Laser cutting materials are used by a laser cutting machine in the production process. Since lasers are specialized machines they can only be used to cut certain types of materials.

Examples of materials that can be cut with a laser cutting machine are: Wood sheets, paper, card, clear cast acrylic, acrylic sheets, styrene, abs, polypropylene and other types of plastics. Depending on the material, there is usually no limit to the thinness of the material to be cut. However laser cutting is restricted when it comes to cutting very thick materials. But this can come down to the availability of equipment used by the manufacturer.

With regards to engraving a much broader range of materials can be etched upon. Examples include: Ceramic, glass, mirrors and aluminium. Etching can be done more easily and on more materials due to the fact the laser does not need to be as powerful. This

Engraving is a process of the art of etching, cutting, or carving a design or mark with an engraving equipment onto a metal such as steel or non-metal like plastic. The engraving equipments are typically pushed into the metal plate in order to produce cut & design of the marking. The deeper the marking or design penetrates into the material, the wider the line becomes. The link between the engraving width and dipping depth is determined by the top-angle of the tool. Result could be a decorative design or mark in itself, as when gold or silver are engraved, or may offer an intaglio plate whenever copper is engraved or a relief print-block when wood is engraved.

Different engraving-machines exist to work through diverse methods of marking or on different materials. You can find a complete line of high-quality engraving machines for sale at prices that cannot be beat. Engraving machines are available in a broad range of product types, brands and versions to meet the client’s needs. There are several different business applications for engraving machines. The machines will satisfy all possible engraving needs – from those just beginning an engraving business, to professionals having their own sign or gift shops – there is always an engraver for a wide-range of clients. Typically, if you manufacture or work with materials such as all metals types, glass, wood, crystal, plastic & acrylic, ceramics, rubber or cardboard, you might be able to gain from the use of these machine types. Materials that can be engraved include gemstones, wood, metal, plastic, leather and stone. (more…)

Engraving is a highly skilled profession, requiring a great amount of dexterity and ability in order to create detailed engravings. Of course, machines and computers arguably take out some of the raw skill required to engrave. But there still remains many manual engravers that hold true to traditional ways.

For traditional engravers the tools used are somewhat different to that of an engraver that uses a computer. For example, to manually engrave accurately a variety of hand chisels and a steady jig are necessary tools. Whereas an engraver who uses a computer controlled engraver may not even need a hand chisel. Instead relying on the engraving machines cutters to do most, if not all of the cutting and finishing.

However, there are tools that both manual and computer engravers make use of. A vacuum to clean away dust and excess debris, and a way of lubricating the engraving are both widely used by engravers in the very same way.

Many stonemasons create beautiful and informative engravings, which are made in such a way that they compliment the object that they are engraved on. Examples of this can be seen in  a number of instances in everyday life. Most commonly the stone inscriptions that feature on headstones to commemorate the life and death of those who have passed on. There are also other examples such as foundation stones for buildings and memorials that feature decorative stone engravings.

Creating stone engravings and inscriptions takes a great deal of skill. This is due to the hardness of stone which is naturally difficult to manipulate. However, using traditional techniques and tools to work with the stone, such as lettering chisels, points, mallets and toothed hammers, as well as modern power tools, an experienced stone mason can create detailed and decorative engravings, regardless of the rigidness of the stone.

There are many ways to cut a diamond, and since they are so high in value, the craftsmanship required for this precise task has maintained a high standard. Over the past 100 years the technology used to cut and engrave diamonds has developed to a point where lasers are now used to craft many modern diamonds.

The laser saw is one such technology that revolutionised diamond cutting when it was introduced in the 1930s. Laser equipment is far more accurate and time efficient compared to traditional methods such as manual sawing and cleaving.

The biggest advantage of laser cutting by far is its precision. One reason for this is that there is no cutting edge to wear down, and lasers are less likely to warp the diamond because the heat is confined to such a narrow space.

This method also causes less friction on the stone, it is also safer. Efficiency is also an advantage, as less manual labour and higher speed technology means faster production is possible.

Nowadays smoking is an outdoor pursuit. So keeping your cigarettes and associated tobacco stored securely is close to a necessity.

Not only can a tobacco tin be used for storing tobacco though, it can be used to store rolling papers, matches or filters. This is especially useful for smokers who want to keep all of these things packaged together in a convenient way.

While the tins are highly functional, they can also be customised with an engraving. This can give a tobacco tin an extra level of personalisation. Any kind of message or image can be engraved onto a tin, which is great when giving them as gifts, either personally or professionally.

A common choice is to engrave some ones initials or full surname, and their date of birth. This gives the tin a truly personalised and thoughtful message. Which is popular between families, friends and loved ones.

Engraving is a process that utilises many tools and techniques in order to form a series of marks on a surface. Usually done for decorative purposes, engraving is a versatile method of crafting.

A hammer and chisel is a common tool used to make the distinctive marks in an engraving process.

Another tool used are pneumatic “gravers” or “burins”. These are typically not too expensive, and provide more stability and control.

A dremel with a carbide tungsten drill bit, can also be used

Bits and tips are also used for engraving. These are used in conjunction with handles and other tools.

There are many different shapes of tips or bits for engraving tools. The square “V” cut is one of the most versatile.

Unusually soft metals can be engraved with a mathematical compass or craft knife, but precision and a 3D appearance may be difficult to achieve.

A fantastic way to make the most out of a pot is to add an engraving to it. Almost any pot can be engraved, and doing so can add a personal and stylish touch to the pot.

One type of pot that works well with an engraving is an old pot that may be stylistically out of date, needing that newer touch.

Older, traditional pots can be found in markets and second hand stores. While their styling may not directly match newer home decorations, if it is engraved upon, it can have a visually striking effect.

A great example of this is to use medium to large, inexpensive, Greek or Versailles styled pot (it doesn’t have to be an original), then to add a modern engraving to it. This could be a word or image, but if its done in a stylish manner, it can transform an old object into something completely different.

Engraving is a traditional process which has been updated through technology to become a unique way of producing quality goods. Physical engravings add a tactile feeling to an object, whether personal or not, an engraved item has a certain potency to it.

There are many engraved products available, here is an overview of some examples.

Awards

Glass ornaments, metal cups, medals and shields are examples of engraved awards. Often engraved with a date, team and competitor name on them, along with the event awarded for.

Gifts

Tankards, Hip flasks and boxed pens are commonly offered as gifts at special events. A gift with an engraved message or a name adds a personal touch.

Jewellery

Rings, watches and bracelets are often engraved. Often offered as gifts to loved ones along with an initial or message.

Zippos

Zippo lighters are often engraved with an initial or name. This adds a personal touch to an item which is frequently carried around.

Laser wood engraving is much like printing an image on a printer. Using similar technology, the images you typically print to paper are created instead using a CO2 laser beam. The beam can engrave and cut a design on a wide variety of materials.

There are many types of laser wood engraving machines that can do this from desktop Zing Laser Series to top-of-the-line Fusion laser engraving systems, there is a laser engraver to etch any kind of product required.

Laser wood engraving machines typically have these specifications:

Laser: CO2 laser source, 30-120 watts

• Engraving Materials: Wood, acrylic, plastic, glass, leather, corian, fabric, coated metals, anodized aluminum, ceramics, mylar, pressboard and more.
• Cutting Materials: Wood, acrylic, plastic, delrin, cloth, leather, melamine, paper, rubber, veneer, cork and more.

Laser wood engraving is a modern take on a traditional etching technique. Retaining elements of old methods and combining them with modern functionality.