Personalized wooden toy

木彫り

木彫りの精度と多様性を追求する : レーザー加工と機械加工、どちらが最適?

木材は、その自然な美しさと卓越した汎用性から、彫刻に最適な素材です。独特の木目や質感により、同じ種類の木材でも仕上がりが異なるため、一つひとつの作品が唯一無二の存在となります。

高度なレーザーと機械式の木材彫刻機を使用することで、ブナノキ、クルミ、オーク、カバノキ、竹、メープル、マツ、サクラなど、幅広い木材に彫刻を施すことができます。それぞれの木材には独自の特性があり、それが最終的な仕上がりに影響するため、無限の可能性が広がります。

Gravotech information icon without background

木材切断についてもっと知りたい方はこちらをクリック

当社の木材彫刻機をご覧ください

LS100LS100 EXLS900 レーザー加工機は、ペン、おもちゃ、ナイフなどの小物アイテムのロット彫刻に最適な広々とした加工エリアを提供します。また、ワインやシャンパンボトル用の木製ボックスなどの大型でボリュームのあるアイテムの彫刻にも対応できます。

これらの加工機は CO2 レーザー技術を搭載しており、様々な種類の有機素材に高精度かつ効率的な彫刻を実現します。

WeLase™ レーザーステーションは、店舗内でのパーソナライズに最適な木材レーザー彫刻機です。木材などの有機素材に素早く正確な彫刻を施します。

CO2のタイプは木材彫刻機として使いやすく効率的です。さまざまな木材にユニークでカスタムメイドのデザインを作成するのに最適です。

M20 XIS400の彫刻加工機は、高精度のカッティングツールを使用して驚くべき結果を実現します。これらの機械は、彫刻面に色を加えずに彫るシンプルな彫刻、2.5D、および深彫りの彫刻が可能で、さまざまな用途に最適です。

M20 Xは小規模から中規模のプロジェクトに最適な木材彫刻機であり、一方、IS400はより大きく複雑な作業を簡単に処理できる理想的な木材CNC加工機です。

Which machines are suitable for wood engraving?

TechnologyMachineApplicationsAdvantagesLimitsEquipment price
Laser (CO2 source)

WeLase™

  • In-store personalization
  • Gifts
  • Small organic items
  • Compact, user-friendly
  • High-speed engraving.
  • Limited marking area
  • No relief
  • Risk of burns
$$

LS100, LS100EX, LS900

  • Pens
  • Toys
  • Knives handles
  • Wine & champagne boxes
  • Large marking area
  • Batch processing capabilities
  • No relief
  • Risk of burns
$$-$$$
Mechanical

M20 X

  • Animal medals
  • Jewelry
  • Pens
  • High-precision cutting tools
  • Compact footprint
No contrast$

IS400

  • Rifle stocks
  • Wooden sports equipment (baseball bats, hockey sticks, etc.)
  • Billiard cue
  • Heavy-duty
  • Handles large and complex objects
  • No contrast
  • Generate dust/chips
$$

Laser or mechanical: which difference for wood engraving?

What about wood laser engraving machine?

Wood laser engraving provides the ability to achieve high-contrast results on light-colored woods, making the engravings highly visible. For dark woods, the contrast is less pronounced, but adjustments can be made through power settings and defocusing techniques. 

The laser is particularly effective for detailed photo-engravings, allowing for varying levels of contrast and dot density. It is also possible to do deep engraving without burning the wood by using the right parameters. 

It is important to keep in mind that a laser machine should always be watched during wood engraving and an extractor is necessary for this application.

Custom engraved gift collection of wooden greeting cards

What about mechanical wood engraver?

Mechanical wood CNC engraving machines utilize a cutting tool to achieve precise, detailed results with ease. This method involves the use of a rotating bit or cutter that carves into the wood, allowing for meticulous control over the engraving depth and detail. With this type of machine, there is a wide variety of tools to help you customize your engraving.

Unlike wood laser engraving, mechanical engraving does not produce burn marks, making it ideal for applications requiring a clean finish. It excels in creating 2.5D engravings, where designs have a tactile, dimensional quality. This technique is particularly well-suited for intricate patterns and repairs, such as restoring wooden furniture or crafting detailed moldings. 

The ability to control depth and avoid burns provides a high level of versatility and precision for various woodworking projects. 

owl wood engraving centered on a light square wood plate

Advantages of wood laser engraving:

  • High contrast on light woods: Results in more visible engravings.
  • Photo engraving capabilities: Can convert photos into detailed engravings with adjustable contrast.
  • Defocusing options: Enlarges the laser point for better contrast in darker woods.
  • Easy to clean: Does not produce wood chips.

Advantages of wood mechanical engraving:

  • Precise depth control: Easier to manage engraving depth.
  • No burn marks: Avoids the issues associated with burning.
  • Ideal for repairs: Suitable for intricate repairs and wood moldings. 

What are the best practices for wood CNC and laser engraving?

Wood laser engraving: Expert tips

To achieve optimal results in laser engraving on wood, consider the following tips:

  • Engrave in the direction of the wood grain: On the aesthetic side, this ensures a smoother finish and maintains consistency throughout the engraving. It is also visually better if wood fibers are on the same direction as the text.
  • Avoid engraving over changes in the wood’s appearance: Areas with knots or color variations can result in uneven engravings.
  • Defocus the laser by 2mm (0.0787''): This technique creates a more pronounced effect by enlarging the laser point slightly, resulting in a well-contrasted engraving.

By following these guidelines, you can achieve cleaner and more visually appealing engravings.

Contact an expert
Medal engraving for a custom wood gift with a personal message

Mechanical wood engraving: Tools and techniques

When performing mechanical wood engraving, selecting the right tools is crucial for achieving optimal results. For the M20 X wood engraving machine, the TwinCut tool is recommended for standard engraving tasks. For 2.5D engraving, standard conical tools work well, providing the necessary detail and depth. For deep engraving or cutting, single lip tools are preferred, as they produce larger chips that prevent overheating and burning of the wood.

Regarding the IS400 wood CNC engraving machine, the standard spindle uses the same TwinCut tools as the M20. However, when using a collet spindle, it is advisable to switch to Percut tools. For 2.5D engraving, conical tools remain essential, as they are the only way to achieve this effect. For deep engraving or cutting, single lip tools with a diameter greater than 1 mm (0.0394'') should be used, as smaller diameters produce chips that are too fine.

Discover the TwinCut range
Twincut : economical
彫刻入り木製キーホルダー、調理器具、レシピボードなどの名入れギフト

多用途の木彫り :

ロットと単品のソリューション

機械式とレーザーの木彫り技術は、さまざまな木製製品に印字する際の汎用性を備えています。

ロット彫刻の場合、LSシリーズのようなレーザー加工機は、ペン、キーホルダー、コースター、ナイフ、お土産、フレーム、プロモーションアイテム、名札、鍋敷きなど、小さなアイテムを効率的に処理するのに理想的です。レーザー彫刻の精度と速度は、大量生産に最適です。

単品彫刻の場合、ワインボトル用木箱、まな板、チェストなど、より大きくボリュームのあるアイテムを個別に彫刻できます。レーザーと機械式の両方の技術により、カスタマイズと詳細な作業が可能になり、繊細な小物から大規模な特注品まで、さまざまなニーズに対応できます。WeLase™とIS400は、ペン、キーホルダー、ナイフなどの小さな製品を個別に彫刻するのに理想的です。

 

木彫りについてさらに詳しく知りたいですか?

問い合わせをしてみる

デスクトップレーザーについて詳しい情報をご希望ですか?3つの電子書籍をご参照ください。

Mockup of Gravotech's eBook : Laser table 1

知る

レーザー加工機について知っておくべきこと


ダウンロード

Mockup of Gravotech's eBook : Laser table 2

選ぶ

ニーズに合った最適なレーザー加工機の選び方


ダウンロード

Mockup of Gravotech's eBook : Laser table 3

使いこなす

レーザー加工機をマスターする


ダウンロード

    ウッドプレートに手描きで描かれた花模様のパイログラフィー

    木材レーザー彫刻が焼き絵より優れている理由

    焼き絵と木材レーザー彫刻を比較すると、一般的に後者の方が多くの利点があります

    焼き絵は芸術的でコスト効率が良いものの、手工具を使用して焼き付けでデザインを作成するため、工程が遅くなります。この方法は手間がかかり、常にきれいな仕上がりになるとは限りません。

    対照的に、レーザーによる木彫りは高速でよりシャープで精密な仕上がり結果を提供します。この技術により、効率的な生産が可能になり、複雑なデザインを高精度かつ均一に処理できます。レーザー彫刻はロット処理も可能なため、大量生産に最適です。

    全体的に、焼き絵には魅力と手頃な価格がありますが、木材レーザー彫刻は速度、生産性、細部において優れており、複雑で大型の木彫り作業に最適な選択肢と言えます。

    Icon tips

    FAQ: The 6 questions most frequently asked of our experts

    🔽How can I achieve different contrasts in wood engraving? 

    Laser engraving on wood offers shades from light brown to deep charred tones depending on your settings. For high contrast, use light-colored woods. In darker woods, you can defocus the laser beam by 2 mm (0.0787'') to broaden the mark and increase visibility. Results vary by species, but fine-tuning power and speed is key to avoiding an over-burned look. With a mechanical engraving machine, it is not possible to produce a flat and contrasted engraving. 

    🔽What is the best wood engraving machine for my specific needs? 

    It depends on your application. For retail or small items, the WeLase™ CO2 offers unmatched speed and contrast. For larger objects or batch production, a CO2 Laser table provides the necessary surface area and precision. For oversized items like baseball bats or rifle stocks, the IS400 (mechanical) is superior as it handles 2.5D tactile engraving without size constraints. The engraving seems contrasted, however it is only thanks to the light effects on the reliefs.

    🔽How can I prevent smoke stains and burn marks around the engraved area with laser? 

    Preventing smoke stains is a matter of balancing laser power and extraction. To avoid deep scorch marks, adjust your parameters: high speed combined with optimized power often yields cleaner results. Slowing down too much increases heat accumulation, leading to unsightly burns. Using precise air assist also helps blow away debris during the process.

     

    🔽Is it possible to cut with my wood laser engraving machine? 

    Yes, it is possible depending on your laser power. We recommend cutting non-dense woods (MDF, plywood…) with a 30W laser power. For cutting thicker woods, a higher laser power (ex.: 80W) will be more effective.

    🔽What are the most common applications for professional wood engraving?  

    Wood engraving is incredibly versatile for personalization. Common applications include wooden toys, sports equipment, knife handles, and luxury gift boxes. It is also widely used for high-end promotional items like pens, thermos sleeves, and kitchenware like cutting boards. The process adds a premium, tactile value to almost any wooden substrate.

    🔽How often should I clean the laser lens when working with resinous woods like pine? 

    Resinous woods like pine release sap that can cloud optics quickly. You should check your lens every 4 to 5 hours of engraving or cutting. If you notice a film of dust or residue, clean it immediately using Gravotech Laser Optics Cleaner. Neglecting this causes the resin to bake onto the lens, resulting in black marks on the wood and potential lens damage. If you want to know more about laser lenses, check out our guide.