In some cases, you need to choose between the laser cutting machine and the laser engraver. However, there are some of the machines that are known to be 2 in 1. It is an engraver and cutter. What is the difference, and why do you need to consider having both of these features?

We are going to have a look at the differences and application differences between the laser engraver and cutter. Making it easier to decide which one you need for your new business.

Understanding Laser cutting and engraving

The first thing is to understand what a laser cutter and a laser engraver are. Some people aren’t aware that there are now industrial machines for cutting and engraving that are small enough to use at home. When you think about a laser machine, you normally would think large and dangerous. Let’s make sure that you understand these machines first.

Laser cutting

Laser-cutting devices come in different sizes with different features. There are large industrial machines and there are smaller machines for people doing cutting at home as a hobby. In general, these laser machines are high-powered machines that can cut through different materials. It is mostly used in automotive manufacturing, electronics, and arts and crafts. Their prices range from affordable to extremely expensive.

Laser engraving

Unlike what most people think, laser engraving is completely different from cutting. In some cases, you can use the same machine, but the applications are different. With engraving, the laser beam is etching designs on materials. It can read a design on the computer and copy it to the material you need to engrave on.

Applications of the engraver and cutter laser machines

To decide which laser machine you need, you need to know the different applications between the cutter and engraver. Here you will see that the cutter and engraver do two completely different things. These are the main applications or uses for the engraver and laser cutter.

Laser cutter

The main application of a laser cutter is to precisely cut through different types of materials. This is for manufacturing processes or arts and crafts. Other applications for these machines include:

• Cutting through tough, and hard materials precisely.

• Create custom signs, letters, and even logos from materials like wood, metal, or acrylics.

• Creating jewelry by cutting shapes of different sizes for the jewelry.

• It can be used in hobbies to cut art and forms out of different materials.

Laser engraver

The main application of an engraver is to brand or add some personalization to a product. It can be like trophies, and signs on wood or metal. Other applications include:

• Engraving detailed designs on different materials, including glass, for unique art pieces.

• Labeling or adding serial numbers on products for branding or identification.

• Hobbies can also use engravers to personalize items made.

The differences between laser cutting and laser engraving

Yes, as we already have been saying there is a difference between cutting and engraving. Especially if it’s done on a laser machine. These are the most common differences between these two methods.

The cutting method on material

The main difference is the cutting method on materials.

• Laser cutter

With laser cutting, the machine is slicing through materials completely, making use of a laser. With most laser machines, the laser is safe. It can cut through materials like acrylics, wood, metal, and glass. Different machines can cut different types of materials.

• Laser engraver

Unlike the cutter, the engraver doesn’t cut completely through the materials. It is making marks on the material that will change into a word or even a picture on different materials. The main application will be to create designs into materials.

Power and speed

You might be using the same machine for cutting and engraving, but the speed and power will differ.

• Laser cutter

The cutter is cutting slowly to ensure a precise cut. The other reason for a slow cutting speed is to make sure that the material isn’t getting damaged in the process. The power is extremely strong to cut through the materials with one slice.

• Laser engraver

The engraver is working faster in speed. This is because no large cut needs to be made. And, for the same reason, the power of the engraving is not as high as with the cutter. Even if they are using the same types of materials.

Conclusion

Laser-cutting machines can be expensive. This is why you need to make sure that you are investing in the right type of machine. You can’t buy an engraver if you actually need to cut through materials.

Before you buy your first machine, you need to consider what you want to do with the machine, the amount of space available, and the materials that you want to cut or engrave on. In most cases, the laser beam isn’t dangerous, but taking precautions with protection glasses is a good idea.

You can make use of a laser machine at home, or a large company. You just need to know as much as possible about the differences between cutting and engraving. To avoid wasting money on buying something you actually can’t use.

After knowing the difference of these two laser woking ways, I am glad to share this video to you! The video explains the process of laser engraving in a understandable way. It starts by preparing an image, then send it to the laser engraver using the print command. The laser can engrave the image on a wide range of materials, including wood, laminate, acrylics, textiles, paper, and glass.