Laser engraving machines for wood

Why is the Trotec Speedy Series perfect for laser engraving on wood?

The Trotec Speedy series is designed to meet the high demands of laser engraving on wood – where both precision and speed are crucial. The series offers a combination of speed, quality and flexibility that makes it ideal for everything from craft production to industrial applications.

• Engraving speeds up to 4,3 m/s and 5g acceleration – for fast and efficient production.
• Patented ceramic laser resonator – provides even and constant beam quality for sharp results in different types of wood.
• Flexx technology (on selected models) – enables both CO₂ and fiber engraving in the same machine.
• Open system and Ruby interface – makes it easy to import design files and get started right away. Learn more about the software below.
• Robust construction – built for daily use and long life.

The Speedy machines give you a stable and future-proof solution – whether you work with profile products, interior design, signs or wooden components. An investment in both quality and efficiency.

Table of important characteristics

Work area: The working area of ​​Trotec Speedy machines varies depending on the model and determines how large workpieces you can process. Whether you work with smaller details or larger wooden boards, there is a model that suits you. The generous working areas make it easy to engrave multiple objects at the same time, saving both time and handling. We will help you choose the right size based on your material flow and production rate.

The Speedy 400 can also offer an option for processing wooden boards that are larger than the machine by removing a door on the back.

Max height of material: Each Trotec Speedy model has a specified maximum material height, which means how high of a material you can place in the machine and still process it effectively. This applies to both engraving and cutting. The maximum height is influenced by, among other things, the machine's design, focus distance and the type of table or fixtures used.

Engraving speed: The Trotec Speedy series offers the fastest engraving speed on the market – up to 4,3 meters per second. This means you can produce more in less time without compromising on detail. Whether you are working with single objects or series production, you get efficient and consistent engraving every time.

Laser effect: The laser power in the Trotec Speedy series varies between models and affects how quickly and deeply you can engrave or cut in wood. Higher power is ideal for thicker or harder woods and provides faster processing, while lower power provides finer detail work in thinner materials.

Finding the right settings for wood – a common challenge

For those new to laser engraving wood, one of the biggest challenges is finding the right settings to achieve the desired result. Wood is a natural and therefore “living” material, which means it can vary greatly in structure, density, moisture content and resin content. These variations affect how the wood reacts to the laser – which in turn can lead to uneven engravings, with some areas darker and others lighter.

Trotec software Ruby® facilitates this process by offering pre-programmed settings for Trotec's own laser materials, which is an excellent starting point. For those working with other types of wood, the settings can be used as a basis, but adjustments are often required – especially depending on the result you are looking for.

Since different types of wood react differently to lasers, it is important to experiment. Harder types of wood such as oak or cherry often produce clearer contrast, while softer types of wood such as poplar can be lighter and less defined. Factors such as annual rings, grain and moisture level also affect the result – making it extra important to be patient, test different parameters and choose wood with care.

With the right knowledge, a little experimentation, and support from tools like Ruby, even challenging materials like wood become a fantastic surface for both engraving and cutting.

Trotec Ruby®: A new era in laser software

What is Ruby?®?

Ruby is Trotec's latest and most advanced laser software. It is a completely new generation of software designed to make working with laser machines both easier and more efficient. Ruby takes you from idea to finished product in a smooth and intuitive way. The software is available in the Speedy series.

How does Ruby work?®?

Ruby is a cloud-based system that connects all your laser machines. It gives you the ability to:

• Design and prepare your jobs directly in Ruby: You no longer need to switch between different programs. Ruby has all the tools you need to create and edit your graphic files.
• Send jobs to any machine on your network: No matter where you are, you can send jobs to your laser machines.
• Monitor your jobs in real time: Track your jobs from start to finish and get notifications when they are complete.
• Share files and settings with other users: Collaborate easily with your colleagues.
• Benefit from an extensive material database: Access a large number of preset parameters for different materials.

What features are available in Ruby?®?

• Intuitive user interface: Ruby is easy to learn and use, even for beginners.
• Integrated graphics editing: Create and edit your graphic files directly in Ruby.
• Support for a wide range of file formats: Import files in various formats, such as PDF, SVG, PNG, AI, etc.
• Advanced vector graphics tools: Create complex patterns and designs.
• Automatic nesting: Optimize material usage by automatically placing multiple objects on the same sheet.
• Job management: Organize and manage your jobs efficiently.
• Cloud-based: Access your jobs and settings wherever you are.
• Cooperation: Share files and settings with other users.

Which types of wood can be processed with a laser?

With Trotec laser machines you have full flexibility to work with a wide variety of wood types – from solid wood to wood-based materials such as veneer, plywood and MDF. However, as wood is a natural material, properties such as density, grain, moisture content and resin content how the material reacts to laser.

In general, the following applies: Hard woods produce darker and more contrasting engravings (SwedenBIO/EuropaBio), while Soft woods often produce lighter results, but can be processed faster.

Here are several examples of wood types that Trotec laser engraving machines can process:

• MDF
• TroCraft Eco
• Plywood
• Massively slow
• Veneered wood
• Cherry
• Maple
• Ek
• Bamboo
• Walnut
• Birch
• Al

Best suited wood types for laser engraving:

• Deciduous trees (hardwoods) as oak, maple or cherry are excellent for engraving. They have a smooth structure and dense fiber, which gives fine details and even contrast. They usually require higher laser power.
• Paulownia is an ideal wood type due to its light color, uniform grain and stable properties. It is also easy to find in well-stocked hardware stores.
• Veneer works well for both engraving and inlay work, as it is made of real wood and has similar properties to solid wood boards.
• Plywood is also popular due to its stability, but it is important to choose white glued plywood or variants intended for lasers – otherwise the glue may cause burn marks or affect the cutting result.
• MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) is well suited for both engraving and cutting thanks to its smooth surface, but produces dark cutting edges.

Wood species to be careful with:

• Softwoods as balsa or poplar requires lower laser power and is quick to process, but often produces lower contrast and more variable results.
• Conifer as spruce or larch wood are generally more difficult to engrave. They often have large differences in density between the annual rings, which makes some parts too hard and others too soft – which can result in uneven engraving and a poorer finish.

Tips:

The more uniform the color and grain of the wood, the better the quality of the engraving. Also, keep in mind that the natural variations of wood can be used creatively – where the grain and color shifts are highlighted as part of the design.

How to minimize burn marks and soot when laser processing wood

A common challenge in laser engraving and laser cutting of wood is to avoid burn marks and soot formation, which can affect both the aesthetics and finish of the final product. Because wood is an organic material with natural resins and oils, it reacts strongly to heat – but there are several effective ways to minimize these effects.

A proven method is to work with cold cutting – that is, high cutting speed (often 1–2%, depending on the material) combined with low frequency. By using a small lens and a narrow nozzle and activate air assist effectively blows smoke and particles away from the cutting zone. A honeycomb table recommended to minimize reflection and provide a cleaner cut.

To further protect the surface from smoke residue, you can apply masking tape (PVC-free) on the material before processing. You can engrave and cut directly through the tape, and when you then pull it off, the soot and dirt will follow – giving a neat and clean result, especially on light woods.

Don't forget the importance of an effective extraction systemIt is crucial for removing dust and gases during the process, which not only improves quality but also extends the life of the machine.

Last but not least: regular cleaning. Wood dust is sticky and tends to stick to both the optics and the interior of the machine. By keeping your equipment clean, you ensure both precision and operational reliability over time.

Tips for settings in Ruby when laser processing wood

Understanding and fine-tuning the right parameters in Trotec Ruby® is the key to success with wood engraving and cutting. Here are some important factors to keep in mind – whether you are a beginner or want to sharpen your results further:

Power and speed – the basis of all settings

Two of the most important parameters are laser power (%) and speed (%).

• The laser effect determines how much energy is delivered – and thus how deep you engrave or cut.
• The speed controls how fast the laser moves over the material.

A Few Concrete Examples:
Do you want to 100% power and 100% speed, the engraving becomes superficial.
But if you keep 100% power and reduces speed to 50%, the laser has time to deliver more energy per point – which results in a deeper engraving.

DPI – level of detail and risk of overheating

DPI (dots per inch) determines how closely the laser lines are placed in an engraving.

• High DPI provides more detail and sharper engraving.
• But on wood, too high a DPI can cause the lines to be too close together – which results in burnt, black surfaces and in the worst case, increased fire risk.

Recommendation: Use moderate DPI when engraving wood, often enough 250–500 DPI depending on the type of wood and level of detail.

Defocus – for softer contrast

The timing of defocus means that you adjust the laser head slightly away from the exact focus point.

• This can give a softer, darker engraving and reduce the risk of burnt parts.
• However, avoid defocusing too much – you will lose sharpness in the details.

Tip: Try it out with a z-offset of 0,5–2 mm depending on the type of wood and desired result.

Passes – engrave in multiple passes

If you want a deeper engraving, you can increase the number "Passes" – that is, how many times the laser should pass over the same area.

• It is often better to do several easier passes than trying to engrave deeply all at once.
• This gives more even results and reduces the risk of burning the wood.

Frequency – especially important when cutting

Frequency (Hz) indicates how many laser pulses are transmitted per second.

• When cutting wood, you usually want a lower frequency, which reduces heat generation and provides cleaner cuts with less burn marks.
• High frequency produces more heat – good for plastic but not for wood.

Lens selection – the right optics for the job

Focus and lens type affect both engraving quality and cutting results.

When engraving:

• The finer the details, the shorter focal length on the lens.
• Lenses on 1,5” or 2,0” are ideal for most wood engraving jobs.

When cutting:

• The thickness of the wood determines the choice
• 2” lens for wood up to approx. 3 mm (1/8 inch)
• 2,5” lens for wood around 6 mm (1/4 inch)

By understanding and adjusting these parameters in Ruby, you get both better control over the result and the opportunity to work more material-efficiently. Feel free to test on sample pieces before you run the final product – it saves both time and material in the long run.

Tip! Choose Trotec materials first and learn the settings before trying other materials.

Laser engraved wooden products – what can you create?

Gift and promotional products

Laser engraving on wood is an excellent way to create unique and memorable products with a high perceived quality. With Trotec laser machines, you can easily produce personal gifts such as cutting boards, key rings, jewelry boxes or interior design elements – all engraved with names, messages or motifs. For companies, the technology is perfect for producing profile products such as wooden business cards, giveaways, signs and exclusive gift boxes with logos. The combination of natural material and precise engraving gives each product a genuine and professional feel that really stands out.

Design and craftsmanship

For creators, designers and craftsmen, laser engraving in wood opens up endless possibilities. With Trotec laser machines, you can create everything from unique interior details and wall art to patterned tiles, toys, jewelry and much more – with precision and character in every detail. The technology makes it easy to realize complex ideas in natural materials such as birch, oak, walnut or bamboo, and gives your products a handmade feel with a professional finish. Whether you work on a small scale or produce for a store, laser engraving gives you the freedom to create with both creativity and efficiency.

Traceable and sustainable labelling for industry

In industry, laser engraving on wood is used to create clear, durable and professional markings on everything from transport packaging to components and product parts. With Trotec laser machines, you can mark serial numbers, logos, technical information or traceability data directly on wooden surfaces – quickly, precisely and without the need for consumables. The technology is ideal for businesses that require efficient and consistent marking in the production line, while also enabling high flexibility for short series or specially adapted products. Laser engraving contributes to a professional impression and strengthens quality assurance through marking that lasts over time.

Wooden signs for retail and public environments

Laser engraving in wood is an effective and stylish method for creating larger signs with a high level of detail and visual power. In retail, at trade fairs or in outdoor environments, wooden signs with laser-engraved logos, messages or patterns give a natural and professional expression that attracts attention. With Trotec's laser machines, you can process large characters with precision and create signs that both reflect your brand and withstand being seen - year after year. The technology is suitable for everything from store signage and brand exposure to decorative installations in public environments.

Interior & furniture

Laser engraving in wood offers unique opportunities to create personal and decorative details in interior design and furniture design. With Trotec laser machines, you can easily engrave patterns, texts or logos directly onto wooden surfaces such as table tops, cabinet doors, panels or wall decorations. The technology provides an elegant and permanent finish that enhances both function and form – regardless of whether you are working with solid wood, veneer or plywood. Perfect for design studios, furniture workshops and interior design projects where precision and aesthetics are as important as durability.

Why should you choose our wood laser engraving machines?

We at Logimark have worked with Trotec's laser machines since 2012 and since 2023 has been responsible for sales and support throughout the Nordic region – Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Norway. Trotec is one of the world's leading manufacturers of laser machines and stands for quality, innovation and reliability. All machines are developed and manufactured in Austria to meet high demands for performance and precision.

With over a decade in the industry, we have built a dedicated team of salespeople and technicians with deep knowledge in laser engraving and laser cutting. We help you find the right machine based on your needs, materials and production – regardless of whether you run a carpentry shop, a design company or work industrially.

Our support extends beyond just delivery. We offer installation and training on site, with concrete advice on, for example, wood types, settings and finishing. In addition, we can help you equip the machine with options such as rotation units, extraction, temperature sensors and advanced positioning systems for even better results.

We are also resellers of a wide range of laser material adapted for engraving and cutting.

With Logimark as your partner, you not only get the right technology – you also get the security of having experts by your side every step of the way. Contact us today!