Laser Cutting Machines vs Laser Engraving Machines: What's the Difference? How to Choose?

Laser cutters and laser engravers serve very different functions, although both use a focused laser beam to process materials. In this article, we'll break down the differences between laser cutting and laser engraving machines to help you choose the right tool for your needs-whether you're a handyman, small business owner, or industrial user.

What is laser cutting?

Laser cutting is a subtractive manufacturing process in which a high-powered laser beam melts, burns, or vaporizes material to achieve precise cuts. Think of it as a “laser scalpel,” capable of cutting materials such as wood, acrylic, metal or leather with micron-level precision.

How it works:

Common Uses:

Industrial manufacturing (metal parts, automobile parts).

Signage, architectural models, DIY handicrafts.

Product design prototyping.

What is laser engraving?

Laser engraving is a surface marking technique that utilizes a low-power laser to etch a pattern, text or texture on the surface of a material without cutting through the material. It is more like “painting with light”, by changing the surface of the material to create a contrasting effect.

How it works:

Common Uses:

Personalization (phone cases, jewelry, trophies).

Adding serial numbers, trademarks or QR codes.

Artistic creations (woodcut prints, anodized aluminum designs).

Core differences between laser cutters and engravers

Laser Engraving

Laser Cutting

Despite the similarity in technical principles, there are the following differences between the two in practical applications:

1. Laser power and intensity

Cutting machine: require higher power (e.g. 40W-10,000W) to penetrate thicker materials.

Engraving machine: use lower power (e.g. 5W-60W) to avoid excessive burning of the surface.

2. Applicable materials

Cutting machine: Good for dense, thicker materials (e.g. 20mm plywood, 10mm steel plate).

Engraving machine: good at thin plate or surface treatment (e.g. glass, leather, coated metal).

Note: Some materials (e.g. PVC) produce toxic gases and need to be avoided.

3. Speed and precision

Cutting machine: slower when cutting thick materials, but clean and thorough cuts.

Engraving machine: faster for fine patterns, but only for surface processing.

4. Machine structure

Cutting machine: Larger table, more robust body, equipped with gas assist system.

Engraving machine: compact size, finer focus adjustment, suitable for complex details.

Can a machine cut and engrave at the same time?

Many modern hybrid laser machines combine both cutting and engraving functions. For example, a 60W CO₂ laser machine can both cut 6mm plywood and engrave photos on glass. However, for demanding tasks, specialized equipment usually performs better.

Choose according to the main need. If engraving is the main focus, a diode laser machine will suffice; for high-intensity cutting, it is recommended to invest in a fiber laser cutter.

How to choose laser equipment?

Before choosing a laser equipment, you need to consider the following issues clearly:

1. What material is the equipment applied to? Heavy metal? Fine leather?

2. What is the target output? Functional parts or decorative artwork?

3. What is the budget? Industrial grade cutters are much more expensive than desktop engravers.

Laser cutters and engravers are complementary tools, each with its own strengths. The laser cutter builds the structure and the laser engraver gives the personality. At Lori, we offer high-precision laser equipment, and our equipment can meet the diverse needs of our users, from product production to customized gifts.