Wood engraving
Explore precision and versatility in wood engraving: laser vs. mechanical solutions
Wood, as a natural material, offers timeless beauty and exceptional versatility for engraving. Its unique grains and textures ensure that each engraved piece is distinct, with even the same type of wood producing different results, making every project truly unique.
Advanced laser and mechanical wood engraving machines can engrave a wide variety of wood types, including beech, walnut, oak, birch, bamboo, maple, pine, and cherry. Each species has its own characteristics that influence the final result, offering endless creative possibilities.
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Discover Gravotech’s wood engraving machines
The WeLase™ laser station is the perfect wood laser engraving machine for in-store personalisation, offering quick and precise engravings on organic materials like wood.
Equipped with CO2 technology, this compact wood engraving machine is user-friendly and efficient, making it ideal for creating unique & custom designs on a variety of wood types.
The LS100, LS100 EX, and LS900 laser tables offer a large marking area, perfect for batch engraving small items such as pens, toys, and knives. Their versatility also allows for the engraving of larger voluminous items like wooden boxes for wine or champagne bottles.
Equipped with CO2 laser technology, these tables provide precise and efficient engraving on a wide range of organic materials.
Small CO2 laser engraver and cutter for personalisation, signage and creative.
LS100
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Medium CO2 or Fiber laser engraving and cutting machine for signage and small series.
LS100 EX
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Large laser engraver and cutter that can do everything.
LS900
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The M20 and IS400 engraving stations utilise high-precision cutting tools to achieve stunning results. These machines are capable of creating tone-on-tone, 2.5D, and deep engravings, making them ideal for a variety of applications.
The M20 is the perfect wood engraving machine for small to medium projects, while the IS400 is the ideal wood CNC engraving machine for handling larger and more complex tasks with ease.
Wood engraving machine: laser vs. mechanical
Wood laser engraving
Wood laser engraving provides the ability to achieve high-contrast results on light-colored woods, making the engravings highly visible. For dark woods, the contrast is less pronounced, but adjustments can be made through power settings and defocusing techniques.
The laser is particularly effective for detailed photo-engravings, allowing for varying levels of contrast and dot density. It is also possible to do deep engraving without burning the wood by using the right parameters.
It is important to keep in mind that a laser machine should always be watched during wood engraving and an extractor is necessary for this application.
Advantages of wood laser engraving:
- High contrast on light woods: Results in more visible engravings.
- Photo engraving capabilities: Can convert photos into detailed engravings with adjustable contrast.
- Defocusing options: Enlarges the laser point for better contrast in darker woods.
- Easy to clean: Does not produce dust.
Mechanical wood engraving
Mechanical wood CNC engraving machines utilise a cutting tool to achieve precise, detailed results with ease. This method involves the use of a rotating bit or cutter that carves into the wood, allowing for meticulous control over the engraving depth and detail.
Unlike wood laser engraving, mechanical engraving does not produce burn marks, making it ideal for applications requiring a clean finish. It excels in creating 2.5D engravings, where designs have a tactile, dimensional quality. This technique is particularly well-suited for intricate patterns and repairs, such as restoring wooden furniture or crafting detailed moldings.
The ability to control depth and avoid burns provides a high level of versatility and precision for various woodworking projects.
Advantages of wood mechanical engraving:
- Precise depth control: Easier to manage engraving depth.
- No burn marks: Avoids the issues associated with burning.
- Ideal for repairs: Suitable for intricate repairs and wood moldings.
Tips & tricks for wood engraving
Wood laser engraving:
Tips and Tricks
To achieve optimal results in laser engraving on wood, consider the following tips:
- Engrave in the direction of the wood grain: On the aesthetic side, this ensures a smoother finish and maintains consistency throughout the engraving. It is also visually better if wood fibres are on the same direction as the text.
- Avoid engraving over changes in the wood’s appearance: Areas with knots or colour variations can result in uneven engravings.
- Defocus the laser by 2mm: This technique creates a more pronounced effect by enlarging the laser point slightly, resulting in a well-contrasted engraving.
By following these guidelines, you can achieve cleaner and more visually appealing engravings.
Mechanical wood engraving:
Tips and Tricks
When performing mechanical wood engraving, selecting the right tools is crucial for achieving optimal results. For the M20 wood engraving machine, the TwinCut tool is recommended for standard engraving tasks. For 2.5D engraving, standard conical tools work well, providing the necessary detail and depth. For deep engraving or cutting, single lip tools are preferred, as they produce larger chips that prevent overheating and burning of the wood.
Regarding the IS400 wood CNC engraving machine, the standard spindle uses the same TwinCut tools as the M20. However, when using a collet spindle, it is advisable to switch to Percut tools. For 2.5D engraving, conical tools remain essential, as they are the only way to achieve this effect. For deep engraving or cutting, single lip tools with a diameter greater than 1mm should be used, as smaller diameters produce chips that are too fine.
Versatile wood engraving:
Batch and single-item solutions
Mechanical and laser wood engraving technologies offer versatility in marking various wooden objects.
For batch engraving, laser tables like the LS series are ideal for processing small items efficiently. These include pens, keychains, coasters, knives, souvenirs, frames, promotional items, name tags, and trivets. The precision and speed of laser engraving make it perfect for high-volume production.
For single-item engraving, larger and more voluminous objects can be engraved individually. This includes wine bottle boxes, cutting boards, and chests. Both technologies enable customisation and detailed work, catering to diverse needs from intricate small items to substantial, bespoke pieces. The WeLase™ and IS400 are ideal for engraving small products individually such as pens, keychains, or knives.
Need more info about wood engraving?
Why wood laser engraving outperforms pyrography?
When comparing pyrography and wood laser engraving, the latter generally offers more advantages.
Pyrography, while artisanal and cost-effective, is a slower process that relies on hand tools to create designs through burning. This method can be labor-intensive and may not always produce consistently clean results.
In contrast, laser wood engraving is faster and delivers sharper, more precise outcomes. The technology enables efficient production, handling intricate designs with high accuracy and uniformity. Laser engraving also supports batch processing, making it ideal for high-volume projects.
Overall, while pyrography has its charm and affordability, wood laser engraving excels in speed, productivity, and detail, making it the preferred choice for both complex and large-scale wood engraving tasks.
