FAQ about engraving and marking machines
Find all the answers to your frequently asked questions.
Gravotech answers the questions professionals and manufacturers ask most often when comparing laser, mechanical, and other engraving solutions, or when looking for the software and consumables best suited to their needs. Each answer links to a comprehensive article for anyone who wants to learn more.
All about laser engraving and cutting machines
What to consider when choosing a laser engraving machine?
The choice of a laser engraving machine starts with how you'll use it: engraving only, engraving and cutting, or direct part marking. Your work environment, production volume, and part size then point you toward a compact station, an integrated laser, or a laser table.
Your materials and applications then determine the most suitable laser source (CO2, fiber, MOPA, green, or hybrid) and the power you need, sized to your actual usage rather than an oversized power rating.
Build quality, durability, safety classification, and the level of support provided are also key selection criteria, and they explain part of the price differences between laser engraving machines.
Read more about laser engraving machines
What to consider when choosing a laser cutting machine?
The choice of a laser cutting machine depends on the materials to be cut, their thickness, the size of the parts, the desired production volume, and your work environment (workshop or production line). These factors then determine the most suitable machine type and laser power.
For cutting sheet materials such as acrylic, wood, or plastic, the CO2 laser is the reference source, most often on a gantry table that covers large formats. Galvo stations are better suited to small pieces: CO2 versions cut paper and thin plastics, while fiber versions can cut ultra-thin metals using an oscillating "wobbling" technique.
Read more about laser cutting machines
What is the difference between a galvo laser and a gantry laser?
A galvo laser directs the beam with rotating mirrors while its head stays still, reaching marking speeds up to 157.48 in/s. It is ideal for high-volume, automated production and traceability. Its trade-off is a smaller, square marking area and cutting limited to thin materials only.
A gantry laser moves its head across the work area instead, covering larger surfaces and handling heavier cutting jobs, with more flexibility for varied production setups.
Read more about galvo and gantry lasers
What are the differences between professional lasers and low-cost laser engravers?
Entry-level laser engravers appeal to hobbyists and occasional users because of their affordable purchase price. Professional and industrial lasers require a higher initial investment because they are designed to meet the speed, consistent quality, and reliability demands of professional applications.
This difference is reflected first in productivity, as entry-level machines are significantly slower. It also shows in engraving quality, which can be pixelated or blurry on these machines, and in durability: water-cooled glass tubes have a limited lifespan, while air-cooled metal sources last longer.
The purchase price alone therefore does not reflect a machine's total cost. Once replacement parts, production downtime, and compliance with safety requirements are taken into account, a low-cost machine can cost more over time than a professional laser.
Read more about professional and low-cost laser engravers
What are the maintenance costs of a laser engraving machine?
Maintenance costs first depend on the laser source:
- High-end CO2 sources generally need replacing or refurbishing every 7 years.
- Water-cooled CO2 glass sources, which are less expensive and found on entry-level machines, degrade fast and cost more over time.
- Fiber, green, hybrid, and MOPA sources can operate for 8 to 10 years without major issues.
The type of machine also plays a role: gantry lasers have more moving parts than galvo lasers, so upkeep runs a bit higher, and cutting adds more wear than engraving alone.
Choose your machine based primarily on your application, rather than its maintenance costs. You can then adopt a few best practices to protect your return on investment.
All about mechanical engraving machines
How to choose the right mechanical engraving machine?
The choice of a mechanical engraving machine depends first on its intended use: engraving only, or engraving and milling. Each application (customization, signage, identification, design, etc.) also has different requirements in terms of precision, format, durability and finish.
Material compatibility is also an important factor: mechanical engraving can be used on metals and alloys, plastics such as Gravoply™, and organic materials like wood or glass.
Production volume and technical specifications (spindle power, available accessories, ergonomics, etc.) also help narrow down the choice of machine for a given production need.
Read more about mechanical engraving machines
When is mechanical engraving the most cost-effective solution?
Mechanical engraving pays off through a higher ROI: its durable, deep-relief finish justifies higher margins than surface marking, in personalization, signage, and industrial production.
Its reliability allows for unattended operation, while its versatility across different materials, low maintenance, and long service life make it possible to spread the initial investment over a long period.
Multiple factors make mechanical engraving a cost-effective choice in demanding or high-volume production environments.
All about dot peen & scribing machines
How to choose between dot peen part marking and scribing?
Dot peen and scribing are two marking technologies designed for industrial environments. The choice starts with your part's constraints and environment (clearance, temperature, clamping), followed by the material, the finish you need, and your production volume.
Choose dot peen for fast traceability, deep marking, and Datamatrix codes. It strikes the material at high frequency to create dots, in electromagnetic (precise, economical) or pneumatic (faster, more powerful) versions. It is common across the medical, aerospace, and automotive industries.
Choose scribing for low-noise, ultra-sharp markings. It scratches a continuous, uninterrupted line for a smoother, shinier finish. VIN marking in the automotive sector is the best-known example, but scribing is also used for other visible markings on metal parts.
All about software & consumables
Which engraving software for marking and engraving machines?
Your engraving software generally comes with your machine, and it is designed for your work environment (sales counter, workshop, or industrial production line) and your type of application.
Gravotech machines are driven by four main Gravotech software families: Gravostyle™ for signage, identification and personalization, Lasertrace for industrial traceability (dedicated to lasers), Gravotouch for multi-store personalization deployments at key accounts, and T08 for dot peen marking and scribing machines.
Standalone tools such as TYPE EDIT also exist for driving non-Gravotech equipment.
Read more about engraving software
How to choose your engraving sheets?
Choosing the right engraving sheets goes beyond just finding a sheet that fits your machine; they must be perfectly compatible with your technology (laser, mechanical), your application, and strict safety standards.
The choice of supplier also depends on your needs. For small or one-off projects, you can source sheets from general retailers or online platforms. For professional applications, choose a specialist manufacturer: only specialists can guarantee batch consistency, technical support, and safety compliance.
With over 60 years of experience in engraving materials, Gravotech combines its expertise in both machines and materials to ensure compatibility and consistent results.