Whether you are an expert engineer or a newbie, learning how to operate designed equipment and avoiding mistakes takes time and expertise. Designers occasionally ponder issues that arise in their work and how they can improve things. Laser engraving is likewise unique in this regard.

Knowing how to make this error is just as crucial as avoiding it. Here are five of the most typical laser engraving blunders, as well as ways to avoid them in the future:

• An engraving fabric is engraved with a laser that burns through the material: Knowing which fabrics can withstand the engraving process and at what temperatures is ideal. Perform a preliminary test on a spare piece of material to check that it can tolerate the heat.

• The type of acrylic determines the frosty appearance: This depends on the type of acrylic used, as there are two forms of acrylics: cast and extruded acrylics. Cast acrylic is suitable for engraving since it can be readily cut with a laser, producing a frosty white colour when engraved but no frame-polished edge, as opposed to extruded acrylic, which produces a clean engraving but responds differently with the laser engraving equipment.

• Inconsistent glass engraving: During engraving, the laser normally fractures the surface of the glass to provide the frosty aspect required, but this fragmented surface can be harsh depending on the type of glass etched. • Wood engraving on the same setting produces different results: use a lower resolution power to separate the dots you're engraving, change the black in your graphic to 80 percent black, and polish the area if there are shards of glass after engraving with a non-scratch pad to avoid rough frosted engraving. Wood engraves beautifully, but it reacts differently to lasers and creates diverse effects. Denser wood need more power than lighter wood to etch. Depending on the type of wood you're dealing with, grain density can vary. A huge square carved into cherry wood, for example, would have a homogeneous appearance, with the engraved region smooth. If the same square was etched into a piece of oak, however, the result would be uneven and the engrave area would be rough. • Laser engraver maintenance: Always engrave naked wood from the bottom to avoid smoke and debris caught in the grain of the wood, and clean the surface of all woods with a wet cloth after engraving. A well-maintained machine yields superior results. Your laser machine's user handbook contains maintenance instructions, so consult it if you notice a decline in machine performance. Always inspect and clean your laser's optics on a weekly basis, as they are highly coloured and glossy, and if they are coated in debris, they may not perform properly.

This is a common error made by new engraving machine users that can simply be avoided. If you want to engrave your machines, get in touch with us because we have the perfect solution for you.

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