Choosing the right laser etching/engraving machine for stones and memorials is crucial in offering jaw-opening laser etching works with high resolution and high speed, allowing you to engrave stone with precision and create lasting tributes. Whether engraving granite headstones, grass markers, statues, or significant monuments, AP Lazer’s patented open-architecture design allows you to engrave with precision, speed, efficiency, and flexibility.
AP Lazer® Open Architecture laser machine available in multiple configurations.
Traditionally, engraving heavy granite requires leveling the stone to the laser’s focus plane, ensuring the laser stays perfectly focused at every point. This means adjusting all four corners of a 1,000 to 5,000 lb stone to 1/100” precision—a slow and labor-intensive process.
AP Lazer® SN4836LR in low rider mode—precision meets versatility!
However, with AP Lazer® SN4838LR, the master stone engraving machine, the machine can move down with precision CNC control to reach the stone surface precisely. And the four corner levelers can adjust the machine level easily.
Here’s how to pick the perfect machine for your business.
1. Consider Your Etching Needs
Different memorial products require different machine sizes. Before making a decision, consider:
What materials will you engrave, such as granite stone?
(Granite, marble, stone, etc.). If you only plan to etch granite stone, marble, or slate, a 30W CO2 laser etching machine is the minimum. But suppose you also want to engrave tumblers, cut wood, or acrylic, diversify your business from headstone business to a wide range of markets, or diversify from another market to a memorial market. You may consider choosing a 90W to 100W laser machine in that case.
What size of memorials will you work on?
You may need the speed to use the engraving area for large-size memorials. All laser machines have specifications on speed and engraving area. It is best to choose a larger size of the laser engraving area for large-size memorials. For today’s market, borderless engraving and large group family photos or family photo montages are leading trends that render the highest profit and customer satisfaction.
Full-size family photo beautifully laser-etched with precision.
How frequently will you perform laser engraving?
For daily production with more than 5 memorials production rates, your stone engraving equipment may need to be set up for automation and workflow. It has fast speed, a large engraving area, and a conveyor system to handle the automation.
Types of Memorial Stones
Memorial stones come in various types, each offering unique characteristics that make them suitable for engraving. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right material for your projects.
Granite: Granite is a popular choice for memorial stones due to its exceptional durability and aesthetic appeal. Its hard surface allows for detailed and long-lasting engravings, making it ideal for headstones and monuments. Granite’s natural beauty and variety of colors add a timeless elegance to any memorial.
Marble: Known for its elegant appearance, marble is a metamorphic rock that can be engraved with intricate designs. Its smooth surface and fine grain make it perfect for detailed work, although it is slightly softer than granite. Marble memorials exude a classic and refined look, often chosen for their sophisticated finish.
Slate: Slate is a dense, fine-grained rock that offers a dark, rich color, providing a striking contrast for engravings. Its ability to be engraved with crisp, clear text and images makes it a favored choice for memorial stones. Slate’s natural texture and durability ensure that the engravings remain sharp and legible over time.
Basalt: Basalt is a dark-colored rock known for its durability and ability to be engraved with intricate designs. Its robust nature makes it suitable for outdoor memorials that need to withstand the elements. Basalt’s deep color and fine texture allow for high-quality, detailed engravings that stand out beautifully.
2. Compare AP Lazer’s Top Memorial Etching Machines
AP Lazer offers a range of machines designed specifically for the memorial and monument industry. Below are three excellent options:
SN1812LR – Compact & Affordable for Portrait & Spot Etching
Etching Area: 18” x 12”
Speed: 30 inches per second
Resolution: 300 DPI for crisp, high-resolution images
Investment: $9,995 (or $245/month)
Best For: Small grass markers, plaques, and statues
The SN1812LR is AP Lazer’s smallest entry-level stone engraving machine, designed for precision and affordability. Equipped with a 30W CO2 laser, this granite engraving equipment delivers exceptional beam quality, allowing for fine, detailed etching of photos up to 300 DPI resolution.
While small, this headstone engraver produces strikingly lifelike images with high contrast, making it perfect for memorial portraits. Today’s trend leans toward large, highly visible photo-engravings on tall monuments. Engraving 9”x12” to 12”x18” portraits ensures a wow factor, making headstones stand out with stunning clarity and detail.
It is also a great small machine for spot etching. If you could break the design into elements of smaller areas, you can use SN1812LR to do it. This machine is also ideal for creating detailed memorial plaques, ensuring high-quality and durable engravings.
The SN1812LR offers unmatched precision and reliability in a compact, cost-effective design for businesses looking to enter the stone engraving equipment market.
With this fast and quiet portrait etching machine, one large portrait per month covers the cost of ownership.
SN2616LR – Versatile for Single-Stone Laser Engraving Machine
Etching Area: 26” x 16”
Speed: 30 inches per second
Resolution: 300 DPI
Investment:****$15,995 (or $399/month)
Best For: Grass markers, SERP tops, statues, and single-stone etching
This machine is perfect for funeral homes, monument makers, and engraving businesses looking to expand their offerings.
Large portrait plus photo montage is also popular for grass markers, which is the most popular headstone in the North American market with 24”x12” in size. SN2616LR is just perfect for this size. Many single stones are below 30” in length and can also be engraved with SN2616LR. Its features make it perfect for precise and efficient engraving work on various materials.
One business model is to package 5 photos plus letters on a grass marker, which retails at $3,500.
SN4836LR – Large Scale for Full Monument Etching
The AP Lazer SN4836LR etching machine in action—precision laser engraving on granite memorials with an innovative open-architecture design.
Etching Area: 48” x 36”
Speed: 50 inches per second
Resolution: 300 DPI
Investment: $39,995 (or $989/month)
Best For: Full-size monuments, large headstones, and high-volume production.
The SN4836LR is a powerful stone laser engraving machine, capable of handling large-scale projects with precision and efficiency.
For those wanting to tap into the growing funeral and memorial market, this machine is a game-changer for high-detail, large-scale engraving. Large-size memorials are for high- and middle-class families, so the profitability is the highest and, therefore, your ROI (return on investment).
Advantages of the AP Lazer SN4836LR
High-powered 100W CO2 Laser stone engraving equipment – Delivers deep, precise engraving on a wide range of materials.
Large Engraving Area (48” x 36”) – Perfect for granite memorials, signage, and large woodworking projects.
Versatile Material Compatibility – Engraves granite, clay bricks, wood, acrylic, and more.
Cuts Thick Wood & Acrylics – Expands possibilities for custom woodworking, signage, and large-format projects.
Equipped with a high-quality laser tube – Ensures consistent performance and long service life.
Melts Sand into Glass on Clay Bricks – Creates unique, permanent engravings for bricks and architectural applications.
Open-Architecture Design – Easily accommodates large and heavy objects without size limitations.
Ideal for Public Memorial Projects – Attracts high-visibility commissions that generate the best word-of-mouth marketing.
Fast & Quiet Operation – Ensures efficient production with crisp 300 DPI resolution.
Expands Business Potential – Enables entry into sign-making, woodworking, and large-scale customization markets.
Turnkey Solution – Comes with design software, training, and full support for a smooth startup.
The SN4836LR is more than a laser etcher—it’s an opportunity to expand into new industries, attract high-value clients, and create stunning, lasting works of art.
3. Key Features to Consider
When selecting a laser engraving machine for memorial stones, several key features can significantly impact your engraving work’s quality and efficiency. Here are the essential aspects to consider:
Laser Power: The laser power of your engraving machine determines how quickly and deeply it can engrave. Higher laser power allows for faster engraving and the ability to create more intricate designs. For stone engraving, a machine with at least 90W to 100W CO2 laser power is recommended to achieve high-quality results.
Engraving Speed: A faster engraving speed translates to more efficient production, reducing labor costs and increasing output. Look for a machine that offers high-speed engraving without compromising on detail and precision. This is particularly important for businesses with high-volume production needs.
Material Compatibility: Ensure that the laser engraving machine you choose is compatible with a variety of memorial stone materials, including granite, marble, slate, and basalt. Versatile material compatibility allows you to expand your offerings and cater to different customer preferences.
Ease of Operation: A user-friendly interface and minimal training requirements are crucial for efficient operation. Machines with automated features, such as automatic focusing and engraving, can further simplify the process, making it easier for operators to achieve consistent, high-quality results.
Maintenance Costs: Opt for a laser engraving machine with a long service life and minimal maintenance requirements. This reduces downtime and repair costs, ensuring that your machine remains productive and cost-effective over time. High-quality components and robust construction contribute to the machine’s longevity and reliability.
Ease of Operation
Ease of operation is a critical factor when selecting a laser engraving machine for memorial stones. A machine that is straightforward to use can significantly reduce labor costs and improve overall efficiency. Here are some features to look for:
User-Friendly Interface: A machine with an intuitive interface makes it easier for operators to navigate and control the engraving process. Look for features like touchscreens, clear menus, and easy-to-understand controls that simplify operation.
Minimal Training Required: Choose a machine that requires minimal training to operate effectively. This not only reduces the time and cost associated with training new staff but also ensures that your team can quickly become proficient in using the machine.
Automated Features: Machines with automated features, such as automatic focusing and engraving, can further streamline the process. These features help maintain consistent quality and reduce the likelihood of errors, making the engraving process more efficient and reliable.
4. Utilize Free SNAP Design Services
No Time for Design? We’ve Got You Covered!
With your AP Lazer purchase, you’ll receive 3 months of free SNAP Laser Design Service Subscription. Our expert laser artists create stunning, high-quality designs quickly and efficiently for your customers. You approve the file and press ‘Start’—no design skills required.
AP Lazer’s SNAP Design Service makes granite production faster and stress-free with:
Free access to laser scenes & design elements
Quick 2-day turnaround
Up to 25 hours of professional design time
This means you can focus on creating meaningful tributes while AP Lazer’s experts handle the design work.
5. Benefits of Laser Engraving
Laser engraving offers numerous benefits for creating memorial stones, making it a preferred method for many businesses. Here are some of the key advantages:
High-Quality Engravings: Laser engraving produces high-quality engravings with crisp, clear text and images. The precision of laser technology ensures that even the most intricate designs are rendered with exceptional detail and accuracy.
Speed and Efficiency: Laser engraving is a fast and efficient process, allowing for rapid production and reduced labor costs. This high-speed capability is particularly beneficial for businesses with high-volume orders, enabling them to meet customer demands promptly.
Flexibility: Laser engraving can be used on a variety of memorial stone materials, including granite, marble, slate, and basalt. This versatility allows businesses to offer a wide range of products and cater to diverse customer preferences.
Competitive Price: Laser engraving machines are available at a competitive price, making them an affordable option for businesses and individuals. The initial investment is often offset by the machine’s efficiency and the high-quality results it produces.
Long Service Life: Laser engraving machines are designed for long service life, reducing downtime and repair costs. High-quality components and robust construction ensure that the machines remain reliable and productive over time, providing a good return on investment.
By considering these benefits, businesses can make an informed decision about incorporating laser engraving into their operations, ultimately enhancing their ability to create meaningful and lasting memorials.
4. Factor in Support & Training
AP Lazer is more than just a machine provider—it’s a business partner. When choosing a laser etching machine, look for:
Comprehensive training to get started quickly
24/7 technical support to keep your business running
Marketing guidance to help grow your clientele.
Final Thoughts
Consider Your Etching Needs:
Choosing the right memorial laser etching machine depends on your business vision, production needs, and the monument sizes you plan to engrave. Whether starting small with the SN1812LR, expanding with the SN2616LR, or scaling up to full-size monuments with the SN4836LR, AP Lazer has the perfect solution to help you create timeless, heartfelt tributes. A high-quality tombstone engraving machine ensures that even the most intricate designs are rendered with exceptional detail and accuracy.
As cremation rates continue to rise, families redirect savings toward high-resolution, photo-quality memorials—seeking deeply personal, lasting tributes to honor their loved ones. This growing demand presents a lucrative opportunity for businesses ready to offer custom, emotionally meaningful engravings.
Now is the time to elevate your memorial business! Explore AP Lazer’s machines and create memorials that leave a lasting legacy.
