Laser Etching & Engraving Glass

Ⅰ.Laser Etching & Engraving Glass

With Monport Laser system

Glass laser  etching & engraving techniques have become more and more popular with the development of the society. Glass laser etching & engraving have been applied to produce images, patterns and logos for a lot of companies and merchants. Wineries and custom glass companies often use laser engraving systems to engrave custom logos on their products.

Laser etching is a subset of laser engraving, which occurs when the heat of the beam causes the surface of the material to melt. The laser beam uses high temperatures to melt the surface of the material. The molten material expands and produces raised marks. Unlike engraving, the etching depth is usually no more than 0.001 inches. 

Laser engraving cuts out a part of the material, leaving a cavity for display design. The engraved part can be seen visually and tactile. Laser engraving is carried out by evaporating materials with high-temperature laser. In harder materials, the engraving depth usually varies from 0.02 "to 0.125". 

The main difference between laser etching and laser engraving is that etching melts the micro surface to create raised marks, whereas engraving removes material to create deep marks. Both processes use high heat to create permanent engravings on material surfaces. Both processes are heavily used for part traceability. 

Whether you need internal engraving or surface etching, our Monport laser engraving system can meet your needs. Due to its many advantages compared with traditional engraving technology, laser engraving is used in more and more industries-bringing flexibility, speed and repeatability to your application. 

Advantages included: 

• No consumables:Laser engraving does not require additional consumables, such as sandblasting, ink printing and other glass engraving

• Repeatability:Due to the local energy of the laser and the precise control of the system, laser engraving is very accurate and repeatable.

• Flexibility:The laser can etch a variety of graphics and text, including complex patterns. Thanks to our custom software function, switching between different parts is also very simple. 

• No templates or masks:Our engraving system controls the laser like a pencil on paper-eliminating specific masks for each design. Engraving a new design is as easy as uploading a new drawing file.

• Easily operate : You can easily add laser glass engravingto your automated operations. Our system can even mark glass instantly.

Ⅱ.How to use a rotary attachment for laser engraving cylindrical glass?

Lasers are generally easier to use on flat surfaces, where there is a given focal length and distance between the lens and the surface of the material. Engraving curved surfaces (such as bottles, vases, and glasses) can be challenging, but there are some workarounds that provide some flexibility. For example, using a rotary attachment is an option. After inserting the laser machine, it can make the glass object rotate as the laser exerts its magic power. Of course, complicated angle and curvature changes can still cause problems. 

The rotary attachment is a device inserted into the laser cutting machine, allowing you to engrave on round objects. The laser can only be emitted directly downwards, so it usually cannot be carved along the sides and bottom of the object. However, when the laser is working, the rotary slowly rotates the object, allowing you to engrave around the entire object. 

While objects only need to be symmetrical along one axis, unevenness can cause problems. Because the laser has to focus on a certain point, any curvature of the object will limit the area that can be engraved on. In the below diagram, the laser is focused on the widest part of the glass, limiting the area that can be engraved to a narrow band around the middle. 

If an object is not perfectly round, it can cause problems ranging from skewing the engraving to the object falling off the rotary attachment. For example, the heavy handle will cause the center of mass to constantly shift as the object rotates. The other two objects are not symmetrical or completely round, which could cause the object to fall off of the attachment.

Step 1. Insert the  rotary attachment into the laser engraving machine

First, move the laser machine table to the lowest position. On Monport industrial laser engravers, you can also open the front door to make it easier to insert accessories. Then turn off the laser. When installing or disassembling the rotary engraving accessory, be sure to turn off the laser to ensure safe operation in the processing area. 

Now insert the rotary engraving accessory into your laser, then connect the device to the connecting cable inside the machine. Now turn on the laser again. This will start the laser homing process, and the rotary engraving attachment will automatically rotate to the 0° position. 

Step 2. Prepare the graphic            

The next step is to prepare your graphics using your favorite graphics program. Import the completed graphic to the software, find the rotation icon and enter “90”, this will rotate the graphic 90 °counterclockwise in the software. According to the actual area of the surface engraving area, enlarge or reduce the graphic. Generally, the engraving area of the curved surface is smaller than it looks, so it is necessary to reduce the icon and test it for several times to avoid the deformation of the engraved graphic on the surface. 

Then enter the desired parameter and send the job. 

Step 3. Positioning the work piece 

Turn on your machine. Lower the table to provide additional space under the laser head to install the rotating device. Install the turntable into the workbench and place the cylindrical object on the turntable. You need to adjust various rotation components to fit specific objects. Move the laser head directly over the object and lift your workbench to the appropriate focal length. (if you have auto focus function, please be very careful to ensure that the highest point of the cylindrical object is actually below the red auto focus sensor. Otherwise, the cylindrical object may hit the laser head and cause potential damage.)

Tips: Adjust the distance between the two axes according to the diameter of the engraved cylindrical object. 

Step 4. Laser engraving

You’re ready to go! Engraving cylindrical objects can be tricky. Using our rotating axis attachment, you can easily complete your laser masterpiece! Make various designs on bottles and jars, and engrave your dream work into reality.

Ⅲ. Techniques for laser etching & engraving glass

No matter what material you use, it's always a good idea to test the glass before you start engraving or etching. You can also adjust the speed and power settings, optimize the configuration and identify any problems.

The best type of glass is glass with a lower lead content. Soda ash glass-the most commonly used glass for consumer products-is your best choice. As you know, cheap glass from discount retail stores works well. 

What you have to stay away from is leaded crystal glass or other high-metallic glass. Glass with more metal elements is more difficult to laser, because the laser will effectively "skip" the part, leaving some unmarked spots. In addition, these types of glass may break in undesirable or unpredictable ways due to deterioration of thermal stress. 

When you must use high-end products such as crystals, please be extra careful. Compared to the rest of the crystal, lead tends to expand at a different rate, which can lead to cracking and breakage.

A variety of laser engraving techniques can be used to produce creative designs on glass. One thing to remember when etching glass is that the laser must dissipate heat. Many techniques for laser engraving on glass are based on the way heat is dissipated and try to control the surface temperature of the glass when the laser is working.                                                                                     

The following is a list of commonly used techniques for engraving glass: 

       1. Dampened paper towel

An excellent technique that can be applied to glass engraving is to use wet paper towels on the engraving area. How does it work? First, moisten the paper towel and place it on the glass surface. Second, make sure that no bubbles are formed when the wet tissue is placed on the item. Third, once it is confirmed that there are no bubbles on the glass material, the laser engraving process can be started. This process will ensure a clear white engraving result without rough edges.  

       2. Application tape

Another technique used for laser engraving is to apply tape to prevent the formation of a rough surface where the glass is engraved. Similar to the function of wet wipes, tape can also prevent bubbles from forming or overlapping. The main difference between the wet paper towel method and the tape application method is that, contrary to the white engraving result, the application of tape leads to a grayer result. This is desirable for some projects, so it is a viable option for many applications. 

       3. Engraving without using materials (dampened paper or application tape)

Without any of the above methods, the laser engraving machine can still work on any glass or glass products. The final result of engraving glass will largely depend on your design files and laser machine settings. We work closely with your customers to make sure they get what they really need.

Ⅳ. What kind of objects can you etch or engrave with a laser?

Due to the versatile rotating rotary axis attachment, the glass laser engraving machine can work on an amazing number of products. Monport CO2 laser engraving machines will be our ideal recommended products for all kinds of glass engraving. It takes a small learning process to become a glass etching expert, but when you have the best laser glass engraving machine, you will become more proficient over time. We provide you with all the support you need to start.

Through the application of unique laser engraving technology, many different glass objects can be engraved and transformed into unique works of art. You can even create templates that enable you to produce multiple products using the same laser cutting design. This makes it easier to ensure that all the products you launch meet the standards, whether you are producing a project or thousands of products.

• Wine glasses
• Glass jars
• Glass beer mugs
• Champagne flutes
• Wine bottles
• Glass plates
• Drinking glasses
• Decorative pieces made from glass, crystal and hand-blow 

Ⅴ. Specific applications

• Champagne Glasses

Whether you're greeting the new year, celebrating new love or celebrating life, these custom champagne bottles are suitable for any occasion! Toast the bride or groom with personalized champagne glasses. The mother of the bride or groom will be glad to receive the champagne glasses you need for your wedding. This simple and elegant champagne flute can hold your favorite champagne, sparkling wine or cider. It is carefully made of glass and has a long stem to hold. They will be able to hold this beautifully engraved glass and see the design you designed for them. Each glass has been personalized high-quality laser engraving and will never degrade or fade. These personalized champagne glasses are the perfect gift for mom. Special weddings require special gifts. Give them an unforgettable toasting flute souvenir.

• Brand Glassware

Spread your brand and enhance your brand image by engraving your logo, company name or custom graphics into wine glasses, coffee cups, tableware, etc.

• Personalized Gifts

Put your Photography on a glass, family/anniversary photo, with Monport laser engraver, a personalized special gift will surprise your wife!

• Etched Glass Cookie Jar

Order a personalized jar as a surprise for your mother, and she will absolutely be thrilled. This is great quality glass and so large that you can put cookies/orange juice in the jar. Your mother wouldn't hesitate to recommend this item to her friends and family, and I would definitely using this engraving/etching technology if I need anything else!

• Glass Desk Nameplate

Decorate your desk or work area with this beautiful glass desk nameplate, which is a great gift for your favorite business professionals. This attractive desk nameplate can be customized with a laser engraving machine to create an intelligent and clean personalized desk nameplate. These lovely name boards are a good way to commemorate recent promotions, graduations or new jobs.

For personals,they can also make many customized products, such as: wine glasses, cups, vases, personalized gifts and more. Whether you are big company with large demands or personal use, Monport laser can provide you a variety of options, and there is always one for you!