All You Need To Know About Using A Laser Engraver

If you’re considering getting yourself a laser engraving machine, whether to start a new hobby or to start a business using it, there are a few things you need to think about first.

At YoraHome, we know from our customers how important getting the right machine is and we have been able to provide just what they needed.

In this article, we will take you through the basics, the factors to consider before buying the best laser engraving machine for you and how it works.

What is a laser engraving machine?

Firstly, laser engraving machines are sophisticated pieces of machinery. But, don’t let that put you off, they are much easier to use than you’d expect.

The picture below shows the YoraHome CNC Laser Engraving Machine 6550 which is regarded as the best DIY laser engraver on the market today!

With its working area of 65x50cm (26x20”), it’s the ideal CNC laser engraver for everything from home use to a home business.

It comes with either a 3W, 5.5W or 15W Yora laser module. But, we are getting ahead of ourselves here. Back to the basics!

What is the technology behind laser engraving?

The principle behind laser engraving is quite simple really.

The laser beam cuts into or marks the material you’re working with, leaving behind a permanent engraving. It is the heat of the beam of the laser which does the work.

When a material is exposed to the beam, depending on the material and the laser power, the beam can remove a section of a material, leaving the engraved mark in its place.

The depth of the engraving that is left can vary, thanks to the control that is offered to users by modern laser setups, with everything from the 3W, 5.5W, 15W, 40W YoraHome Laser Modules to the mighty Yora 100W CO2 Laser Engraver and everything in-between, YoraHome will have the machine to suit exactly what you want.

So, how do you actually use a laser engraving machine?

It is a simple 3-step process:

1. Pick your design /graphic / photograph (you can get fancy in CorelDraw or other CAD programs, but you don’t need to)
2. Load what you’ve chosen into the Laser software. LaserGRBL is a free program that works brilliantly with Windows machines and if you’re a MAC user, you’ll want to get LightBurn software, you tweak and adjust till you’re happy with what you’re looking at.
3. When you are ready, press start – then you just wait for the magic to happen.

OK, it’s not magic, but when you start to see your ideas come to life, it feels like it!

Now, what can you laser engrave?

Laser engraving can be used on various materials, such as paper, wood, textiles, leather, plastics, glass, anodized aluminum, coated stainless steel, slate, acrylic and lots of other things (depending on the power of the laser). However, wood is the most common material used for engraving, Many of our customers are using our wood laser engraving machine from the comfort of their home.

Is laser engraving safe to be used at home?

Laser engraving has become very popular over the last few years not only in industrial applications but for personal use and in small businesses as well.

Yes, laser engraving is very safe and can be used at home. But, as with any kind of machinery, there are hazards to be considered when using a laser engraver, and as long as you remember the basic rules it is very safe.

You must wear appropriate eye protection such as the YoraHome Blue-Violet Laser Protective Glasses 200-540nm.

And make sure that you have adequate ventilation, the material you want to laser is safe (won’t create noxious / poisonous fumes) and never leave the machine running without you.

With the wide choices available from YoraHome you will get the best laser engraving machine to fit your needs and be able to use it safely at home.

Finally, what factors should you consider before getting yourself the best laser engraving machine?

Need: You should know what exactly you intend to use the laser engraving machine for – whether it is for a hobby or a business.

Budget: Figure out your budget and choose the laser engraving machine accordingly

Availability of parts: Make sure that you get a laser engraving machine for which replacement parts are easily available and are inexpensive.

Laser engraving is a fun way to get started on a new hobby or a small business. Join the ever growing number of happy YoraHome customers with our best laser engraving machine, you’ll certainly be glad you did.