Question 1

What are some tips and tricks while engraving?

Accepted Answer

Prepare your design, measurements, and materials, choose the correct optics, use compressed air, and clean your machine frequently. Be extremely gentle when cleaning the laser head and reflective mirrors.

Question 2

How do I laser engrave safely?

Accepted Answer

Primarily, always use personal protective equipment such as ANSI-approved laser safety glasses. Never use materials such as Kevlar, PVC, and materials containing chlorine, as they release gases that will cause permanent damage to the metals and harm to the user. Proper ventilation is required when working with materials such as wood due to the release of noxious fumes, smoke, or carbon monoxide. Finally, we recommend using air assist and exhaust at all times.

Question 3

How much does a laser engraver cost?

Accepted Answer

Depending on size, wattage, and other features, a laser wood engraving machine can cost anywhere from $400.00-20,000.00, on average. Here at OMTech, our machines range from $389.99 (40W CO2 Desktop) to $3,349.99 (30W Fiber Laser).

Question 4

What can you engrave with a laser engraver?

Accepted Answer

Our desktop and cabinet lasers can engrave materials such as wood, glass, leather, acrylic, paper, and cardboard. Our fiber lasers are designed to engrave metal and non-metal materials like hard plastics.

Question 5

How do I maintain my laser engraver and keep parts from breaking?

Accepted Answer

We recommend gently cleaning optics after every use, using optical cleaning solutions on mirrors, and cleansing your machine externally on a regular basis.

Question 6

What graphic design programs work best for laser engravers?

Accepted Answer

We suggest installing programs such as LightBurn and CorelDRAW when designing side-by-side with an OMTech machine. Other software to use are Adobe Illustrator and Inkscape.

Question 7

What is the difference between desktop lasers, cabinet lasers, and fiber markers?

Accepted Answer

Desktop lasers are often used for small-scale operations like arts & crafts and hobbyist projects, whereas cabinet laser engravers are for large-scale ventures performed by various business industries. Both are capable of engraving applications such as wood, glass, leather, and acrylic. That being said, metal materials and hard plastics are suitable for fiber markers. Fiber markers are more powerful and engrave quicker than desktop and cabinet lasers by concentrating the laser beam into a thinner point.

Question 8

What materials are not suitable for laser engraving?

Accepted Answer

Materials that should not be laser engraved with our machines are leather containing chromium, carbon fibers, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl butyral. Polytetrafluoroethylene, beryllium oxide, and any materials containing halogens, epoxy, or phenolic resins.