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, foam, fabric, and balsa. 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.
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, water color 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.
In the below YouTube Video you will learn exactly how to etch clear acrylic with a diode laser:
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.
Paper
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.
Foam
Foam is a material that can be tricky to engrave because it is soft and tends to deform when heated. But with the right settings, a 7-watt laser can successfully engrave foam.
With foam, the main thing to consider is the depth of the engraving. A shallower engraving will require less power and a faster speed, while a deeper engraving will require more power and a slower speed.
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.
Balsa
Balsa is a soft wood that is often used in model making. It can be tricky to engrave because it is soft and tends to deform when heated. But with the proper settings, a 7-watt laser can successfully engrave balsa.
You should set your engraver to lower power and higher speed when engraving balsa. This will help prevent the wood from deforming.
For more information on the best materials for laser engraving then read this article I wrote: The Best Materials for Laser Engraving
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 foam and balsa, 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. Softer materials, like foam and balsa, will require a lower speed to prevent them from deforming.
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.
FAQs
Can a 7-watt laser engrave metal?
It is possible to engrave metal with a 7-watt laser, but you will need to use a metal marking spray like Cermark. Bare metal reflects light, which can damage the laser. If you must engrave metal, you must use a metal marking spray and use lower power and a slower speed.
Is a 7-watt laser powerful?
A 7-watt laser is considered to be a low-power laser. It is not as powerful as a commercial laser, but it can still engrave many different materials.
How deep can you engrave with a 7-watt laser?
The depth of the engraving will depend on the power and speed settings. Higher power and slower speed will result in a deeper engraving, while a lower power and faster speed will result in a shallower engraving.
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.
Our Buying Guides: 1. Best Laser Engravers Under $500.00 2. Best 10-Watt Diode Laser Engravers 3. Best Laser Engraver for Wood and Metal
