How Laser Cutting and Engraving
Wood Works?
Laser Engraving Wood
Laser Engraving Wood
For laser engraving wood, a focused beam of light vaporizes the surface of the wood to create a recessed textured surface. You can adjust the depth of the engraving by changing the laser power to create 3D effects.
Advantages
The laser head is automated and has a much smaller spot size, so wood laser engravings carry more detail compared to traditional hand carving or wood burning. This engraving process is also faster.
Appearance of laser-engraved wood
As the laser burns the top layer of the wood, the engraved area typically gives a darker, burnt look. You can also achieve a higher contrast pattern by increasing laser power. Woods with higher resin content naturally produce darker engraving shades.
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Laser Cutting Wood
The laser beam is not only capable of etching the surface, but you can even increase the power and burn wood from top to bottom, making a clean cut.
Advantages
Traditional hand tools and electrically powered tools are manually controlled and can be time-consuming. They also struggle with cutting thin or delicate wood. In contrast, a laser cutter is not only faster but also capable of handling the thinnest woods that would be challenging for blade cutting.
Unlike hand tools that often leave rough edges requiring sanding, laser cutting produces clean, accurate cuts that need no finishing.
Laser-cutting kerf
The kerf width of the laser beam is around 0.08 –1 mm. This ensures minimal material wastage and every assembly part perfectly fits.
How thick of wood can a laser cutter cut?
The maximum thickness, a laser cutter can cut, depends on the type of laser and its optical power. For instance, our 40W diode laser (xTool S1) can cut 15mm of wood in one pass. Whereas, our 55W CO2 laser (xTool P2) can cut 18mm of wood. You may cut higher thicknesses, but that will require more passes.
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What's the Best Type of Laser Engraver for Wood?
CO2 Laser Engravers
CO2 lasers are the most preferred option for laser cutting and engraving wood. The light emitted by a CO2 laser is readily absorbed by wood compared to other machines. These machines are ideal for small businesses due to their reliability and excellent repeatability in producing consistent results.
Diode Laser Engravers
Diode laser machines are an affordable option for laser cutting wood, ideal for hobbyists and those new to woodworking. They are not as powerful as CO2 lasers but can efficiently cut and engrave a reasonable wood thickness.
Can a fiber laser engrave
and cut wood?
Fiber laser engravers are usually used for cutting and engraving metals. They can also cut and engrave wood, however, they are not recommended for engraving or cutting wood. That is because fiber laser is generally high-powered and its wavelength isn’t evenly absorbed by wood. The results are often uneven and burnt.
Best Wood Laser Cutter and Engraver
xTool S1: Best Wood Laser Cutter and Engraver for Beginners
- World’s most powerful (40W) Enclosed Diode laser cutter
- Class 1 laser safe product
- Max wood engraving speed: 600mm/s
- Workspace larger than an A3 Sheet
- Support for cylindrical and curved surface engraving
- Support for batch engraving
xTool S1: Best Wood Laser Cutter and Engraver for Beginners
- World’s most powerful (40W) Enclosed Diode laser cutter
- Class 1 laser safe product
- Max wood engraving speed: 600mm/s
- Workspace larger than an A3 Sheet
- Support for cylindrical and curved surface engraving
- Support for batch engraving
Multiple Power Variants
xTool S1 is available in multiple power options – 10W, 20W and 40W – to meet the needs of different users.
Class 1 Laser Safety
It has 360-degree flame detection sensors, a transparent laser-filtering cover, a lid-open safety stop, and an emergency stop button.
Versatile Engraving
S1 is a machine that is not limited to flat surfaces but also supports curved surface and cylindrical objects engraving.
Smart Positioning System
By marking a few points on the surface, users can sketch the virtual layout in real-time and then map designs onto it.
Large Workspace
The machine is expandable through a passthrough slot that allows for working on sheets up to 118 inches.
Multiple Power Variants
xTool S1 is available in multiple power options – 10W, 20W and 40W – to meet the needs of different users.
xTool P2: Best Wood Laser Cutter and Engraver for Small Business
- 55W CO2 Laser
- Engraves wood at 600mm/s
- Large bed size measuring 26 x 14 inches
- Supports engraving on rotary and curved wooden objects
- Support for batch engraving
- Comes with built-in air assist to prevent wood burning
xTool P2: Best Wood Laser Cutter and Engraver for Small Business
- 55W CO2 Laser
- Engraves wood at 600mm/s
- Large bed size measuring 26 x 14 inches
- Supports engraving on rotary and curved wooden objects
- Support for batch engraving
- Comes with built-in air assist to prevent wood burning
Extreme Power
It is capable of cutting up to 18mm thick wood in a single pass. Besides wood, it can cut and engraver hundreds of materials with ease.
High Engraving Speed
P2 can engrave at 600mm/s. What’s more, is the support for engraving on cylindrical and spherical objects. It also supports curved surfaces.
Expandable Work Space
The workspace is further expandable with a passthrough slot that lets you work on wooden sheets as long as 118 inches.
Live Camera Preview
The machine features a dual 16MP camera setup that provides a live preview of the material, making it easy to map designs directly onto materials and batch engrave on multiple objects once.
Wood-Friendly Add-Ons
Air assist, the accessory that ensures clean and burn-free wood engraving comes built-in. There’s a honeycomb panel for clean cutting, a smoke purifier for disposing of smoke, and fire safety that can detect and put off fire.
Safety
P2 comes fully enclosed to contain the laser and exhaust fumes. The top lid is laser-filtering, which eliminates the need for extra goggles.
Extreme Power
It is capable of cutting up to 18mm thick wood in a single pass. Besides wood, it can cut and engraver hundreds of materials with ease.
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Your Wood Laser Cutter
Laser Cutting and Engraving Wood is Easy with xTool
Cutting and engraving wood with laser cutters is as simple as printing on paper. Create a design, customize the material settings, and engrave. The whole process just takes three steps:
Place and Position
Place the wood inside the machine.
Drag and Drop
Import your design and choose settings.
Engrave and Cut
Initiate the process. The laser machine takes care of the rest.
What Can You Make with a
Wood Laser Engraver?
A wood laser engraver unlocks endless creative possibilities. Everything can be made, from
custom-designed home décor pieces to personalized jewelry for special occasions.
Photos Engraving
Engrave photos on wooden items to transform standard images into durable and unique wooden memorabilia.
Photos Engraving
Engrave photos on wooden items to transform standard images into durable and unique wooden memorabilia.
Personalization
Make everyday items, like wooden keychains, tags, or utensils, uniquely yours by engraving them with name initials, logos, or your favorite art pattern.
Home Decor
Design and create small, personalized décor items like signboards, night lamps, and engraved wooden scenery.
Architectural Models
If you’re a professional architect or engineer looking to bring your designs to life, use a laser cutter to precisely cut wood and construct detailed 3D models. Create tactile representations of your ideas, and enhance project pitches.
Toys and Games
If your kids are always eager for new toys, a wood laser cutter is the perfect solution. Create safe, durable, and custom toys that keep up with their imagination and play needs. From puzzles to playsets, you can craft an endless variety of fun items.
You can gather more inspiration from xTool Projects.
What's the Best Wood for
Laser Cutting and Engraving?
When choosing wood for laser cutting and engraving, consider the following factors to achieve optimal results:
Resin Content
Woods with low resin content yield lighter, crisper engravings, while those with high resin content create darker cuts. Select the type of wood based on the desired contrast and effect of your project.
Grain Consistency
Opt for wood with a consistent grain pattern to ensure it doesn’t interfere with your design's integrity.
Tone
Different shades of wood offer varying contrasts when engraved. Lighter hues typically provide better visibility for engraved details.
Recommended Woods for xTool Laser Engravers
Laser engravers generally support most types of wood. These wood types are a must-try:
Alder
It’s known for its light brown shade and straight, even grain.
Maple
Features a light-brownish color with a subtly wavy grain, suitable for both cutting and detailed engraving.
Basswood
A softwood that is easy to cut, available in a light brown hue, perfect for fine and detailed work.
Pine
Its pale yellow or white color produces dark brown engravings, offering high contrast for clear, visible designs.
