can either ruin the process or ruin your material.

With this in mind, read and understand this article about common laser engraving mistakes so that you can prevent making them in the future.

1. Incorrect Cutting Depth

Incorrect cutting depth is one of the most common laser engraving process mistakes. It is important to set the laser engraver to the correct depth for the material and the desired results. You can adjust depth settings with software, or manually with a ruler.

If too deep, too much material will be removed, resulting in scorching, warping, or delays. To avoid this issue, set the depth correctly, use the right power and speed settings, keep the material temperature in a safe range, and check the engraving after a few passes to ensure it is the correct depth. Make sure the material is secure in place and the lenses and mirrors are clean.

You can consider having a brick engraving machine to control and monitor the cutting depths by utilizing a series of sensors. These sensors detect and measure the thickness of the brick before, during, and after the engraving process.

2. Poor Burn Pattern

The effects of a poor burn pattern can range from a discolored surface to an incomplete engraving. There are a few steps that can be taken to avoid these issues. First, use the correct strength and speed settings on the laser engraver.

Check the cleanliness of the material surface before beginning the engraving process. A test piece should always be done before engraving on the actual material. Doing so will help identify any potential issues with the laser engraving.

3. Incorrect Alignment

Many times, images will be running off the page, have too much space around the images, or have too little. First, make sure to properly measure the desired area for engraving. This will ensure accuracy when you are creating the design.

Double-check the design on a physical or printed version of the material before you start engraving. This will give you a good indication of how the end product will look.

4. Low-Resolution Engravings

Low-resolution engravings are a common mistake when laser engraving. Low-resolution engravings lack detailed and precise edges in both texture and shape, giving them a “blocky” look. To prevent this mistake, use a vector image such as .ai or .eps as these are vector-based formats and can achieve a more precise resolution in comparison to using a bitmap file.

5. Inappropriate Locations

If a location is not suitable for laser engraving, the results can be disastrous. To avoid this type of mistake, it is important to assess the surface and materials before beginning the engraving process.

For instance, some surfaces–like wood and porous stone–are vulnerable to high heat, making them inappropriate for use in laser engraving. With metal, pay attention to the type of finish and ensure that there is minimal abrasion.

Watch Out for Common Laser Engraving Mistakes

Common laser engraving mistakes can be costly and time-consuming. To avoid these common mistakes, always use the proper materials, settings, and techniques.

If in doubt, consult an experienced engraver for the best results. Do your research and watch out. Start engraving now and unlock your creative potential!

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