--- description: There are three most common basic types of laser engraving, including laser cutting engraving, concave engraving, and convex engraving. title: 3 Basic Types of Laser Engraving image: https://www.stylecnc.com/uploads/allimg/200622/1592818114117421.jpg --- # [3 Basic Types of Laser Engraving](https://www.stylecnc.com/blog/laser-engraving-types.html "3 Basic Types of Laser Engraving") Last Updated: 2022-05-19 By [Charles](https://www.stylecnc.com/author/charles "Charles")3 Min Read ## 3 Basic Types of Laser Engraving There are three basic types of laser engraving: laser cutting engraving, concave engraving and convex engraving. Let us starting to learn the laser engraving basics, working principle, benefits and types. Laser engraving machines are generally used for cutting and engraving materials. The laser engraving can be divided into three types: cutting engraving, concave engraving and convex engraving. The material removal principle of laser engraving is the same as that of laser cutting, and multiple uncut slots are connected together to form an area of material removal. The cross section of the laser grooving is "V" shape, the lower the cutting speed, the greater the laser current, the larger the grooving width and depth, in which the cutting speed and laser current have a greater influence on the grooving depth than the grooving width Much more. ![Laser Engraving]() ### Working Principle The basic principle of [laser engraving](https://www.stylecnc.com/laser-engraving-machine/ "laser engraving") is basically the same as that of laser cutting, which uses high-energy density laser beam to convert into thermal energy, which causes thermal decomposition and carbonization of the material instantly, thereby removing part of the material. Laser cutting is to separate the different parts of the material (mainly the board), and laser engraving is to process the required patterns, patterns and text on the surface of the wooden material. For the same material, the energy required for laser cutting is relatively large, and laser engraving requires relatively little energy because it does not need to cut through the workpiece. ### Benefits Laser engraving is a non-contact processing method. Compared with traditional machining methods, it has the advantages of no debris pollution, no tool wear, no need to change tools, and no noise pollution (noise is very low). The focusing lens of the laser cutting head focuses the laser to a very small spot with a spot diameter of generally 0.1 to 0.5 mm. The focus of the laser beam is located near the surface to be processed to melt or vaporize the processed material. At the same time, the air flow coaxial with the beam is ejected from the cutting head, blowing the melted or vaporized material from the bottom of the cut. ### Types **Cutting Engraving.** It uses the cutting method to process the required pattern on the surface of the material, that is, the pattern is first decomposed and expressed into several line forms, and then these lines are cut by laser, and then the pattern represented by the cutting line is obtained. **Concave Engraving.** Cut away the part of the pattern, and leave the surface of the material as it is for the part around the pattern. There are two cases here. The first case is the same cutting force for each point on the pattern. The engraved pattern is mainly reflected by the outline shape. The second case is based on the distribution of the light and dark and contrast of the pattern. The "dark" part of the pattern is cut more, and the "bright" part of the pattern is cut less or not. The former is suitable for engraving characters, animals, plants and other patterns that are mainly based on appearance, while the latter is more suitable for engraving patterns with details such as facial expressions of characters. **Convex Engraving.** Contrary to concave die engraving, this engraving process only cuts the material around the pattern, and the cutting force at each point is the same, but the material of the pattern itself is not cut. This engraving method is suitable for the expression of text, graphic outline, etc. In the latter two engraving methods, the method of material removal is that each time the laser head walks on the cut surface, a linear groove is cut, and then the next line is cut after moving a small distance. Usually the distance between the two slots can be O. 05-0.5mm. In this way, multiple linear cuts are used to achieve the purpose of removing the area-forming material required by these two engraving forms. Of course, in the second form of concave die engraving, the size of the groove, especially the depth of the groove, will change as needed on the same cutting line. ### Share This Article With Others ### Further Reading #### What Is Laser Cutting? Definition, Types, Features, Uses 2020-06-12[Prev Post](https://www.stylecnc.com/blog/laser-cutting-basics.html "What Is Laser Cutting? Definition, Types, Features, Uses") ### How Does A Laser Engraver Work? 2020-06-29[Next Post](https://www.stylecnc.com/blog/how-does-a-laser-engraver-work.html "How Does A Laser Engraver Work?") ### Related Topics [](https://www.stylecnc.com/user-manual/laser-engraving-cutting-machine-warnings-cautions.html "Things To Consider When Using Laser Cutter Engraver Machine") 2021-02-263 Min Read #### [Things To Consider When Using Laser Cutter Engraver Machine](https://www.stylecnc.com/user-manual/laser-engraving-cutting-machine-warnings-cautions.html "Things To Consider When Using Laser Cutter Engraver Machine") When you use a laser cutter or laser engraving machine, you should pay attention to the warnings and cautions to protect yourself from the risk of operating. [](https://www.stylecnc.com/cnc-solutions/co2-laser-engraving-cutting-machine.html "A Guide to Buy Your First CO2 Laser Machine") 2022-05-307 Min Read #### [A Guide to Buy Your First CO2 Laser Machine](https://www.stylecnc.com/cnc-solutions/co2-laser-engraving-cutting-machine.html "A Guide to Buy Your First CO2 Laser Machine") Before you buy CO2 laser machine for engraving & cutting, you should know what is it? how does it work? how much does it cost? how to buy it within your budget. [](https://www.stylecnc.com/blog/cnc-engraving-machine-vs-laser-engraving-machine.html "CNC Engraving Machine vs Laser Engraving Machine") 2023-08-254 Min Read #### [CNC Engraving Machine vs Laser Engraving Machine](https://www.stylecnc.com/blog/cnc-engraving-machine-vs-laser-engraving-machine.html "CNC Engraving Machine vs Laser Engraving Machine") Laser engraver vs CNC router, what is the best for your engraving plans or projects? Review the guide to a comparison of CNC engraving machine and laser engraving machine. [](https://www.stylecnc.com/blog/usa-laser-metal-engraver-cost.html "How Much Does Laser Metal Engraving Price in USA?") 2025-07-306 Min Read #### [How Much Does Laser Metal Engraving Price in USA?](https://www.stylecnc.com/blog/usa-laser-metal-engraver-cost.html "How Much Does Laser Metal Engraving Price in USA?") How much does a laser metal engraving machine cost in the United States? In this post, you'll get the prices of metal laser engraver from popular brands in USA. [](https://www.stylecnc.com/blog/how-to-make-money-with-portable-fiber-laser-engraver.html "How to Make Money with Profitable Fiber Laser Engraver?") 2023-08-255 Min Read #### [How to Make Money with Profitable Fiber Laser Engraver?](https://www.stylecnc.com/blog/how-to-make-money-with-portable-fiber-laser-engraver.html "How to Make Money with Profitable Fiber Laser Engraver?") Looking for a profitable laser marking machine to start a personalization business? Review the guide on how to use a beneficial fiber laser engraver to make money. [](https://www.stylecnc.com/blog/cnc-router-and-laser-machine-roi.html "CNC and Laser Business ROI: How Fast Can You Pay Off Your Machine?") 2026-04-176 Min Read #### [CNC and Laser Business ROI: How Fast Can You Pay Off Your Machine?](https://www.stylecnc.com/blog/cnc-router-and-laser-machine-roi.html "CNC and Laser Business ROI: How Fast Can You Pay Off Your Machine?") Most CNC routers and laser machines pay for themselves within 6 to 24 months, depending on machine type, utilization rate, and business model. Hobby-grade machines under $5,000 often break even in under 6 months through custom product sales. Industrial fiber laser cutters and full-size CNC routers typically recover costs within 12 to 18 months when operated at 60% or higher utilization. The key variables are production volume, pricing discipline, and consistent order flow. ### Post A Review 1 to 5-star rating5 stars4 stars3 stars2 stars1 star #### Share Your Thoughts And Feelings With Others Review Title Your Name Your Email Your Review Guest Post Captcha ![Click To Change Captcha]() Submit Your Review ### Trending Topics ![Top 10 Best CNC Machine Manufacturers & Brands in the World]() #### [Top 10 Best CNC Machine Manufacturers & Brands in the World](https://www.stylecnc.com/blog/top-10-best-cnc-machine-manufacturers-brands.html "Top 10 Best CNC Machine Manufacturers & Brands in the World") 2025-05-22 ![CNC Post Processor Files Free Download]() #### [CNC Post Processor Files Free Download](https://www.stylecnc.com/blog/free-cnc-post-processor-files.html "CNC Post Processor Files Free Download") 2024-03-12 ![18 Best Ways to Remove Rust from Metal in 2026]() #### [18 Best Ways to Remove Rust from Metal in 2026](https://www.stylecnc.com/blog/rust-removal-ways.html "18 Best Ways to Remove Rust from Metal in 2026") 2026-03-07 ![How to Build a CNC Machine from Scratch? - DIY Guide]() #### [How to Build a CNC Machine from Scratch? - DIY Guide](https://www.stylecnc.com/blog/how-to-build-cnc-machine.html "How to Build a CNC Machine from Scratch? - DIY Guide") 2025-02-10 ![How Fast And Thick Can Fiber Lasers Cut Through Metal?]() #### [How Fast And Thick Can Fiber Lasers Cut Through Metal?](https://www.stylecnc.com/blog/fiber-laser-cutting-metal-thickness-speed-power.html "How Fast And Thick Can Fiber Lasers Cut Through Metal?") 2025-02-05 ![How To Build A Laser Cutter Machine? - DIY Guide]() #### [How To Build A Laser Cutter Machine? - DIY Guide](https://www.stylecnc.com/blog/how-to-build-laser-cutter.html "How To Build A Laser Cutter Machine? - DIY Guide") 2026-03-19 ### CNC Machine Catalog * [CNC Routers](https://www.stylecnc.com/cnc-router/ "CNC Router") * [CNC Plasma Cutters](https://www.stylecnc.com/plasma-cutter/ "CNC Plasma Cutter") * [CNC Milling Machines](https://www.stylecnc.com/cnc-milling-machine/ "CNC Milling Machine") * [CNC Machining Centers](https://www.stylecnc.com/cnc-working-center/ "CNC Machining Center") * [Edge Banding Machines](https://www.stylecnc.com/edge-banding-machine/ "Edge Banding Machine") * [CNC Bending Machines](https://www.stylecnc.com/cnc-bending-machine/ "CNC Bending Machine") * [Laser Cutting Machines](https://www.stylecnc.com/products/laser-cutting-machine.html "Laser Cutting Machine") * [Laser Marking Machines](https://www.stylecnc.com/laser-marking-machine/ "Laser Marking Machine") * [Laser Welding Machines](https://www.stylecnc.com/laser-welding-machine/ "Laser Welding Machine") * [Laser Cleaning Machines](https://www.stylecnc.com/laser-cleaning-machine/ "Laser Cleaning Machine") * [Laser Engraving Machines](https://www.stylecnc.com/laser-engraving-machine/ "Laser Engraving Machine") * [CNC Digital Knife Cutters](https://www.stylecnc.com/cnc-knife-cutting-machine/ "CNC Digital Knife Cutting Machine") * [CNC Wood Lathe Machines](https://www.stylecnc.com/wood-lathe/ "CNC Wood Turning Lathe Machine") * [CNC Parts, Tools, Accessories](https://www.stylecnc.com/spare-parts/ "CNC Spare Parts, Tools, Accessories") ### Get Easy Solution Your MachineYour MachineCNC MillCNC LatheCNC RouterLaser CutterLaser WelderLaser CleanerLaser EngraverEdge BanderPanel BenderDigital CutterPlasma CutterWaterjet CutterCNC Machining CenterMultiple ToolsNot Listed Above Your MaterialYour MaterialMetalWoodFoamGlassPaperStoneFabricPlasticAcrylicCrystalRubberLeatherCompositesMultiple Materials Your BudgetYour BudgetNo BudgetUnder $3,000$3,000 - $6,000$6,000 - $8,000$8,000 - $10,000$10,000 - $12,000$12,000 - $15,000$15,000 - $20,000$20,000 - $30,000$30,000 - $50,000$50,000 - $80,000$80,000 - $100,000Over $100,000 Your Email Your Requirements Submission Successful, Redirecting In 5 Seconds... ### STYLECNC