CNC Engraving vs Laser Engraving: Discover the Difference 

When deciding which type of engraving to use for a project, it's important to understand the differences between CNC engraving and laser engraving. While both processes involve engraving a design onto a material, some key differences exist in how they are achieved and the results they produce.

In this article, we'll explore what CNC engraving and laser engraving are, their main differences, their advantages and disadvantages, and the best way to decide which one is best for your project.

What is CNC Engraving? How Does a CNC Engraving Machine Work?

CNC engraving is a process where computer-controlled machine tools carve text or patterns into a surface. CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control, which refers to use a computer to control the movement and operation of the machine.

In the case of CNC engraving, a design is created in a software. This design is then translated into a language (commonly G-code) that the CNC engraving machine can understand. This code directs the machine where to move and how fast to go. It's a subtractive process where the machine uses rotating bits to cut away material to create the desired shape.

What is Laser Engraving? How Does a Laser Engraver Work?

Laser engraving can be considered a type of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) process that a laser engraver uses a laser beam to create text or designs on various materials. From customizing jewelry, trophies, and awards to engraving signs and logos, laser engraving provides an efficient way to add an eye-catching, permanent design to almost any surface.

The laser engraving process is fairly straightforward. First, the material to be engraved is placed into the laser engraving machine. Then, the computer-controlled laser module traces the design onto the surface, burning away material from the surface to create the desired design.

CNC Engraving vs Laser Engraving: The Main Differences

Understanding the differences between these two methods is key to selecting the right engraving machine for your project. 

Process

CNC engraving is typically done with a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) router machine, which uses a cutting tool to cut away material along predetermined paths to create the desired shape or design. 

On the other hand, laser engraving is a non-contact process that uses a computer-controlled laser beam to vaporize the material, leaving a pattern on the surface that precisely replicates the programmed design. 

Accessories

CNC engraving machines are equipped with a range of accessories to keep the machine running efficiently and safely. Common accessories include diamond engraving bit holders, toggle clamps, carbide cutting tools, vises, machine housings, lubrication systems, cooling systems, collet holders, spindle-mounted dusters, and suction pumps.

These accessories help keep the work area clean by removing dust and debris with a spindle-mounted dust shoe and suction pump. They also help to keep the material and cutting tool cool by providing a liquid cooling system to prevent overheating.

Laser engraving machines require additional accessories to enable them to engrave on curved surfaces. These accessories include a rotary attachment, air assist system, exhaust system, and safety goggles. The rotary attachment provides an additional rotating axis, allowing the machine to implement rotary laser engraving.

By using the right accessories, CNC and laser engraving machines can work safely and efficiently, making sure that your engraving projects are completed with precision and accuracy.

Design Phase

The main difference between CNC engraving and laser engraving is the type of file required during the design phase. CNC engraving requires a CAD file while laser engraving requires a vector or raster file.

Materials

CNC engraving is commonly employed on metals, wood, and some plastics, providing a high-precision output that can create unique items. Not only that, CNC engraving can be carried out on various materials such as aluminum, brass, and copper.

On the other hand, laser engraving is a more versatile option for a much wider range of materials. Wood, plastics, glass, anodized aluminum, and certain types of stone can all be engraved with a laser engraving machine. Laser engraving also offers higher levels of precision and detail than CNC, allowing for even more intricate designs.

The materials used in laser engraving can also be marked with high-contrasting colors and finishes, allowing the laser-engraved design to stand out even more. This process makes laser engraving ideal for creating customized gifts or promotional materials.

Precision

The accuracy of CNC engraving machines can vary depending on the type of machine and the process used.

Standard CNC engraving machines can provide an accuracy of about 0.001" to 0.005", which is suitable for most manufacturing applications. However, for processes that require very high accuracy, specialized processes like polishing can provide a repeatable accuracy of 0.00005".

Laser engravers are available in desktop and industrial-grade models. Generally, desktop laser engravers provide an accuracy of around 0.001", while industrial-grade laser machines can be accurate up to 0.00005".

The accuracy of laser engraving machines depends largely on the quality of the laser beams and the materials used. High-quality laser beams and specialized materials can help increase the accuracy of the laser engraving process.

Laser engraving machines can be the best option for applications requiring extreme accuracy. However, for most applications, standard CNC machines are the best choice. The accuracy of these machines is more than adequate for most manufacturing applications.

Advantages and Disadvantages of CNC Engraving and Laser Engraving

CNC Engraving

The advantages of CNC engraving include its high level of accuracy in cutting and its ability to work on a wide range of materials. It's also a relatively fast process, which can be a major advantage in some cases. On the other hand, CNC engraving requires a high level of expertise to operate the machine correctly.

Laser Engraving

The major advantages of laser engraving are its versatility and relative ease of use. Laser engraving is also a non-contact process, making it much less likely to damage the engraved material.