Laser engraving machines can quickly and precisely create complex patterns and images. As a result, laser engraving is a popular and versatile method for creating intricate designs and patterns on wood. But an inappropriate operation may lead to a lot of unexpected results. One of the essential skills that you should acquire is trying to avoid laser burning and scorching marks on the wood.
Avoiding wood laser burning and scorching marks can not be overstated. Laser burned marks damage the wood’s surface and significantly affect the product’s quality. These marks may come from a variety of reasons. Excessive heat, poor ventilation, inappropriate laser settings, etc., are significant reasons.
However, to avoid these reasons and issues, there are several steps that you can take into consideration. These steps include proper material selection, correct laser settings, and effective machine maintenance. Following these steps minimizes the risk of burn and scorch marks. As a result, you can achieve clean and precise engraving. Keeping this importance in mind, we have created this article. This article explains the detailed information related to wood laser burning and scorching. It also highlights the necessary steps that you can take to achieve the best results.
Understanding wood
Understanding different wood properties against laser settings is necessary. Learning these properties is essential to achieve the best possible results. In addition, we should also follow a few factors that can affect the laser engraving process. This way, we can identify the best wood for our project and optimize laser engraving settings accordingly. The following factors are noteworthy:
- Wood Characteristics: Various wood types have different densities, colors, and grain patterns. All these wood properties primarily affect the engraving process. For example, softwoods are generally easier to engrave and require less power and slower speeds. On the other hand, hardwood requires high laser power and may be difficult to engrave for beginners.
- Factors that affect the laser engraving process: These factors may include the laser power and speed settings. In addition, the focus, laser beam spot size, and the distance between the laser and the wood surface are also influential factors.
- Choose the ideal wood for your project: You should choose the best wood for your requirement. Some woods, such as birch and maple, are famous for their light color and tight grain. These woods can provide clean and precise engraving. On the other hand, oak and mahogany are renowned for their dark color and prominent grain patterns. These woods can give a more rustic or antique appearance.
What causes laser burn stains on timber?
There is a good number of reasons against laser burning stains on wood. The high temperatures generated by the laser can create unsightly laser burning marks. On the other hand, inappropriate laser settings and poor ventilation also contribute to laser burning.
- Excessive heat and debris: It is one of the primary reasons for laser burn stains on timber. Your machine may produce extreme heat if you set the laser to high power and speed. The high heat generated from this laser can create laser burn stains on wood. In addition, debris such as sawdust or other materials can make laser-burned stains and charred marks.
- Contact with the laser bed is another influential factor you should check carefully. If you don’t secure the wood properly or are in direct contact with the laser bed, it may create localized heating. As a result, it makes laser-burning marks on the surface. In these situations, you should ensure adequate clearance between the laser bed and the surface of the wood.
- Inappropriate laser settings: The machine usually generates excessive heat if laser power and speed are too high. As a result, these laser settings create laser-burning stains on wood. Similarly, other laser settings, such as focus and spot size, affect laser engraving quality.
- Poor ventilation of the system also contributes to laser-burning stains on timber. However, during the laser engraving process, the laser vaporizes the wood. It creates fumes and particles that can accumulate in the machine. In this case, if your machine’s ventilation systems are inadequate, this debris can settle on the surface of the wood. As a result, it may create laser-burning stains on wood.
7 Engraving techniques for Preventing burning when laser engraving
We have learned the parameters contributing to the quality of laser-engraved products. In this section, we will learn how to mitigate these problems. However, we recommend following seven techniques to avoid laser burning and scorching marks on the wood.
Technique #1 Choose an appropriate laser engraving machine
The first thing you must ensure is to choose the most suitable laser engraving machine for any project. Concerning laser burning issues, selecting a suitable laser engraving machine is mandatory. However, look for a laser engraver machine with adequate cooling and ventilation systems. Check if the laser engraver machine can handle the wood you plan to engrave. Above all, a well-designed machine will be more effective at preventing burning.
“How to Choose the Best Deep Laser Engraving Machine” explains all the necessary parameters that you should consider. Besides, “Laser engraving machine manufacturers: The Top 15 Brands” will help you choose the best brands worldwide.
Technique #2 Adjust the power and speed settings
The power and speed settings of the laser are the next thing you should check. An appropriate level of these two parameters is crucial for preventing laser burning. It is important to note that the power setting controls the intensity of the laser beam. It determines how fast the laser moves across the wood. Lowering the power and increasing the speed can reduce the heat generated. As a result, you can get a clean and precise engraving.
Doing a test engraving with different settings is crucial to find the optimal balance between these two parameters. Besides, you can also keep a record of the laser settings that work best. It will help you achieve consistent results.
Technique #3 Use transfer tape on the wood surface
Transfer tape is another excellent way to prevent laser burning during engraving. It is a low-tack adhesive tape that transfers vinyl or other materials onto a surface. You only need to apply the transfer tape onto the wood surface. Later use the laser engraver machine to engrave the tape and the wood. In this case, the transfer tape is a barrier between the laser and the wood. It helps reduce the heat generated during the laser engraving process.
It is important to note that you should remove the tape immediately after the laser engraving process. Leaving it on the wood surface for too long may cause it to adhere too firmly. As a result, removing it becomes problematic. In addition, it creates potential damage to the wood surface.
Technique #4 Ensure proper ventilation of the system
Before starting a laser engraving process, you should check its ventilation system. You should also check the ventilation system of the machine before buying it. Ensuring proper ventilation of the system will give you a burn-free precise engraving. During the process, the laser produces smoke and a lot of heat. Smoke and heat may accumulate in the workspace and cause the wood to burn or scorch. Therefore, it is essential to have a well-ventilated workspace to remove heat and smoke quickly.
Technique #5 Apply suitable coating on the wood surface
Applying a suitable coating on the wood’s surface is an effective way to avoid laser burning. Like transfer tape, the coating is a barrier between the laser and the wood. It reduces a significant amount of heat generated during the laser engraving process. Typically, there are several types of coatings you may find. Spray-on-coatings and brush-on-coatings are some noteworthy types. These coatings’ variety may differ from various materials.
When applying the coating, ensure the wood surface is clean and dust-free. Evenly apply the coating and give it some time to dry completely. You can also test the coating on a small wood surface area.
Technique #6 Test cuts
This technique is one of the most effective ways to ensure burn-free laser engraving. A test cut can be performed on a scrap piece of the same type of wood. This technique will help you to determine the optimal laser settings. As a result, you can get the desired results without burning or scorching the wood.
Technique #7 Troubleshooting
Even with proper technique and precautions, laser burning and scorching can still occur. To mitigate this problem, you can perform test cuts and troubleshoot the issues. The following are some common troubleshooting steps for preventing laser burning and scorching.
- Adjust the laser settings
- Clean the laser lens
- Check the ventilation system properly
- Ensure the proper position of the wood pieces
- Secure the laser bed.
However, consult the manufacturers or field professionals if you still face the issue.
Expert Advice
From the above discussion, we have learned that several factors can cause the laser burning issue. Some fundamental reasons are explained briefly in the above discussion. Therefore, it is essential to understand the characteristics of wood and the tricks of using a laser device to prevent these issues.
If you still face these situations, consult with the professionals or contact our service teams. HiSpeed Laser keeps one of the world’s most active customer service teams. You can consult any issue regarding your laser engraving machines. However, if you understand the techniques above, you will be able to completely mitigate the burning problem.