What’s laser engraving and how does it work?


Laser engraving is a process that vaporizes materials into fumes to engrave permanent, deep marks. The laser beam acts as a chisel, incising marks by removing layers from the surface of the material. The laser hits localized areas with massive levels of energy to generate the high heat required for vaporization.

How It Works
  • Computer Control: A design is created on a computer using vector or pixel graphics and sent to the laser engraving machine.
  • Focused Beam: Mirrors and lenses focus the laser source into an intense, tiny point of heat.
  • Material Removal: The non-contact beam moves across the material, physically "digging" a microscopic cavity or recess into the object.
  • Raster vs. Vector: Raster engraving fills in solid areas or photos line-by-line, while vector engraving traces continuous outlines and curves

        Common Materials and Uses
        • Materials: Commonly used on wood, metals (like stainless steel and anodized aluminum), glass, acrylic, leather, and plastics.
        • Applications: Used for creating serial numbers, barcodes, QR codes, custom gifts, personalized jewelry, awards, and industrial labels

        What We Engrave

        A quick list of some of our most popular custom engraving items:

        • Cups & Drinkware – tumblers, travel mugs, shot glasses, whiskey rocks

        • Glassware – wine & cocktail glasses, vases, awards (Glassware is coming soon, stay tuned)

        • Wood – cutting boards, plaques, frames, signage

        • Leather – wallets, keychains, luggage tags, belts

        • Knives & Tools – pocket knives, chef’s knives, grilling sets

        • And More… – coasters, ornaments, phone chargers, grill tools, and other personal treasures

          Items We Do Not Engrave

          • Family heirlooms or irreplaceable items

          • Any pieces that are fragile, unstable, or cannot safely be engraved.