Laser engraving on glass – Technology, benefits and step-by-step instructions

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Laser engraving has revolutionized the way we can mark and decorate glass. With its high-precision technology and durable results, it has quickly become the preferred choice for both industrial applications and creative projects.
Unlike traditional engraving methods, such as grinding and etching, laser engraving offers non-contact, fast and flexible processing. The technology makes it possible to create everything from detailed logos and personal messages to complex patterns – directly on the glass surface, without the use of chemicals or mechanical tools.
In this article, we explore how laser engraving works, its benefits, and what products can be engraved. We also guide you through what you need to get started. laser engraving, which laser machines which suits you best and how to get maximum precision and quality in your projects.
Whether you are an entrepreneur, designer or craftsman – let's discover the possibilities of laser engraving on glass!


Traditional or Modern? An Overview of Glass Engraving Methods
There are several different methods for engraving glass, each with its own advantages and uses. Here are some of the most common:
Traditional methods:
- Grinding engraving: This uses a rotating wheel with abrasive grains to grind away material from the surface of the glass. The method is very flexible and can be used to create both detailed patterns and deep engravings.
- Etching acid: By using etching acid, you can etch away parts of the glass and create patterns. The method is good for fine details, but requires careful handling as the acid is strong.
- Sandblasting: The glass surface is blasted with small grains of sand under high pressure, which gives a matte and frosted surface. The method is quick and easy, but does not produce as detailed patterns as other methods.
Modern methods:
- Laser engraving: A laser beam is used to remove material from the surface of the glass. The method is very precise and can be used to create both simple and complex patterns. Laser engraving is also fast and can be used on different types of glass.
- Diamond engraving: Using a diamond tip, you can engrave very fine details in the glass. The method is time-consuming but produces a very precise result.
The choice of method depends on:
- Materials: Different types of glass react differently to different engraving methods.
- The pattern: The level of detail and depth of the engraving influences the choice of method.
- Time and cost: Some methods are faster and cheaper than others.


How does laser engraving on glass work?
Laser engraving is a fascinating process that uses the intense light of a laser to create patterns on glass. When the laser beam hits the glass surface, a series of events occur:
- Energy transfer: The laser's energy is absorbed by the glass at the point where the beam hits.
- Heating: The absorbed energy is converted into heat, causing the glass at that specific point to become extremely hot.
- Vaporization: Due to the high temperature, a very small portion of the glass evaporates. This is what creates the permanent marking or engraving.
- Melting: In some cases, especially at lower laser intensities or certain types of glass, the glass may melt rather than vaporize. This can produce a different type of surface, often matte or frosted.
The effect that occurs depends on several factors:
- Laser strength: A stronger laser will remove more material faster.
- Laser wavelength: Different wavelengths interact differently with different materials.
- Glass composition: Different types of glass have different melting points and react differently to heat.
- Focus: How the laser beam is focused affects the size of the affected area.
Learn more about How a laser engraving machine works.


Why laser engraving?
Laser engraving on glass has become an increasingly popular technique in both industry and art. There are several advantages to using lasers to engrave glass:
- High precision: The laser can create extremely fine details and patterns, making it possible to create personal and unique engravings.
- Sustainability: The engraving becomes part of the glass and is therefore very durable. It can withstand both dishwasher and daily use.
- Speed: Laser engraving is a fast process compared to traditional methods such as grinding engraving or etching.
- Flexibility: Laser engraving can be used on a variety of glass products, from wine glasses and bowls to mirrors and glass doors.
- Versatility: You can engrave both simple and complex patterns, text and logos.
- Environmentally friendly: Unlike some other engraving methods, laser engraving does not require any hazardous chemicals.
- Contactless: The laser does not come into direct contact with the glass, which minimizes the risk of damaging the surface.
What glass products can you laser engrave?
Laser engraving has become a popular method for creating personalized and unique glass products. Here are some examples of different types of glass that are often engraved:
All types of drinking glasses; Wine glasses, whiskey glasses, beer glasses, champagne glasses, crystal glasses
Glass objects in the home: Bowls, vases, glass jars, mirrors and decorative items
Personal use: Smartphone cases, glasses and key chains
For special occasions: Wedding glasses, baptism gifts and other gifts.



What do you need to be able to laser engrave glass?
A laser engraving machine: This is the heart of the process. The machine uses a laser beam to create patterns and text on the glass. There are different types of laser machines, but the most common for glass are CO2 lasers. See our laser engraving machines.
A computer: The computer is used to create the design to be engraved. You will need a design program to create your patterns and text.
Design software: Programs such as Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW are popular choices for creating graphic files for laser engraving.
Software in the laser machine: The laser machine software prepares the design, sets laser parameters and simulates the engraving process.
Ventilation equipment: Laser engraving emits fumes and dust, so it is important to have good ventilation equipment to ensure a safe working environment.
Material: In addition to the glass, you may also need other materials that are used to fix the glass during the engraving process.
Trotec laser machines – Precision and flexibility for engraving glass
Trotec, a leading international laser manufacturer in Austria, offers a wide range of laser machinesTheir R-Series, Q-Series and Speedy-Series models are particularly popular for glass engraving. Each of these series has its own unique features and suits different types of projects and budgets.
- Affordable and versatile: The R-Series is an excellent choice for businesses and hobbyists looking to get started with laser engraving.
- Perfect for beginners: The R-series machines are easy to use and require minimal training.
- Flexible: The R-Series can handle a variety of materials, including glass, wood, acrylic and leather, and can be used for both engraving and cutting.


- Higher capacity: The Q series offers a higher performance than the R series, making it ideal for larger production volumes and more complex projects.
- Advanced features: The Q-series machines have a range of advanced features that make it possible to create high-quality engravings on glass.
- Flexible: Like the R-Series, the Q-Series can handle a variety of materials and can be used for both engraving and cutting.


Trotec Speedy Series (Eg Speedy 400, Speedy 300, Speedy 50)
- Highest performance: The Speedy series is Trotec's fastest and most powerful laser machine. It is perfect for companies that require high productivity.
- Advanced technology: The Speedy series is equipped with the latest technology, making it possible to engrave complex patterns with high precision.
- Flexible: The machines in the Speedy series can be adapted to meet different needs and can be used for both engraving and cutting.


Most of these machines have the option of integrating a rotation unit to more easily rotate round objects, such as glass.
Step-by-step guide to glass engraving
Ruby is a powerful software used to control Trotec laser machines and create precision engravings on a variety of materials, including glass. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
1. The design phase:
- Create your design: Use your preferred design program (such as Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, or Inkscape) to create the exact design you want engraved on the glass.
- Prepare the file: Save your design in a format compatible with Ruby, such as .pdf, .svg, or .ai. Vector graphics provide sharp, scalable images.
2. Import the design into Ruby:
- Open Ruby: Start the Ruby program on your computer.
- Import file: Use the import function in Ruby to add your design file.
- Place and scale: Use Ruby to position and scale the design on the work area, making sure it is correctly positioned in relation to your glass object.
3. Prepare for engraving:
- Choose material: Select “glass” or a similar material in Ruby’s material database. This will give the machine optimal settings for engraving.
- Adjust parameters:
- Effect: Determine how powerful the laser should be. Glass often requires a higher power than other materials.
- Speed: Adjust the speed at which the laser head moves across the glass. A slower speed often produces a deeper engraving.
- Frequency: This setting affects the laser pulse and can be used to create different effects.
- Pass: Determine how many times the laser should pass over the same area to achieve the desired depth.
- Focus: Make sure the laser focus is set correctly for the thickness of your glass.
4. Simulation:
- Run a simulation: Before you start the actual engraving, you can run a simulation to see what the results will be. This allows you to make any adjustments before you start.
5. Engraving:
- Place the glass: Place your glass object on the laser machine's work table and secure it securely. If the object is cylindrical in shape, such as a glass, Trotec offers a rotation unit that makes engraving easy.
- Start the process: Click the start button in Ruby to initiate the engraving process.
- Monitor: Keep an eye on the process to ensure everything is going as it should.
6. Finishing:
- Remove the glass: When the engraving is complete, carefully remove the glass from the machine.
- Cleaning: Clean the glass to remove any dust or residue.
Important tips:
- Test engraving: Always do a test engraving on a small piece of your glass to ensure the settings are correct before engraving on your final item.
- Ventilation: Make sure there is good ventilation in the room where you work with the laser machine.
- Maintenance: Keep your laser machine clean and well maintained to ensure optimal performance.
With Ruby you can create amazing and personal glass engravings. By following these steps and experimenting with different settings, you can achieve professional results.
Glass engraving offers a wealth of opportunities to create personalized and unique glass products. Traditional methods such as grinding and etching have been used for centuries, but it is laser engraving that has revolutionized the industry. With the precision and speed of the laser, detailed designs can be created on a variety of glass objects. In this article, we have explored how laser engraving works, what benefits it offers, and how you can get started creating your own glass engravings. Whether you are a hobbyist or a business, laser engraving can be a valuable tool for creating unique and memorable products.
If you would like to know more about laser engraving machines for your glass projects, don't hesitate to contact us, we have experts who will be happy to help you!