Wood laser engraving: everything you need to know
Explore wood laser engraving to understand its advantages
Laser engraving allows you to create precise and detailed designs on a wide range of materials. It is particularly suited to many types of wood, a practice that ensures the engraving of images, text, and logos with great finesse. Signage, customization, creation... Discover everything you need to know about laser engraving on wood.
Wood laser engraving: definition, technology, and types
Wood laser engraving
What is it?
Laser engraving is a marking technique that uses a concentrated beam to permanently alter the surface of a material. In the case of wood, the laser heats the surface until it burns in a controlled manner, resulting in a visible marking by contrast (more or less dark depending on the type of wood used).
Note: Laser engraving allows high precision without damaging the material or adding inks or chemicals.
CO2 laser wood engraving
How does it work?
CO2 laser technology is particularly well suited to wood engraving. It emits an infrared beam that is perfectly absorbed by organic materials, allowing the material to be vaporized in a controlled manner. Versatile, it can engrave a wide range of woods, as well as cardboard, leather, paper, plastic, and acrylic.
The CO2 laser engraver does not distort or alter the quality of the wood, regardless of the variety and type of wood being worked on (natural, varnished, cork, chipboard, etc.). With this fully adjustable technology (speed, power, etc.), the engraving possibilities are endless!
What types of wood can be laser-engraved?
Wood is a natural material whose surface varies from one type to another. Depending on the species chosen, the grain, the textures (varnished, colored…), or even the part selected, the same process can produce completely different results. This makes each project unique!
The wood species should be selected according to your needs and the desired results (contrasting, deep, detailed engraving…):
- beech,
- walnut,
- oak,
- birch,
- bamboo,
- maple,
- pine,
- cherry…
To achieve the best results, explore our specially designed Laser Wood range, optimized for laser engraving and cutting.
Wood laser engraving: the main advantages
Laser engraving is compatible with all types of wood. The choice of timber will therefore depend on the desired result and quality.
- On light woods, the results will be relatively high-contrast and produce easily visible engravings.
- The results will be less contrasting on darker woods, but a few settings (power and defocusing techniques) will allow you to adjust the finish.
The precision of the laser allows images or detailed elements (such as photographs) to be engraved with excellent fidelity, playing on contrast levels and line density. But that's not all: this technology can also produce engravings of varying depths without burning the material.
Finally, laser engraving on wood does not generate chips or solid residues: only smoke, gas, and dust, making it easy to clean and maintain the workspace. However, please note that a smoke extractor is required to remove the gases and particles generated during engraving (always ensuring the machine's safety), and it is also essential to clean the lens regularly to maintain the quality and fineness of the marking.
Wood laser engraving
Applications for various markets
Laser engraving on wood offers a precise and durable solution for signage: signs, wall plaques, and POS displays. It therefore meets the quality and visibility requirements of professionals.
This technology also allows objects such as knife handles, cutting boards, key rings, and souvenir items to be customized with precise and durable markings.
Laser engraving on wood can also be used to manufacture custom-made objects—boxes, jewelry, toys, models, or collectibles—enhancing the wood's natural and refined appearance.
What about laser cutting on wood?
With laser engraving machines, it is also possible to cut wood — provided it is not too dense (such as thin plywood or birch…).
In practice, laser cutting involves passing a concentrated beam through the material to create clean and sometimes complex shapes. When it comes to wood, the quality of the finish will depend on the type of wood used, its thickness, and the machine settings (power, speed…).
Want to find out more? Discover how laser cutting works and its specific features.
CO2 laser wood engraving machines
Gravotech laser tables are perfectly suited to CO2 laser wood engraving. They offer great marking versatility (serial engraving, large surfaces, and bulky objects).
Small CO2 laser engraver and cutter for personalization, 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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Compact, quiet, and attractive, the WeLase™ is perfect for small spaces or shops that want to offer on-site customization. It combines ease of use with remarkable engraving quality, even on small wooden objects.
Its CO2 laser source allows you to create unique designs on a wide variety of woods.
Precise and versatile, CO2 laser wood engraving offers a wide range of possibilities. Whether you want to personalize one item or several, it can be adapted to a wide range of requirements for a high-quality finish. It all depends on the type of wood, the machine, and the desired result! Want to find out more?