What Can You Do with a Laser Engraver? Materials, Ideas & More

OMTech Laser Updated On Nov 11, 2024

A laser engraver is compatible with a wide array of project materials, from wood, acrylic, and leather to items like powder-coated mugs or glasses. The scope of laser engraver project ideas is boundless. By blending materials and components, you can craft unique, personalized creations. Your imagination is the sole limit to laser engraving ideas.

What materials can be utilized with a laser engraver?

Although my primary focus was on wood, I ventured into experimenting with various materials such as acrylic, faux leather, glass, and powder-coated mugs. I aimed to procure a diverse range of materials for testing, unsure of where my passions would lie initially. I explored everything possible as learning best occurs through trial and error. My laser engraving concepts and projects encompass different wood types, specialized acrylics, and anything with distinct finishes.

Even without an immediate project in mind, I maintained a spreadsheet detailing suppliers, materials, thicknesses, and prices so that I could easily access more of what I liked or wanted to try. This was particularly useful for individuals with numerous ideas for laser cutter projects but unsure where to commence.

For basic information on the settings and materials I employ, you can view my spreadsheet here! Note that materials like wood and acrylic are quite restricted in my area, so I predominantly purchase online.

The initial libraries I utilized are accessible in the OMTech Facebook group. I simply searched my machine, downloaded the available libraries, and utilized them to test scrap material. Initially, I relied on Brandt's library as the basis for my work, so credit for discovering some of my settings goes to him!

Another useful practice is conducting test runs on new materials to determine the optimal laser settings. Test card files are also available in the Facebook group.

Some materials to consider for your laser engraving ideas:

1. Wood (frequently employing 1/8, 5/32, and .25)

I source from various online small businesses, Lowes, and Home Depot.
⅛” is ideal for top layers! I tend to avoid using it as a base as I prefer a thicker base. I particularly enjoy using ⅛” for word cutouts, jewelry, and ornaments, making excellent laser engraved gifts.
5/32 is suitable for the bottom layers of signs and decor, with scraps often utilized for earrings, keychains, and other smaller projects that make great laser engraved gifts.
.25 is perfect for the bases and bottoms of signs!

2. Whiteboard (5/32 and .25)

I started acquiring this from Lowe's, finding it excellent for clean engravings with white designs. However, it requires masking and can be messy!

3. Acrylic (commonly using 1/16 and 1/8)

I employ 1/16 for my double-layered designs paired with mirror acrylic, especially when the mirror design features a 3M-backed adhesive.
I use ⅛ for layered designs and jewelry.

4. Laser-safe Leather

Ideal for custom patches on hats and clothing! While I haven't extensively worked with this yet, I have some sheets in my inventory to experiment with.

5. Cardboard

Ideal for jigs, design testing, and more! I often preserve my scraps and prototype designs using cardboard as it is readily available. Simply tear up some boxes and utilize them for testing.

6. Cardstock

If you create custom packaging, LightBurn offers a print and cut feature! You can also create layered paper designs if desired.

7. Powder-coated mugs

Engraving mugs and bottles requires a laser rotary attachment. Customized mugs are advantageous as the design doesn't wash off like stickers or vinyl. I have engraved powder-coated mugs using both my CO2 laser and Fiber laser.

Where to Find Laser Engraving Ideas?

If you seek inspiration for your next laser engraving project, the internet is a valuable starting point. Engage with various groups and network with industry peers. Social media is a great platform to discover products and ideas for your own laser engraved projects. Pinterest is a rich source of inspiration. I maintain a folder on my desktop with inspirational photos, ensuring not to directly copy when seeking inspiration! Designers put in significant effort, and many offer files at affordable prices with commercial licenses. If you admire a particular file or design, consider supporting the designer by making a purchase. Remember to infuse uniqueness and creativity into your ideas for inspiration. For instance, if you appreciate a cat design, try drawing your own cat in your style for laser engraved gifts. I frequently adopt this approach as it fosters a deeper connection to my laser engraver project ideas when I personally create them.

If you possess diverse hobbies, consider joining hobbyist groups and communities. Personally, I engage in numerous niche groups, especially due to my ownership of two axolotls and a Goldendoodle pup. I've always had an affinity for unconventional and peculiar animals, participating in bug/insect groups, exotic pet groups, and communities lacking sufficient products for specific animals or creatures. Individuals often desire keychains or customized products featuring their pets, presenting an opportunity to offer laser engraved gifts.

Engage in brainstorming and document all your laser engraving ideas, whether on your computer or in a notebook. I carry a dedicated notebook with me everywhere to jot down all my ideas and doodles.

Several laser engraving ideas and designs that serve as excellent laser engraved projects:

1. Themes

Sports (golf, football, basketball, baseball, soccer, etc.)
Animals & Pets
Cars/Automotive
Hobbies

2. Occasions & HolidaysBirthday

Valentines/Wedding/Anniversary
Christmas
Halloween
Easter
4th of July/Patriotic
Thanksgiving

3. Professions

Medical (nurse, doctor, vet, dental, etc.)
First responders (police, dispatch, EMT, fire, etc.)
Technology (gamers, tech accessories, etc.)
Caretaker
Teaching
Trades (electrical, machining, carpentry, plumbing, etc.)

4. Food & Beverage

Bar & drinks
Food
Coffee & Tea

Maintain an ongoing list of all your laser engraving ideas. Additionally, make note of any laser cutter projects you wish to test and experiment with. You never know until you try, and each laser engraving project you undertake presents a learning opportunity.

Furthermore, ensure to document any additional components you may require. For instance, if you plan to create a clock, you'll need to procure the mechanism in addition to the standard wood/acrylic you intend to use.

Transitioning from Design to Laser

I utilize my iPad Pro, Apple Pencil, and Procreate to sketch and draw my laser engraving ideas. Subsequently, I import these designs into Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, live-trace them, and make adjustments as necessary. Following this, I save the design as either a .ai or .svg file and export it to LightBurn! I collaborated with OMTech to create a video outlining my standard process. I assure you, the process becomes more straightforward with practice! You don't need to be an artist, as features like the symmetry tool in Procreate enable even the simplest designs and basic shapes to become popular sellers!

Incorporating your own drawing assets can lead to unique designs for your laser cutter projects. Moreover, you may discover an additional revenue stream—file selling! There exist groups where individuals assist in testing your files, making it beneficial to join if selling laser engraving design files is of interest to you.

Exploring Laser Engraving Product Ideas

My laser engraving ideas originate from various sources; typically, I envision a product and think, "I wish they offered this product featuring an axolotl." Subsequently, I create that product but featuring an axolotl.

Several laser engraving project ideas include:

1. Jewelry, Keychains & Accessories (ideal for scraps)

Earring and pin sets
Matching bestie keychains
General earring studs and dangle earrings
Magnets
Badge reels

2. Home Decor

Laser-cut signs
Laser-engraved clocks
Laser-engraved picture frames
Tea light candle holders
Tiered trays and sets
Bar Decor: wall-mounted bottle openers
Bar Decor: wine caddies
Engraved wood coasters
Laser-cut acrylic LED signs
Laser-engraved lamps

3. DIY Paint kits

Utilize a quick engrave or "scoreline" to outline simple shapes and designs for children to paint! Also suitable for utilizing scraps!

4. Educational

Engraved placemats for learning names, numbers, etc. These can also be crafted from whiteboard material!
Custom Puzzles

5. Workbed Jigs

Ideal for precise placement if producing numerous identical product designs

6. Leather Patches (ensure to use laser-safe leather)

7. Ornaments

8. Gift Box Sets

I began creating small boxes containing a mix of items that have proven popular! These boxes often include ornaments, magnets, keychains, earrings, jewelry, DIY kits, and other fun items to provide variety.

9. Tabletop Gaming

Dice chests
Custom miniature and model displays
Dice cases

10. Model Making

Miniature buildings
Small-scale objects like walls, trees, etc.
Dollhouses and small building models

Key Tips for Beginners

Firstly, do not fear experimentation and making mistakes! It is a natural part of the learning process. Maintain a list/document/blog post detailing your challenges, along with photos and descriptions, and how you overcame them. This is how we all learn and progress.

Avoid rushing into selling your laser engraver projects. Familiarize yourself with your laser machine, materials, settings, etc. Test your products rigorously to ensure their durability. If you rush into selling prematurely and your products fail, it may harm your reputation! Begin by creating laser engraved gifts to solicit feedback. Personally, I spent two months testing and learning before making any sales. This caution extends to elements like fasteners, glues, and other components used alongside your product. When you are ready to sell, consider consulting a business specialist or accountant to address legal requirements. They can advise on necessary protections based on your unique laser engraving business ideas.

Maintain a spreadsheet to manage your materials and inventory. Keep track of suppliers, purchased materials, prices, and preferred settings. This information is invaluable for pricing your laser engraved products fairly for customers. If you are tech-savvy, consider developing your own formulas. I utilize Airtable to manage all my materials and have custom-built formulas linking to other tables. I hope to share more detailed information on my project management in a future blog post!

Above all, enjoy the process and engage with the laser engraving community! Share your projects, seek advice, and relish the experience. We all begin somewhere, and the best way to immerse yourself in the world of lasers is to dive right in!