How to Laser Engrave a Photo on Different Materials
Di CC WeinJosh
Photographs are the pause button of time. Today, laser engraving technology introduces a revolutionary approach - memories can now be not just printed on paper but "etched" into daily life.
Through photo laser engraving technology, laser beams act like light pens that precisely "draw" on various materials including wood, metal, and slate. Family portraits transform into wooden frames, couple photos become metal pendants - every ordinary object can turn into a story vessel. This technology liberates precious memories from album boundaries, converting them into tangible keepsakes. Whether creating heartfelt gifts or store signs, it offers more vivid preservation methods for special moments.
I. Preparations: Material and Equipment Checklist
1. Image Material
Format requirements: Use JPEG or PNG formats first. Ensure RGB color mode to avoid color deviations from CMYK.
Resolution standard:≥300dpi recommended. Facial features must remain clear for portraits; preserve sufficient detail texture for landscapes.
Post-processing: For users unfamiliar with LightBurn's image processing functions, utilize Adobe Express or ImagR online tools for denoising, sharpening, and background removal. Use curve tools to enhance contrast and clarify light/dark gradients to meet grayscale requirements for laser engraving.
2. Engraving Materials
Thin plywood: Use 3-5mm thick multi-layered plywood made from thin wood sheets pressed with environmentally friendly adhesive. Birch or basswood recommended for their fine grain and uniform density that enhance engraving details. Ensure smooth surfaces without visible seams or knots.
Slate board: Choose natural quartz composite boards with Mohs hardness 6 and 6mm thickness (similar to glass hardness), featuring excellent wear resistance. Surface roughness must be Ra≤0.8μm to ensure clear lines and consistent engraving depth.
Black acrylic board: Use 5mm thick PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) sheets with <5% light transmittance. This material offers excellent thermal stability and chemical resistance, suitable for high-temperature laser etching without deformation.
Anodized metal cards: Use 6061-T6 aluminum alloy with anodized treatment. Standard size: 54mm×86mm.
3. Equipment & Software
Hardware: EM-Smart Dual dual-light source laser engraver with auto/manual focus and smoke purification system. Use industrial-grade USB cables for stable data transmission.
Software: Install LightBurn (EM-Smart Custom Edition). Complete driver installation and license activation in advance (free LightBurn version included in EM-Smart Dual USB drive).
Accessories: Prepare micron-level micrometer for material thickness measurement and laser safety goggles for operation protection.
II. Image Processing: Optimizing Photos for Laser Engraving
1. Images Editing
Depending on user needs, background retention may require consideration. For jewelry engravings like pendants, backgrounds are typically removed to focus on the central subject. Free online tools such as ImagR or Adobe Express can achieve this. While LightBurn generally accepts images without format conversion (use ImagR if necessary), background removal remains a common preprocessing step. Alternatively, raw images can be imported directly.
Example of background removal using Adobe Express:
2. Images Importing
In LightBurn, navigate to "File - Import" to load the edited image into the workspace. The software automatically recognizes the image format and generates a corresponding bitmap layer.
3. Fine-Tuning Image Parameters
Bitmap Mode Settings: Select the image and choose "Grayscale" mode (or "Dot Mode") in the object panel to activate grayscale engraving.
Grayscale mapping optimization: Enable "Negative Image " to reverse-map grayscale values to laser power. Adjust the "Brightness/Contrast" sliders to refine tonal hierarchy and enhance visual depth.
Resolution configuration: Set resolution between 200–300 DPI based on material properties and engraving precision:
≥300 DPI: Recommended for portraits to preserve facial details.
≥200 DPI: Suitable for landscapes to balance detail retention and processing efficiency.
III. Device Connection & Basic Parameter Configuration
1. Software Setup
Before engraving, navigate to "Galvo and Basic Settings" and ensure "Machine Units" are set to "mm/s".
Proceed to "Ports and Laser Settings" and verify the following default parameters:
2. Key Considerations
Test Engraving: Always perform a test engraving on scrap material to confirm，and choose the right laser source selection (fiber laser for metals, diode laser for non-metals like wood or cardboard).
Examples:
Focus Adjustment: For desktop laser engravers, auto/manual focus alignment (dual-focus overlap) is typically required. Defocusing is mandatory for image engraving: Cross-separate the dual focal points. Failure to defocus will prevent image visibility (see the below, lower half).
No preset defocus distance exists—manually adjust using scrap material until optimal engraving quality is achieved (refer to figure below).
Accessories: Flip the worktable to use the cutting panel before engraving.
Safety Protocols: Wear laser safety goggles and close the protective cover during operation. Only open the cover and retrieve the product after the laser fully stops and the interface displays "Complete."
IV. Formal Engraving: Material-Specific Procedures
1. Metal Card
Material Preparation: Wipe the surface with a damp cloth to ensure cleanliness and smoothness.
Red Light Preview: Activate the red light preview to position the image. Adjust the metal card placement for optimal engraving alignment.
Recommended Parameters:
Operation/Parameters
Laser Type
Power
Speed
Frequency
Engraving
Fiber
100%
1500mm/s
20kHz
Adjust parameters based on actual conditions. Example effect with above settings:
2. Slate Board
Material Preparation: Remove dust or debris from the stone surface.
Red Light Preview: Use the DUAL’s included L-shaped positioning tool to align the image. Activate red light preview for precise placement.
Recommended Parameters:
Operation/Parameters
Laser Type
Power
Speed
Frequency
Engraving
Fiber
100%
1000mm/s
20kHz
Adjust parameters based on actual conditions. Example effect with above settings:
Post-Processing: Spray water on the engraved surface to remove residual dust.
3. Wood Board
Material Preparation: Clean the surface with a soft cloth dipped in 99% anhydrous ethanol to remove oils, dust, or fingerprints.
Red Light Preview: Secure the wood board flat on the worktable using clamps. Use red light preview to align the image.
Recommended Parameters:
Operation/Parameters
Laser Type
Power
Speed
Frequency
Engraving
Diode
80%
1000mm/s
20kHz
Adjust parameters based on actual conditions. Example effect with above settings:
4. Acrylic Board Engraving
Material Preparration: Peel off the protective film from the black acrylic board (ideal for laser engraving). Ensure a clean surface.
Red Light Preview: Use the included L-shaped positioning tool to secure the acrylic board. Activate red light preview for alignment.
Recommended Parameters:
Operation/Parameters
Laser Type
Power
Speed
Frequency
Engraving
Diode
60%
600mm/s
20kHz
Example from Reddit.com
Safety Note: Acrylic engraving may release toxic fumes. Always close the protective cover and activate the exhaust system.
V. FAQs
Q: How do I confirm my image’s DPI is ≥300?
A: Right-click the image, select “Adjust Image”, locate the “DPI” field, and manually set the value as needed.
Q: Can any image be engraved?
A: Ensure images meet these criteria:
1. Resolution ≥300 DPI with high contrast.
2. Portraits require clear facial outlines; objects/landscapes need sharp details.
3. Low-resolution or low-contrast images will produce blurry engravings.
Q: How to determine material suitability for photo engraving?
A: Follow these steps:
1. Material Properties: Opt for materials with moderate hardness, high melting points, uniform density, and good laser absorption (e.g., stone composite boards, anodized aluminum).
2. Device Compatibility: Verify that your laser engraver’s power and light source (e.g., EM-Smart Dual’s dual-light system) match the material requirements.
3. Test Engraving: Perform trial engravings on scrap material to evaluate line clarity, absence of deformation/burning, etc.
