A coaster is a small, flat item used to protect tabletops from moisture and heat damage caused by glasses or cups. Made of materials like cork, wood, stone, or metal, coasters come in diverse shapes, sizes, and designs to match different decor styles.
Coaster laser engraving can be used to add designs onto the surface of a coaster. And this guide will delve into coaster laser engraving, covering everything from start to finish! So let's dive into this exciting journey together!
In this article:
- Part 1: What is Coaster Laser Engraving and the Machine?
- Case Study: Laser Engrave Coaster Within 5 Steps 🔥
Part 1: What is Coaster Laser Engraving and the Machine?
1. How Does Laser Engrave Coaster?
Coaster laser engraving involves utilizing a high-powered laser beam to etch designs or text onto the surface of the coaster. This process causes localized heating and vaporization on the coaster, resulting in the creation of text, images, or patterns.
2. Coaster Laser Engraving Machine:
To begin laser engraving coaster, you'll need a laser engraver. This engraver is essential to the engraving process because it streamlines the engraving process and ensures accurate and durable results.
With numerous laser engraving machines available, some may wonder What machine do I need to engrave a coaster?
Actually, a diode laser engraver is well suited for home and small-scale coaster laser engraving. So if you want portability, convenience and cost-effectiveness in coaster engraving, a diode laser engraver is a better option.
🔥 Case Study: Laser Engrave Stone Coaster Within 5 Steps
Preparation checklist for laser engraving stone coaster:
- Engraving Material: Slate Sheet
- Engraving Machine: Laser Engraver
- Engraving Design: Text, Logo, Images, Patterns, etc.
Can you laser engrave slate coaster? Yes! The process is straightforward. So, How long does it take to engrave a slate coaster? Don't worry, just follow these 5 simple steps to get your laser engraved slate coaster in a few minutes!
In addition to laser engraving stone coasters, it's also possible to laser engrave coasters made of cork or wood!
Step 1: Choose Your Material - Slate Sheet
Selecting the right material is crucial for laser engraving slate coaster. Different materials require specific laser settings to ensure precise engraving. Besides, please remember that it's important to ensure that the coaster's material is laser safe to avoid any potential safety hazards.
In this guide, we'll use a case study to engrave a slate sheet!
Step 2: Choose the Right Laser Engraving Machine for Slate Coaster Engraving
Here, we recommend LaserPecker 4 (LP4), which is a dual-laser and multi-functional laser engraver. This careful selection will ensure optimal results for your coaster laser engraving projects.
LaserPecker 4 (LP4) - A Good Engraver for Coaster Engraving
Main Features of LaserPecker 4
- Dual-Laser Capability: The LP4 features dual lasers, providing flexibility to tailor your choices based on scene requirements.
- Enhanced Material Compatibility: LP4 is compatible with a wide range of materials, including titanium, silver, gold, copper, brass, silicone, rubber, crystal, stone, metal, wood, plastic, leather, and more.
- Improved Resolution: With selectable resolutions ranging from 1k to 8k, the LP4 provides increased flexibility, allowing users to choose the level of detail that best suits their needs.
- High Engraving Accuracy & Speed: The LP4 exhibits high engraving accuracy and speed, achieving precision levels up to 0.003 mm and speeds reaching up to 2000 mm/s.
- Expanded Workspace: The LP4 provides an expanded workspace of up to 160 mm x 120 mm, enabling engraving on larger objects.
Step 3: Prepare Your Engraving Design
Use graphic design software to create or import the image or pattern you want to engrave on the coaster's surface. Consider size, shape, and details like text or patterns.
Step 4: Set up the Coaster Laser Engraving Machine
Firstly, Make sure your engraver is powered on, and then connect your laser engraver to your computer or mobile device using the appropriate interface (USB, Bluetooth, etc.)
Secondly, Open the graphic design app/software and load your design.
Thirdly, Turn on the "Preview Mode" to confirm if the laser lens is correctly focused. To verify it, you have 2 methods.
If you choose LaserPecker 4 (LP4), the first method is to use a ruler to measure the distance between the coaster's surface and the machine, with a recommended distance of 15cm or 150mm.
Alternatively, you can achieve the correct focal length by judging whether the two red dots emitted by the machine overlap. This ensures precise focusing for optimal engraving results.
Fourthly, You need to place the items within the designated working area and examine the design's appearance on the slate coaster. If it doesn't fit correctly, you'll need to adjust its position and size to ensure it aligns with the dimensions of your project.
Finally, Access the software's laser settings to adjust parameters like power, speed, and resolution according to the slate coaster's properties and design intricacy. You might be wondering, "How much laser power is needed to engrave coaster?" Rest assured, I've got you covered!
To get the best result, the recommended laserpecker 4 material settings for slate coaster is 2 W 1064 nm; Resolution: 2k; Power: 100%; Depth: 80%; Pass: 1
To explore other recommended laserpecker engraving and cutting parameters, refer to the settings table that applies to any laserpecker machines, including LP1, LP2, LP3, LP4 and LX1.
Step 5: Start Engraving Your Coaster With Laser Now
Double-check everything to avoid mistakes. Then, hit the start button and watch the magic happen. The laser brings your design to life. Keep an eye on it, and you're all set!
When operating a laser engraving machine with a 450 nm blue laser, it's advisable to wear goggles or use a laser protection cover to protect your eyes and body from potential harm, as the blue laser can pose risks.
Additionally, please be mindful that smoke or toxic gases may be emitted during the coaster laser engraving process. Wearing a mask or employing an air purifier is essential for safety.
If you want to know more about how to use the LaserPecker LP4 machine, check out the LP4 User Manual on our website!
Conclusion
In summary, coaster laser engraving offers a unique avenue for personalization and artistic expression. Through precise laser technology, slate coaster can be adorned with intricate designs, text, or messages, enhancing their visual appeal and individuality.
