How to Prevent Burn Marks When Laser Engraving Wood?

If you have ever tried laser engraving wood, you might have noticed burn marks or some discoloration on the surface and edges of the object. It usually happens to almost every beginner who does not know how to avoid it.

The yellowish color and burn marks completely ruin the appearance of the engraved/cut object. Whatever you have created appears to be less attractive. The worst part is that you cannot easily get rid off the burn marks. Thus, prevention is necessary while using a laser cutter on wood.

In this article, we will discuss why burn marks and discoloration happens on wood and the ways to prevent it. 

What Causes Burning Marks During Laser Engraving or Cutting Wood?

The main cause of burn marks is the fumes produced during laser engraving/cutting. The fumes have dark particles that stick to the surface and edges of the wooden object. The yellow discoloration also happens because the temperature of the smoke is quite high. It changes the original color and turns it into yellow.

Thus, if you want to get rid of the burn stains, you need to take care of the smoke produced during laser engraving/cutting.

Ways to Prevent Burning When Laser Engraving and Cutting Wood

With the help of some tips and tricks, accessories, and adjustments, you can easily laser engrave wood without burning. Here are some of the effective ways:

1. Use Masking Tape

Before engraving wood, you can apply masking tape to it surface. Make sure the tape is even and fully contact with the wood surface. Try not to leave bubbles and overlap the tape because that will lead to inconsistent engraving. Peel it off after engraving and there won't be brown scorch marks around engraving. 

However, this only works for the surface. When laser cutting wood, the edges will always remain blackened.

2. Use Honeycomb Panel

If you have got burn marks on the back of the wood, then it is because of the smoke trapped underneath.

When the laser machine engraves or cuts the object, the smoke and fumes flow at the bottom of the object. Therefore, an appropriate panel is necessary to offer optimal exhaustion for the fumes.

The honeycomb panel is the best for this purpose. It accelerates the ventilation and also protects the table or the surface on which you are using the laser machine.

3. Use Air Assist

Air Assist is the key role player of laser machines. It gives a powerful air blow that moves the debris and fumes away from the object.

The reason behind the change of color of the surface is the accumulation of hot smoke. The Air Assist lowers the temperature of the material surface and prevents burn marks and the change of color.

4. Adjust the Power and Speed

Sometimes, the power and speed are not adjusted appropriately. Therefore, before engraving on any object, it is better to run a power speed test. It will give you a better idea of what settings you need to select.

5. Apply Water

Applying water to the surface can also prevent burn marks on the wood. Due to water, the fumes do not affect the surface of the wood.

Conclusion

The burn marks on the wood appear due to the accumulation of smoke. The particles stick to the surface and change the original color. However, with the help of some tips & tricks and accessories, it is possible to avoid laser marks. We have shared a few effective ways that you can try.