Laser Engraving and Hand Stamping – All You Need To Know

Laser engraving and hand stamping are two popular techniques used in the creation of permanent marks on metal objects. From carving out a series of numbers and letters to etching breathtaking designs on metal, laser engraving and hand stamping will get the job done. However, these two techniques differ in so many ways.

So what is the difference between laser engraving and hand stamping?

Hand stamping is the creation of imprints on a material’s surface using metal stamps and a hammer. Laser engraving, on the other hand, uses laser beams emitted from a laser engraving machine to engrave on objects. During the laser engraving process, a laser beam heats up the material in order to either evaporate or burn it.

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Although hand stamping creates an imperfect outcome, many people revel in the fact that it adds a personal touch to jewelry and other metal objects. Essentially, the hand stamping process utilizes metal stamps with numbers, letters, designs, or punctuations that are struck into the metal using a hammer.

Laser engraving is more versatile than hand stamping. Depending on the desired result, light or deep contrast is created with the result being a permanent mark. Examples of laser-engraved products include sports trophies with names of the winners, components marked with a given batch or serial number.

What is Laser Engraving?

Laser engraving is a high-precision technique that uses a laser beam to remove material from a surface, creating a permanent mark. This process is controlled by software, ensuring consistency and intricate designs.

Benefits of Laser Engraving:

• Precision and Detail: Ideal for intricate patterns, fine text, and logos.
• Versatility: Works on materials such as metal, wood, glass, plastic, and leather.
• Durability: Creates deep, long-lasting engravings that resist wear.
• Automation: Suitable for mass production due to its repeatability and efficiency.

Common Applications:

• Personalizing jewelry, awards, and plaques
• Industrial part marking
• Customizing promotional products
• Engraving barcodes and serial numbers

What is Hand Stamping?

Hand stamping involves manually striking a metal stamp with a hammer to create an impression on a surface. This technique is often used for small-scale, artistic projects where a handcrafted touch is preferred.

Benefits of Hand Stamping:

• Handcrafted Appeal: Each piece has a unique, artisanal look.
• Simple Setup: Requires only a metal stamp, hammer, and surface.
• Cost-Effective: No need for complex machinery or software.
• Suitable for Small Batches: Ideal for limited production and personalized gifts.

Common Applications:

• Handmade jewelry and accessories
• Leather stamping
• Crafting personalized keychains and dog tags
• Decorative metalwork

Comparing Laser Engraving and Hand Stamping

Feature	Laser Engraving	Hand Stamping
Precision	High	Moderate
Speed	Fast	Slow
Customization	Highly detailed	Limited design capability
Material Versatility	Works on various materials	Best for metals and leather
Durability	Permanent and wear-resistant	Can fade over time
Production Scale	Ideal for mass production	Best for small-scale work

Choosing the Right Method

• Use Laser Engraving if you need high detail, precision, and scalability.
• Choose Hand Stamping if you want a rustic, handmade look with minimal equipment.

How can you tell if a product was laser engraved or hand stamped?

Jewelry stores often make use of both hand stamping and laser engraving to add a personal touch to their products. But how can you tell if the letters and numbers on your wedding ring were laser engraved or hand stamped?

Here are a few differences and similarities of both technologies:

• Human touch: because of the nature of the human hand, the hand stamping outcome is always a little imperfect. The letters, designs, or numbers will almost always look roughly aligned. This is a great thing because it shows a personal touch. Laser engraved objects are uniform and technically perfect. Each letter and number is uniformly spaced and aligned.
• Depth of the design: secondly, the depth of your letters, designs, and text can help you know the technology used to create a mark on your jewelry. Here, laser engraving created shallow lettering compared to hand stamping. The process of creating an impression using a hard stamp helps deepen the text a great deal. The actual depth of hand stamping is not defined. So, you can play with different depths and add beauty to your products.
• The appearance of the text: laser engraved parts are carved out of the material while hand-stamped parts are technically bent to create a design. For this reason, hand stamping leaves a casual, traditional look with a personal touch.
• Permanent marks: both laser engraving and hand stamping leave permanent marks on metals. They are both used to makes meaningful and treasured keepsakes.
• Varied materials: when it comes to the material option, laser engraving is preferred. You can laser engrave a number of materials including metal, plastic, acrylic, glass, stone, even paper! Hand stamping is limited to metals only.

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How Hand Stamping Works

Although hand stamping can be done on a number of hard surfaces, metal is the most ideal material. Jewelry stores especially love engraving letters and designs on their products using this strategy.

This is because it personalizes their necklaces, rings, bracelets, and other products better than laser engraving does.

Unlike laser engraving, hand stamping doesn’t necessarily get rid of any metal from the product but rather a raised symbol or letter. The material is bent to create the shape of the design.  

In essence, the characters or designs are impressed on the material to give the impression of an organic look.

Most metal stamps are made of stainless steel with the hammer being a softer metal such as brass to avoid damage during stamping.

The end result largely depends on the hand-to-eye coordination coupled with the hammer strike. As a consequence, hand-stamped products tend to have variations in the spacing, depth, and alignment of characters.

For instance, within a series of characters, one letter will be positioned away from the center while another will be deeper than the next. In the end, however, the hand-stamped piece will be a magnificent work of art that adds a personal touch and uniqueness to a given metal.

The 5 Best Engraving Pens: Complete Guide

Which materials are ideal for hand stamping?

Just like laser engraving, not every material is ideal for hand stamping. Here is a list of the most ideal materials for hand stamping.

• Aluminum

This is by far the best metal for any DIY or commercial hand-stamping project. For starters, it looks like silver but it is way cheaper. It is also soft and lightweight making it a good material for large pendants and earrings.

However, the fact that aluminum is soft and malleable also makes it more susceptible to scratches and bends. You may have seen dog or cat tags that have been hand stamped which is a great business idea if you are looking at making some extra cash from your creativity.

• Copper

Like aluminum, copper is soft and inexpensive which is why it is a beginner’s number one choice. It is also readily available and shows a clear stamp impression. The main disadvantage is that copper is at risk of rapid tarnishing. Thankfully, it makes a great product when mixed with other metal designs.

• Solid gold

Gold may be one of the niftiest metals but it also comes with a handsome price tag.  Gold blanks are primarily made in thinner gauges meaning you need practice and skill to effectively stamp on them without bending or denting unwanted areas of the blank. Because of this, solid gold is often a reserve for the experienced stamper in search of high-end personalized options for their clients.

• Gold-filled metals

Gold-filled metal is more affordable compared to solid gold. It is also quite easy to hand-stamp and exudes the same beauty as yellow gold. Before you mess up with solid gold, it is always a good idea to start with gold-filled metals and then work your way up once you are sure of your skills.

• Brass

Brass is harder than the aforementioned metals and therefore presents the highest challenge when it comes to stamping. You’ll need a firm and powerful strike to achieve good results. Before stamping on brass, it is recommended to practice with scrap metal of the same gauge. This will help you to minimize waste.

• Fine silver

Fine silver is quite pricey but has all the qualities of a perfect hand-stamped metal. It is soft which makes it ideal for necklaces. If you don’t mind splashing some cash for a valuable metal, go for fine silver. Unfortunately, like aluminum, fine silver is less-durable and is prone to scratching and bending.

• Sterling silver

Sterling is a common metal in the world of stamping. It is easy to stamp on and easy to find in the market. It is also durable compared to a number of other metals on this list. For great results, you need to stamp sterling silver harder than copper but not as hard as brass.

• Pewter

Pewter is made from thicker sheet metal blanks making stamping relatively easy to carry out. With this metal, you can get clear, defined impressions. Additionally, it won’t tarnish unless added with a silver plate.

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Budget-Friendly Quality Hand Stamping Kit For Beginners Under $35

For beginners and DIY enthusiasts looking to try metal stamping, the 74pcs Metal Stamping Kit by DkOvn offers an affordable and comprehensive solution. Packed with essential tools, this kit provides everything needed to start creating personalized jewelry and craft components with ease.

What’s Included?

This stamping kit is well-equipped for various hand-stamping projects, including:

• 1/8″ (3mm) Punch Set – Includes uppercase and lowercase letters (A-Z, a-z), numbers (0-9), a heart (❤), and two ampersand (&) symbols.
• Metal Stamping Jig – A practical tool designed to hold stamps securely, preventing finger injuries and ensuring precise impressions.
• Metal Stamping Hammer – A double-sided hammer with a high-carbon steel head and an ergonomic handle for improved control and durability.
• Round Steel Bench Block – A 3” x 3/4” chrome-plated steel block with a soft plastic base to absorb impact and reduce bounce-back, improving the clarity of stamped designs.

Performance & Usability

One of the standout features of this kit is the metal stamping jig, which significantly enhances precision by keeping stamps aligned correctly. This feature is particularly beneficial for beginners who may struggle with keeping stamps steady.

The double-sided hammer is another highlight. It provides the necessary strength to create clean imprints without requiring excessive force, making it comfortable to use for extended stamping sessions. The round steel bench block further improves stamping results by reducing the bounce effect, ensuring that every impression is crisp and uniform.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Comprehensive Set – Includes all essential tools for beginners
• User-Friendly Stamping Jig – Enhances precision and protects fingers
• Durable Hammer & Bench Block – Made of high-quality materials for long-term use
• Versatile – Suitable for crafting jewelry, keychains, tags, and other metal projects
• Budget-Friendly – An affordable option compared to purchasing tools individually

Cons:

• Limited Font Size – The 3mm font size may be too small for some projects
• No Extra Design Stamps – Only includes one heart symbol, limiting decorative options
• Learning Curve – Like all stamping kits, it requires practice to achieve consistent results

Why we love it?

The DkOvn 74pcs Metal Stamping Kit is an excellent choice for beginners and budget-conscious crafters. It provides all the necessary tools to get started, ensuring a smooth learning experience with its user-friendly design.

While it may lack additional decorative stamps and larger font sizes, its affordability and ease of use make it a fantastic entry-level kit. If you’re looking to explore the world of hand stamping without breaking the bank, this kit is a solid investment.

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How Laser Engraving Works

Laser engraving is a precise and versatile technology used to create permanent markings on various materials.

Whether for industrial applications, artistic endeavors, or personal projects, laser engraving provides a fast, clean, and detailed way to add text, designs, or logos to a surface.

• The Laser Beam

Laser engraving uses a concentrated beam of light to remove material from a surface. The laser’s energy vaporizes the material upon contact, creating a permanent mark. This process involves intense heat but is highly precise, ensuring clean edges and intricate details.

• Computer-Controlled Design

Modern laser engravers are computer-controlled. Users upload designs or text into specialized software, which then directs the laser’s movement, intensity, and speed. This automation allows for highly accurate and repeatable engraving results.

• Depth and Speed Control

The depth of engraving is determined by adjusting the laser’s power and speed settings:

• Higher power and slower speed create deeper engravings.
• Lower power and faster speed produce lighter, surface-level marks.

Which Materials are ideal for Laser Engraving?

Different materials respond differently to laser engraving. Here’s a list of materials that work best:

Wood

• Why It’s Great: Wood is highly versatile, allowing for deep engraving or surface etching. It creates a natural contrast with burnt edges.
• Popular Types: Birch, maple, cherry, and MDF.

Acrylic

• Why It’s Great: Produces a smooth, polished finish with crisp edges. Clear acrylic creates a frosted effect when engraved.
• Best Uses: Signage, awards, and decorative items.

Glass

• Why It’s Great: Laser engraving on glass creates a frosted appearance that adds a touch of elegance.
• Best Uses: Glassware, mirrors, and windows.

Metal

• Why It’s Great: Metals like stainless steel and aluminum are excellent for engraving when coated or treated. Fiber lasers are best for uncoated metals.
• Best Uses: Industrial tools, plaques, jewelry, and nameplates.

Leather

• Why It’s Great: Laser engraving produces a clean, burned look that stands out on leather surfaces.
• Best Uses: Wallets, belts, bags, and journals.

Stone and Ceramic

• Why It’s Great: Offers a smooth, high-contrast engraving effect on surfaces like marble, granite, or tiles.
• Best Uses: Memorial plaques, coasters, and home décor.

Paper and Cardboard

• Why It’s Great: Delivers intricate designs without burning through the material. Ideal for light engraving.
• Best Uses: Invitations, packaging, and art projects.

I have written a more detailed post on the best materials for laser engraving. You can check it out here.

Tips for Successful Laser Engraving

1. Choose the Right Laser: CO2 lasers are ideal for non-metal materials, while fiber lasers work best for metals.
2. Test Settings: Always test power and speed settings on scrap material to avoid mistakes.
3. Clean the Material: Ensure surfaces are free of dust or debris for optimal results.
4. Ventilation: Use proper ventilation to remove smoke and fumes, especially when engraving wood or acrylic.

Laser engraving is a powerful tool for creating customized designs on a wide range of materials. Understanding how the process works and selecting the right material can make all the difference in achieving professional results. From wood and acrylic to metals and leather, the possibilities with laser engraving are virtually endless.

With the right equipment, materials, and creativity, you can turn ordinary objects into personalized masterpieces or functional tools.

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Budget-Friendly Quality Laser Engraver For Beginners Under $150

Aufero 1.6W Laser 2 Engraver

The Aufero Laser 2 Engraver is a 1.6W diode laser engraver designed for beginners and hobbyists looking for an affordable yet capable engraving machine.

Priced under $150, this engraver offers an impressive 15.7 x 15.7-inch engraving area, stability-focused design, and support for multiple materials, making it a great choice for DIY projects, home decor, and small businesses.

Key Features

1.6W Diode Laser Module

• Module Model: LU2-2A
• Output Power: 1.6-1.8W
• Spot Size: 0.07 x 0.06mm
• Engraving Speed: Up to 10,000mm/min
• Laser Class: Class 4
• Supported File Formats: BMP, JPG, PNG, JPEG, SVG
• Engraving Software: LaserGRBL (Windows, free), LightBurn (Mac OS, Linux, paid)

Mechanical Design and Engraving Area

The low gravity center X-axis enhances stability during engraving, reducing vibrations for more precise results. Additionally, the expandable frame allows users to increase the Y-axis length to 24 inches, making it suitable for larger projects.

Material Compatibility

The Aufero Laser 2 supports engraving on various materials, including:

• Wood (plywood, pine, paulownia, MDF)
• Leather
• Rubber
• Cardboard & Kraft Paper
• Bamboo
• Black Acrylic (clear acrylic will require a black coating)
• Coated Metal
• Thin Plastic

Safety Features

• UV Light Protection: The protective cover filters 97% of UV light, for effective eye protection.
• Included Safety Goggles: Provides extra eye protection while operating.
• Active Position Protection: Prevents the laser from moving unexpectedly.
• Exposure Duration Detection & Limitation: Automatically turns off after extended exposure.
• Laser Beam Safety Guard: Prevents unintended laser activation.
• Current Safety Control System: Ensures a safe power supply.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Affordable price – One of the most budget-friendly diode laser engravers available.
• Large engraving area – 15.7 x 15.7 inches with an option to expand the Y-axis.
• Beginner-friendly – Easy setup and compatible with popular engraving software.
• Good safety features – Protective cover and multiple security mechanisms.
• Decent engraving speed – Up to 10,000mm/min allows for quick results.
• Supports multiple materials – Can engrave wood, leather, acrylic, and more.

Cons

• Not ideal for deep cutting – Limited to engraving and shallow cuts.
• No enclosure included – Requires a dedicated workspace with proper ventilation.
• Limited power – Cannot engrave metals without coatings or pretreatments.
• Software limitations – Free software (LaserGRBL) lacks some advanced features.

Why we love it?

The Aufero Laser 2 Engraver is an excellent entry-level laser engraver for those looking to explore laser engraving on a budget. It offers good engraving quality, a spacious work area, and essential safety features.

While it lacks the power for cutting thick materials or uncoated metals, it is a fantastic choice for beginners, DIYers, and small-scale projects. If you’re looking for an affordable, beginner-friendly laser engraver, the Aufero Laser 2 is a solid option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Both laser engraving and hand stamping are useful when marking metals and other materials. In fact, the jewelry industry heavily relies on both techniques. The difference between the two is in the technique used and the final output. If you are in need of a more traditional and personal look, then you will want to go with hand stamping. But if you are looking for a finer and more polished look, laser engraving is the way to go.