Deep laser engraving has revolutionized precision marking by offering a durable, efficient, and high-quality solution for various industries. From manufacturing components to branding products with permanent logos, this technology is reshaping the way we approach material marking. By leveraging laser precision and advanced control settings, deep engraving ensures longevity and aesthetic excellence.
1. Deep Laser Engraving Overview
1.1 What is Deep Laser Engraving?
Deep laser engraving is a process where a laser beam removes layers of material to create indelible marks or patterns with significant depth. Unlike surface engraving, which only alters the material's top layer, deep engraving penetrates multiple layers, resulting in durable and tactile designs.

1.2 Applications of Deep Laser Engraving
Deep laser engraving is widely used in aerospace, automotive, medical devices, and tool manufacturing. It is equally vital in branding applications, such as engraving logos, serial numbers, or QR codes on products. This method also excels in precision marking for components requiring traceability or decorative elements.
Learn more: How to Laser Engrave QR Codes?
1.3 How deep can you laser engrave?
The engraving depth varies based on material and laser settings. Metals like steel and titanium can achieve depths up to 5 mm, while softer materials like aluminum may reach up to 2 mm. Deeper engravings are achievable with high-power lasers and multi-pass techniques.
1.4 How Does Deep Laser Engraving Work?
Lasers achieve deep engraving through material ablation, where concentrated light energy vaporizes surface layers. This process involves repeated passes over the same area to achieve the desired depth while maintaining precision.
a. The role of heat, material ablation, and multi-pass techniques
Heat from the laser melts or vaporizes the material, creating a cavity. Multi-pass techniques allow controlled depth increments, ensuring accuracy and minimizing heat-related distortion.
b. How laser settings influence engraving precision and depth
The interplay of power, speed, and frequency determines engraving quality. Adjusting these parameters optimizes material removal rates, edge sharpness, and depth consistency.
2. Best Laser Engraving Machine for Deep Laser Engraving
When it comes to achieving high-quality deep laser engraving, selecting the right laser engraving machine is crucial. Two standout models for this purpose are the OneLaser Hydra 9 and the OneLaser X Series, both offering advanced features that cater to the demands of deep engraving across various materials.
2.1 Powerful Laser Options
Equipped with 38W RF laser power, Hydra 9 and XRF model can reach intricate deep engraving results. Also, Hydra 9 features dual laser source with a 100W CO2 glass laser source, which ensures fine cutting-edge performance. With powerful laser sources, OneLaser machines can handle most non-metal materials in deep engraving including wood, leather, acrylic, fabric.
Learn more: What Makes the OneLaser XRF the Best of CES 2025? - Reviewed by Mark Ellis
2.2 High-Speed Engraving
The X Series QuickSwitch™ lens system allows for seamless lens changes, enabling users to switch between tasks without downtime to handle different deep laser engraving tasks.
Also, with an engraving speed of 1200mm/s and 3G acceleration, this machine stands out in its class, delivering rapid, precise results for any project.
Learn more: OneLaser XRF vs. XTool P2 Engraving Speed Test
2.3 Advancing Engraving Precision
The OneLaser machines master deep and precise engraving. Its XFocus™ motorized autofocus adjusts to varying material heights, making the best depth control of deep laser engraving.
2.4 Design for Deep Laser Engraving
With a 230mm Z-depth working area, the thickness of materials is never a problem. The workspace size makes Hydra 9 the best laser engraver for deep engraving, which can handle large-scale and thick projects.
OneLaser X SeriesOneLaser HYDRA Series

3. What Are the Most Important Parameters of Deep Laser Engraving?
3.1 Laser Power
Laser power is the most critical factor influencing the depth and efficiency of the engraving process. A higher optical power output allows for deeper material penetration in a shorter period, significantly improving productivity.
For deep laser engraving on non-metals, a minimum of a 30W RF laser or 50W glass tube laser is typically required. In contrast, metallic materials generally demand an at-least 20W fiber laser power for effective engraving.
Learn more: RF CO2 Laser Vs Glass Tube CO2 laser - Which Better?
3.2 Speed
The speed refers to the rate at which the laser beam moves across the material surface. Reducing the speed increases the laser's dwell time on a specific area, resulting in higher energy concentration. This enhanced energy input facilitates deeper and more efficient engraving. However, excessive energy exposure can lead to surface overheating and undesirable discoloration.
3.3 Laser Frequency
Laser frequency, measured in Hz (Hertz), refers to the number of laser pulses emitted per second. It plays a significant role in deep laser engraving, especially when using a CO₂ laser engraver.
Higher Frequency (5-20 kHz) produce more pulses per second, but lower peak energy, which achieves fine surface engraving.
A lower frequency (1-5 kHz) on the other hand, produces fewer pulses per second, but higher energy each pulse, which ensures cleaner, deeper cuts and reduces heat buildup.
Learn more: How Frequency Effects Engraving Results
3.4 Lens
It is surprising that the laser power is not the most effective parameter to achieve deep laser engraving, but the lens. Lenses control how the laser beam is focused, and only a highly focused beam can reach the intensity required for deep engraving. Using the right lens can effectively double the engraving speed.
After a test of 2.5" and 4" lenses, our laser expert found shorter focal length lens (2.5") provides a concentrated beam for precise and deep material removal.
Lens
|
2.5" | 4" | ||
Wood | Acrylic | Wood | Acrylic | |
Speed | 0.46-0.75mm³/s | 0.37-0.51mm³/s | 0.22-0.37mm³/s | 0.18-0.53mm³/s |

4. What Types of Materials are Ideal for Deep Laser Engraving?
A CO₂ laser engraver is excellent for deep engraving on non-metallic materials due to its infrared wavelength (~10.6 µm). Nuberous materials are idea for deep laser engraving. Based on a 38W RF tube CO2 laser engraver, the XRF model, here's a table of the parameters for them.
Material | Suitability for Deep Engraving | Recommended Power Settings | Maximum Engraving Depth |
Wood | Excellent | Power: 90–100% Speed: 50–100 mm/s Passes: 3–6 |
Up to 6 mm |
Acrylic (Cast) | Excellent | Power: 80–100% Speed: 100–200 mm/s Passes: 3–5 |
Up to 4 mm |
Leather | Good | Power: 70–90% Speed: 150–250 mm/s Passes: 2–4 |
Up to 2 mm |
Glass | Moderate | Power: 40–60% Speed: 250–400 mm/s Passes: 1–2 (with masking tape) |
Up to 0.3 mm (surface) |
Rubber (Laserable) | Good | Power: 90–100% Speed: 80–150 mm/s Passes: 3–5 |
Up to 3 mm |
Stone (Slate, Marble, Granite) | Moderate | Power: 90–100% Speed: 60–100 mm/s Passes: 4–7 |
Up to 1.5 mm |
Paper/Cardboard | Poor for deep engraving | Power: 10–20% Speed: 400–600 mm/s Passes: 1 |
Up to 0.3 mm |
Ceramics (Unglazed) | Moderate | Power: 90–100% Speed: 60–100 mm/s Passes: 3–5 |
Up to 0.8 mm |
Fabric/Textiles | Poor for deep engraving | Power: 10–20% Speed: 500–700 mm/s Passes: 1 |
Up to 0.2 mm |
Anodized Aluminum | Not Suitable (Surface Marking) |
Power: 100% (with marking spray) Speed: 80–120 mm/s Passes: 1–2 |
Surface marking only |
Learn more: OneLaser Laser Engraving Settings for Different Materials
5. How to Deep Laser Engrave with OneLaser Machines?
With remarkable performance of OneLaser laser engraving machines, deep laser engraving is indeed possible. Here's a case study of deep laser engraving by OneLaser X Series.
5.1 What You Need for a Deep Laser Engraving?
- A piece of 5mm cherry wood. (200*200mm)
- OneLaser X Series laser engraver
- Air gun
5.2 Step-by-step study by OneLaser X Series
Step 1. Put the cherry wood on the bed
Place a piece of cherry wood with the size 200*200mm onto the bed. Make sure the surface is parallel to the ground as a tilted surface may lead to poor focusing of the laser beam.

Step 2. Import the design file to the machine
Connect your computer to the machine via a USB cable. Open the design file, set the parameters for the deep laser engraving, then send the file to the machine.
Parameter:
- Engraving: 95% power, 200mm/s
- Cutting: 99% power, 50mm/s
- Expected engraved depth: 4mm
Note: The parameter should be tested and adjusted before engraving due to the differences of each machine.

Step 3. Focus the laser to the material surface
Only one touch needed, press the Focus button, then the AutoFocus™ system will help you focus the laser to the wood surface. After that, remember to run a frame to make sure the graph will completely engraved on the wood.

Step 4. One press to start the engraving process
Press the Start button to begin the engraving process and wait for the process to complete.

Step 5. Tune-up your masterpiece
After the engraving program is complete, take the workpiece out of the machine to examine. Remove any remaining wood particles gently with a brush or compressed air. Water can also be used to rinse the workpiece, but will likely cause it to warp.
6. Safety Considerations of Deep Laser Engraving
Protective equipment and safe operating practices
Operators must wear laser safety goggles and ensure proper ventilation to protect against laser exposure and harmful fumes.
Managing fumes and debris
Install fume extractors to remove particles and gases generated during engraving.
Compliance with regulatory standards
Follow national safety standards like ANSI Z136 for laser use and workplace safety.
7. FAQs About Deep Laser Engraving
7.1 What is the maximum depth achievable with deep laser engraving?
Depth ranges from 0.5 mm to 5 mm for metals, depending on material and settings.
7.2 Can deep laser engraving be done on non-metal materials?
Yes, certain plastics, ceramics, and coated materials can be engraved, but metals are preferred for durability.
7.3 How long does it take to perform deep laser engraving?
It varies by material and depth but usually involves multiple passes, making it longer than surface engraving.
7.4 Does deep laser engraving affect material strength?
The impact on strength is minimal for most materials, but excessively deep engravings on thin materials can compromise integrity.
7.5 How to increase the depth of laser engraving?
Increase laser power, lower speed, and reduce frequency for deeper engravings.
Deep laser engraving is a cutting-edge technology combining precision, durability, and versatility. By using the right equipment, optimizing settings, and adhering to safety protocols, this method can unlock endless possibilities across industries.