What Can a 7-Watt Laser Engrave: Complete Guide

With the popularity of laser engraving machines increasing, people are starting to see what these machines can do. They realize they can be used for more than just making signs and logos. But what materials can a 7-watt laser engrave?

A 7-watt laser can engrave wood, acrylics, and leather. You can also use a 7-watt laser for engraving softer materials like paper, cardboard, and fabric. You should consider the material, material thickness, power, speed, and focus when engraving using a 7-watt laser.

---

---

In this blog post, I will discuss what types of materials a 7-watt laser can cut and engrave.

What Can a 7-Watt Laser Engrave?

Here is a detailed discussion of what materials a 7-watt laser can cut and engrave:

Wood

Wood is a popular material to use with laser engravers because it is easy to work with, and there are many different types of wood that you can use.

A 7-watt laser can engrave all kinds of wood, including hardwoods like maple and oak and softwoods like pine and cedar.

• Types: Birch plywood, MDF, basswood, cherry, walnut
• Best Settings: 100% power, 2000–3000 mm/min speed, multiple passes for deeper engraving
• Results: Dark, well-defined engravings; lighter woods provide better contrast

The Wood Materials We Recommend

Acrylics

Acrylic is another popular material to use with laser engravers because it is easy to work with and comes in a variety of colors.

A 7-watt laser can engrave all types of acrylic. You will however require masking when engraving clear acrylic with a diode laser.

It is recommended to use a masking that is simple to remove for this reason. My personal preference is for masking that can be washed in water. Examples include sidewalk chalk paint, watercolor paint, dry-erase pen, and tempera paint.

Acrylic application is vital to consider when engraving. The level of depth, speed, and power will all affect the application.

• Types: Red, yellow, blue, black (opaque); clear acrylic with a paint coating
• Best Settings: 80-100% power, 1000–3000 mm/min speed, single pass
• Results: Frosted effect on opaque acrylic; for clear acrylic, a black paint coating is needed

The Acrylic Materials We Recommend

Leather

Leather is a material that can be challenging to engrave because it is thick and has a tendency to curl when heated. But with the correct settings, a 7-watt laser can successfully engrave leather.

A 7-watt laser can also cut through thin leather as long as the settings are appropriately adjusted.

• Types: Genuine leather, faux leather
• Best Settings: 100% power, 3000 mm/min speed, single pass
• Results: Burnt, darkened engravings with a rustic appearance

Paper & Cardboard

Paper is a relatively easy material to engrave with a 7-watt laser. The main thing to consider when engraving paper is the type of paper you are using. Thick paper, like cardstock, will require more power and a slower speed than thin paper, like printer paper.

• Types: Kraft paper, cardstock, corrugated cardboard
• Best Settings: 20-40% power, 4000-6000 mm/min speed, single pass
• Results: Precise, detailed engravings with minimal burn-through

Anodized Aluminum

A 7-watt diode laser can engrave anodized aluminum, but it cannot engrave bare aluminum because the laser wavelength does not interact well with raw metal surfaces.

Results on Anodized Aluminum

• The laser removes the anodized coating, revealing the bare aluminum underneath.
• Creates a high-contrast, permanent mark (usually white or silver depending on the anodized color).
• Works best on darker anodized surfaces (black, blue, red, etc.) for better contrast.

• Types: Black, blue, red, gold anodized aluminum
• Best Settings: 100% power, 1000-2000 mm/min speed, single pass
• Results: White, high-contrast markings

Fabric

Laser engraving on fabric is possible with the right settings. A 7-watt laser can successfully engrave fabric as long as the settings are adjusted properly.

The main thing to consider when engraving fabric is the type of fabric you are using. Synthetic fabrics, like polyester, will require more power and a slower speed than natural fabrics, like cotton.

Best Fabrics for Laser Engraving

• Natural Fabrics: Cotton, denim, canvas, linen, felt
• Synthetic Fabrics: Polyester, fleece, microfiber (some may melt or discolor)

Tips for Best Results

• Test settings first to avoid burning holes in thin fabrics.
• Use masking tape to reduce scorching (for light fabrics).
• Adjust focus for crisp engravings.
• Ventilation is important—some fabrics (like synthetics) release harmful fumes.

Top 5 Laser Engraver Exhaust Fan Options: Best Quality!

Stone & Slate

A 7-watt diode laser can engrave stone and slate, but results vary depending on the material type and laser settings. The laser does not cut into the stone but creates contrast by heating and fracturing the surface.

Best Stones for Laser Engraving

• Slate – Produces sharp, high-contrast engravings (great for coasters, plaques).
• Marble – Can achieve white or light gray engraving.
• Granite – Works well but may require higher power and slower speed.
• River Rocks & Pebbles – Smooth, dark stones work best.

Tips for Best Results

• Clean the surface before engraving for better contrast.
• Higher power & lower speed produce deeper, more visible engravings.
• Masking tape is optional but can help with cleanup on dusty materials.

Materials a 7-watt Laser Cannot Engrave Effectively

• Bare Metals: Requires a fiber laser for engraving
• Transparent Glass or Acrylic (Without Coating): The laser passes through without marking
• White Acrylic: Produces minimal contrast without special techniques

Best Fiber Laser Engraver for You: Top 3 Best Quality

Factors to Consider When Engraving Using a 7-Watt Laser

There are a few factors to consider when engraving with a 7-watt laser:

Power

The power of the laser will affect the depth of the engraving. A higher power will result in a deeper engraving, while a lower power will result in a shallower engraving.

It is crucial to consider the type of material you are engraving when setting the power. Softer materials, like fabrics and paper, will require less power to prevent them from deforming.

Material Optical Properties

The optical properties of the material you are engraving will affect the speed and power settings. For example, translucent materials, like frosted acrylic, will require less power and a slower speed than opaque materials, like wood.

Size of Area to Be Engraved

The size of the area you are engraving will affect the speed and power settings. A larger area will require lower power and a higher speed, while a smaller area will require higher power and a slower speed.

Speed

The speed of the laser will affect the width of the engraving. A higher speed will result in a wider engraving, while a lower speed will result in a narrower engraving.

While you can engrave at any speed you want, it is vital to consider the type of material you are engraving.

Focus

The focus of the laser will affect the size of the engraving. A higher focus will result in a smaller engraving, while a lower focus will result in a larger engraving.

Material Thickness

Materials differ in thickness, and the thickness of the material will affect the engraving. Thicker material will require more power and a slower speed, while thinner material will require less power and a faster rate.

Material Type

Different materials will require different settings to achieve the best results. It is important to consider the type of material you are engraving when setting the power and speed. For example, synthetic fabrics will require more power and a slower speed than natural fabrics.

Tips for Getting the Best Engraving Results With A 7-Watt Laser

1. Use Proper Focus: Adjust the laser’s focus to the material’s surface for the sharpest engraving.
2. Optimize Speed and Power: Perform test engravings to find the best combination of speed and power for each material.
3. Use an Air Assist: Helps reduce charring and improves engraving clarity.
4. Clean the Surface: Wipe the material with a damp cloth to remove debris before and after engraving.
5. Apply Coatings When Needed: Use black paint on clear acrylic or glass to improve engraving results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Engraving with a 7-watt laser is possible with the right settings. The key is to consider the material you are engraving and adjust the settings accordingly. By doing this, you can achieve great results. I hope this article has helped you understand the basics of engraving with a 7-watt laser.