In a single laser-cutting file, you can have contours cut out and details engraved. The difference lies in what the laser does with the line or shape. After uploading, you assign the desired operation yourself per line color.
Cutting: the laser goes through the material
For cutting, the laser follows a vector line through the full plate thickness. Use this for the outer contour, holes, slots, and other cutouts. Anything that needs to come out of the plate as a separate shape requires a closed cutting contour.
Consider the kerf width and variations in actual material thickness when parts need to fit precisely. For a critical fit, a small test piece is more advisable than a general compensation value.
Line engraving: the laser follows a line on the surface
Line engraving is a shallow marking along a vector line. This operation is suitable for thin text, contour drawings, numbering, and subtle details. A line drawing remains a line drawing; the inside is not filled.
Line engraving usually requires less laser time than a large filled engraving area. The visibility varies by material. On wood and cardboard, more contrast often occurs than on light or transparent plastics.
Area engraving: the laser fills a closed shape
With area engraving, the laser processes the entire area within a closed vector shape. This is suitable for filled logos, wide letters, icons, and larger markings. Because the laser fills the surface line by line, the total surface area and shape significantly influence the processing time.
Use a completely closed contour. An area fill, mask, or pixel image in your drawing program is not a production instruction. Clean up overlapping engraving shapes and merge them where necessary.
How to indicate operations
Use visible line colors and give lines with the same operation the same color. You don't need to use a fixed color for cutting or engraving beforehand: in the portal, you choose what should happen with each color. Then check the preview, the dimensions, and each assigned operation.
What determines the end result?
Material, color, thickness, and surface determine how clearly an engraving becomes visible. Mirror acrylic requires extra attention due to its front and back. If in doubt, order a material sample or an actual test part first.
Engraving an existing product is different
If you want to engrave an existing or supplied product, this is product engraving. We assess the material, shape, engraving surface, positioning, and risk beforehand. This is not a fourth operation within a regular laser cutting order. For this, see the separate page on product engraving.