Deep Engraving Guide: Fiber Laser Settings & EzCad2 Walkthrough
Deep engraving goes beyond surface marking—it physically removes material to create a 3D relief in metal. This technique is used for molds, jewelry, dog tags, firearms serialization, and industrial parts where permanent, tactile depth matters. Unlike surface marking that leaves a color change at the top layer, deep engraving produces a pocket you can feel with your fingertip.
Deep engraving typically requires a fiber laser (20W–60W, 1064 nm wavelength) running EzCad2 or LightBurn. CO2 and diode lasers lack the power density to remove metal effectively. This guide focuses on EzCad2 settings and workflow, with a dedicated section on LightBurn compatibility.
Deep Engraving vs. Surface Marking
Before diving into settings, it helps to understand what makes deep engraving fundamentally different from standard laser marking.
| Attribute | Deep Engraving | Surface Marking |
|---|---|---|
| Depth | 0.1–2 mm | < 0.05 mm |
| Passes | 10–200+ | 1–3 |
| Time | Minutes to hours | Seconds |
| Materials | Metals, hard plastics | Almost anything |
| Software | EzCad2, LightBurn | EzCad2, LightBurn, LaserGRBL |
| Use Cases | Molds, jewelry, dog tags, firearms, industrial parts | Labels, logos, serial numbers, decorative marking |
EzCad2 Settings for Deep Engraving
EzCad2 is the standard control software for most MOPA and Q-switched fiber lasers. The key parameters that control deep engraving quality and speed are:
- •Speed (mm/s) — How fast the galvo mirrors move the laser beam. Lower speed = more energy per point = deeper cut per pass.
- •Power (%) — Laser output power. Deep engraving typically runs at 80–100% power.
- •Frequency (kHz) — Pulse repetition rate. Lower frequency means higher energy per pulse (more aggressive removal). Higher frequency means smoother finish.
- •Line Spacing (mm) — Distance between hatch lines. Tighter spacing (0.02 mm) gives smoother results but takes longer.
- •Passes (Loop Count) — Number of times the laser repeats the pattern. Deep engraving requires 10–200+ passes depending on target depth.
- •Hatch Pattern — The fill direction strategy. Crosshatch produces the most even material removal for deep work.
Settings by Material (20W–50W Fiber Laser)
| Material | Speed (mm/s) | Power (%) | Freq (kHz) | Line Spacing (mm) | Passes | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel | 100–300 | 80–100 | 20–30 | 0.02–0.04 | 20–50 | 0.1–0.3mm |
| Aluminum | 200–500 | 90–100 | 30–50 | 0.03–0.05 | 30–80 | 0.1–0.5mm |
| Brass | 100–200 | 90–100 | 20–30 | 0.02–0.04 | 40–100 | 0.1–0.3mm |
| Copper | 80–150 | 100 | 20–30 | 0.02–0.03 | 50–150 | 0.1–0.2mm |
| Titanium | 100–300 | 80–100 | 20–40 | 0.02–0.04 | 20–40 | 0.1–0.3mm |
| Tool Steel / Hardened | 100–200 | 90–100 | 20–30 | 0.02–0.04 | 30–60 | 0.1–0.5mm |
| Gold / Silver | 150–300 | 70–90 | 30–50 | 0.03–0.05 | 15–40 | 0.05–0.2mm |
Settings are approximate starting points for a 30W JPT or Raycus Q-switched fiber laser with a 110 mm x 110 mm field lens. Adjust based on your specific laser source and lens configuration.
Step-by-Step: Deep Engraving in EzCad2
- 1Import or create your design. EzCad2 supports BMP, PLT, DXF, AI, and SVG files, or use the built-in drawing tools for text and simple shapes.
- 2Set the hatch parameters: select your object, click "Hatch" in the marking parameters panel. Choose your hatch pattern—crosshatch is recommended for deep engraving.
- 3Configure line spacing (hatch distance). For metals, use 0.02–0.04 mm. Tighter spacing is slower but produces a smoother result.
- 4Set speed, power, and frequency from the material settings table above. Start conservative and increase power after test runs.
- 5Set the loop count (number of passes). Start with 10 passes, run the job, measure depth with a depth gauge, then calculate the total passes needed for your target depth.
- 6Enable "All calc first" for complex designs. This pre-calculates all hatch paths before marking begins, preventing pauses during the job.
- 7Run Red Light Preview to verify positioning. The red dot traces the outline of your design on the workpiece without firing the laser.
- 8Start marking. Monitor the first few passes closely for any issues—sparking, excessive smoke, or misalignment.
- 9After completion, clean the engraved area with isopropyl alcohol to remove residue. Measure final depth with a depth gauge or dial indicator.
Hatch Patterns Explained
The hatch pattern determines how the laser fills the engraved area on each pass. For deep engraving, pattern choice directly affects surface quality and depth uniformity.
Unidirectional
Fastest option. The laser scans in one direction only, lifting and returning for each line. May leave visible lines in the engraved surface.
Bidirectional
Good balance of speed and quality. The laser scans back and forth, reducing total time while producing a more even surface than unidirectional.
Crosshatch (0° / 90°)
Most even material removal. The laser engraves in two perpendicular directions, creating uniform depth. Best choice for deep engraving.
Cross with 45°
Smoothest finish. Adds diagonal passes on top of horizontal and vertical. Produces the best surface quality but is the slowest pattern.
Tips for Better Deep Engraving
- ✓Use crosshatch pattern (0°/90°) for the most even depth across the entire engraved area.
- ✓Clean between passes every 20–30 passes to remove debris and oxide buildup from the engraved pocket.
- ✓Use air assist or compressed air to blow away particles during engraving. This prevents debris from absorbing laser energy.
- ✓Lower frequency means more aggressive material removal. Higher frequency produces a smoother finish. Adjust based on whether you prioritize speed or surface quality.
- ✓For depths greater than 0.5 mm, increase line spacing slightly for each layer to account for the changing focal point as the pocket deepens.
- ✓Keep the F-theta lens clean. Debris ejected during deep engraving can land on the lens and cause permanent damage.
- ✓Use a test grid before production: vary speed and power in a matrix on scrap material to find optimal settings for your specific laser and material lot.
- ✓For very deep engraving (greater than 1 mm), consider defocusing slightly after every 50 passes to compensate for the focal shift.
- ✓Aluminum requires higher frequency than steel due to its reflectivity. Start at 40 kHz and adjust from there.
- ✓Always wear laser safety glasses rated for 1064 nm when operating a fiber laser, even with an enclosed cabinet.
Can You Deep Engrave with LightBurn?
Yes. LightBurn has supported galvo and fiber lasers since version 1.4, making it a viable alternative to EzCad2 for deep engraving. The same physics and principles apply—high power, many passes, tight line spacing—but the settings are configured differently in LightBurn's interface.
- •Pass count is set per layer in the Cut/Layer settings panel (the “Number of Passes” field).
- •Hatching is controlled via the Fill settings—you can set line spacing, angle, and crosshatch options.
- •Frequency is set in the laser-specific settings panel (varies by controller type).
For a complete walkthrough of LightBurn fiber laser configuration, see our LightBurn Settings Guide.
Common Deep Engraving Problems
Uneven depth
Cause: Inconsistent hatch pattern or dirty lens causing uneven power distribution.
Fix: Switch to crosshatch pattern, clean the F-theta lens, and verify the workpiece is level.
Rough surface finish
Cause: Line spacing too wide or frequency too low, leaving visible ridges.
Fix: Reduce line spacing to 0.02 mm and increase frequency by 10 kHz.
Taper on edges
Cause: Normal physics of deep engraving. The laser beam has a conical profile that widens at depth.
Fix: Reduce with a smaller spot size (shorter focal length lens). Some taper is unavoidable beyond 0.5 mm.
Discoloration around engraving
Cause: Heat-affected zone from high power or oxidation during engraving.
Fix: Adjust frequency, reduce speed slightly, or use a protective gas like nitrogen for stainless steel.
Design warping at depth
Cause: Thermal stress from continuous high-power passes distorting the metal.
Fix: Reduce speed to lower peak temperatures, add cooling pauses between pass groups, or use a lower duty cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How deep can a fiber laser engrave?
- A typical 20W–50W fiber laser can engrave 0.1–1.0 mm deep on most metals with enough passes. Higher wattage units (60W–100W) can reach 2 mm or more on softer metals like aluminum and brass. The practical limit depends on your wattage, material hardness, and how much time you can dedicate to the job.
- What wattage fiber laser do I need for deep engraving?
- A 30W fiber laser is the sweet spot for most deep engraving work. A 20W laser can do it but requires significantly more passes and time. For production environments or depths beyond 0.5 mm, a 50W or 60W laser is worth the investment for faster cycle times.
- How long does deep engraving take?
- Deep engraving is measured in minutes to hours, not seconds. A 10 mm x 10 mm area engraved to 0.3 mm depth on stainless steel with a 30W fiber laser takes roughly 15–30 minutes depending on settings. Larger areas or deeper cuts scale proportionally. A full dog tag can take 30–60 minutes for 0.5 mm depth.
- Can I deep engrave with a CO2 or diode laser?
- CO2 lasers (10.6 µm wavelength) reflect off bare metals and cannot deep engrave them. Diode lasers lack the peak power density needed for metal removal. Deep engraving on metals requires a fiber laser (1064 nm) or MOPA laser. CO2 lasers can engrave deeply into wood, acrylic, and other non-metal materials.
- What's the difference between EzCad and EzCad2?
- EzCad2 is the successor to EzCad and is the standard software bundled with most Chinese fiber laser systems. EzCad2 adds improved hatch pattern controls, better font handling, a more modern interface, and support for additional controller boards. Almost all current fiber lasers ship with EzCad2. The original EzCad is rarely encountered on machines sold after 2018.
- Do I need a rotary attachment for deep engraving rings?
- Yes. Rings and cylindrical objects require a rotary attachment (chuck or roller type) to rotate the piece as the laser fires. Without a rotary, you can only engrave the top-facing surface of a curved object. Most EzCad2-compatible rotary attachments connect via the standard DB25 or axis expansion port and are configured in the EzCad2 rotary settings dialog.
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