75
6.4.7 Rubber
The various compositions and densities of rubber cause slightly varying engraving depths. Testing
various settings on sample pieces of your specific rubber is highly recommended for the best
results. When engraving rubber, generally use a consistent high-power setting and create your
effects by varying the laser’s speed. Microporous rubber materials require a significantly higher
speed than standard rubber. Engraving any kind of rubber produces a considerable amount of dust
and gas. Depending on the amount of work, breathing PPE and/or a full ventilation system may be
required to address the problem.
6.4.8 Stone
When engraving various kinds of stone, generally use moderate power and moderate to fast speed.
As with ceramics and glass, be mindful of the dust created (especially for repetitive industrial
applications) and take similar measures to ensure the safety of users and others in the work area.
6.4.9 Textiles
When engraving textiles like cloth and fleece, generally use low power and fast speed. As with
leather, be especially attentive to the possibility of fire and dust.
6.4.10 Wood
As with rubber, there is a huge variety of woods and testing your specific material is essential to get
the best results. In general, wood with consistent grain and coloring engraves more evenly. Knotted
wood produces uneven effects, while resinous wood produces greater edge contrast. Some
softwoods like balsa, cork, and pine engrave well (albeit with low contrast) at low or moderate
power settings and high speed. Others like fir suffer from uneven fibers that usually produce a poor
effect in any setting. Hardwoods like cherry and oak engrave well at high power settings and low
speed. Manufactured wood products can vary from brand to brand, mostly based on their glue
composition and abundance. MDF works well but creates dark edges when cut.
In addition to the risk of fire with any wood product, extra care must be taken with the fumes from
the glue used in plywood and other manufactured woods. Some are too dangerous to work with
at all, while others require careful ventilation and the use of breathing PPE for repetitive industrial
applications. Wood toxicity should also be examined, as the dust from some natural woods
including oleander can also cause nausea and cardiac problems in high enough amounts.
6 Operation
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