TL;DR:
Laser cutting and engraving beginners often make avoidable mistakes that impact safety and results. From wrong settings to overlooked protocols, knowing what to watch out for can save time and materials. Choosing the right machine and preparation methods is key for successful laser projects.
- Double-check everything before engraving.
- Always reset settings and choose correct ones for each material.
- Prepare materials properly, especially wood and metals.
- Follow all safety protocols without compromise.
- Choose the right laser cutter for your specific needs.
- AP Lazer offers versatile, high-quality engravers for various applications.
Whether you call it an engraver or a cutter, laser machines are one of the most versatile machines out there with an impressive ROI. Even better, today’s laser cutting machines can handle a wide range of materials while remaining user-friendly. Whether you plan to engrave metal, wood, or leather, avoiding these common mistakes will keep you safe and deliver the best results.
Continue reading to learn where most folks go wrong in laser engraving and cutting—and how to avoid those errors.
Common Beginner Mistakes When Engraving with a Laser Cutter
We’ve all done it multiple times: scrapping important projects because of a mistake. Thankfully, most of these accidents are easily avoidable with some forethought and know-how. Let’s get into it.
Silly Mistakes
Names and dates are small details but getting them right is crucial. Double check before engraving anything—and if you make these mistakes, be grateful you’re not a tattoo artist!
Incorrect Settings
Resetting the laser to “zero” between projects is crucial. So is using the right settings for the material you’re engraving.
Low-Resolution Images
Laser engravers are better than ever before, but they can only engrave the images we give them. If a photo or graphic is low-resolution or low quality, the engraving will be, too.
Incorrectly Preparing Materials
We highly recommend following standard protocols for preparing materials for engraving. Certain metals need marking solutions, and no two types of wood engrave the same way. Learn your materials and your machines well and follow guidelines for preparation.
Burning Materials
Wood is a scorcher, but it’s not the only material that can burn under incorrect settings. Smoke stains and burn marks will mar your products. Be sure to double check your settings before beginning a project.
Not Following Safety Protocols
Today’s laser machines are so efficient that you have no reason to cut corners. Always follow all safety protocols for your laser engraver.
Choosing the Wrong Laser Cutter Engraver
All laser engravers are not created equal, and selecting the right machine makes a massive impact on your results. Prepare before purchase by learning what engravers are best for the projects you hope to create.
FAQs About Laser Cutting and Engraving
What must you never try and cut on the laser cutters?
Laser cutters can engrave almost any material if it doesn’t contain certain unsafe chemicals. Just be sure to follow all safety and preparation guidelines before beginning.
How do you fix laser engraving mistakes?
Depending on your design and its depth, you may be able to sand off the mistake or re-engrave over top of it. Otherwise, you may need to start over.
Do laser engravers need ventilation?
Absolutely—failure to properly ventilate can cause a dangerous or even fatal buildup of smoke and fumes.
Will laser engraving damage electronics?
Usually no damage will occur if the depth settings are correct.
What are the rules for laser cutters?
Always ventilate, always follow safety and preparation protocols, and always choose the correct machine.
Avoid Mistakes by Choosing the Best Laser Engraver & Cutter
Whether you’re looking for a CO2 laser machine or a fiber laser engraver, AP Lazer provides the best of both. We also offer an extraordinary hybrid dual-system model. Permanently mark any work area with our flexible, open architecture machines.
We offer premier high speed laser machines in a variety of powers and styles. We create our powerful, versatile laser machines to support your business growth.
AP Lazer provides precision-focused, CNC-controlled laser beams, a flexible open-architecture design, and incredible ongoing support. Our machines are ideal for projects of all kinds. They easily handle materials that conventional systems can’t. This makes them the ultimate in laser flexibility and adding a personal touch.
