There are 3 types of laser engraving: etching, deep laser engraving and laser ablation.
Laser etching causes a very slight depth of the material's surface to melt, and is mostly used for thin materials and smaller projects, such as etching designs into jewellery and the like.
Whereas deep laser engraving uses a similar process, but removes more layers of the material's surface to create a noticeable cavity within the material. The depth of the engraving can be controlled by the engineer.
Laser ablation is where layers are removed from the material to remove thin films from a material.
Laser engraving can be completed by both commercial users and also hobbyists. If you're looking to build a business or add a service to a business by offering laser engraving, then you'll most likely need a large laser engraver. There are plenty of these on the market, including those manufactured by Sisma Industrial Laser, Axis Laser, Trumpf and Woodman, to name a few. Of course, these manufacturers each have their own benefits and designs, so it's important to do your own research to find the right machine for your needs.
There are also much smaller, desktop-size laser engravers available for the keen hobbyist. These are ideal for engraving logos and small designs onto pieces of wood, such as coasters, or other materials.
It's also important to note, if you are a hobbyist looking to do some engraving, make sure you don't mistake a laser marker for a laser engraver, as this is a very different machine and won't provide the same results as an engraver.
