rubix cube

Troubleshooting Common Laser Engraving Issues: A Guide by Rabbit Laser USA

Laser engraving isn’t just about picking the right file and pressing "Start." It’s a calibrated process that requires precision, clean equipment, and smart settings. Whether you're working with wood, acrylic, coated metals, or glass, you might encounter problems along the way. Don’t worry—we’ve seen it all. Here’s your expert-backed guide to solving the most common engraving issues.


Burn Marks Around Cuts or Engraving


Problem: Dark, scorched edges that make your work look messy.


What to check:


  • Power & Speed Settings: Too much power or too slow a speed will burn the material. Start with a fast speed and reduce power gradually.
  • Material Type: Some woods (like MDF or walnut) naturally char more. Do a small material test first.
  • Air Assist: Make sure your air assist is ON and functioning. This keeps smoke away from the beam and reduces surface scorching.


Incomplete or Shallow Engraving

Problem: Engraving looks faint, skips areas, or disappears altogether.


What to check:

  • Power Output: You may not be running enough power. Increase in 5% increments.
  • Focus Height: Make sure your focus is dialed in for your lens size (e.g., 50.8mm). A simple Z-axis error can make or break depth.
  • Dirty Optics: Check and clean your mirrors and lens. Even a small smudge can deflect the beam.

Tech Tip: Our machines ship with calibrated optics, but over time smoke residue builds up. Use lens wipes and a flashlight to inspect surfaces regularly.

Uneven or Patchy Results


Problem: Some parts engrave cleanly, others look faded or off.


  • Surface Flatness: Your material might not be laying completely flat. Clamp it down or use magnets.
  • Bed Leveling: If your bed is uneven, your focal distance changes across the surface.
  • Mirror Alignment: Especially if you're working in corners, misaligned mirrors can cause drop-off in power.


Skewed Shapes or Distorted Text

Problem: Your circles look like ovals, or text is stretched/compressed.

  • X/Y Calibration: You may need to calibrate your stepper motor pulses. In LightBurn, use the "Calibrate Axis" tool under "Machine Settings"
  • Belts & Pulleys: Check tension and tightness. Loose belts can slip or stutter.
  • Scan Offset: In LightBurn, run the scanning offset adjustment to eliminate ghosting or echoing.

Loud Noises or Jerky Movement


Problem: Grinding, squeaking, or shaking during travel.


  • Dirty Rails or Bearings: Wipe and lightly lubricate rails and bearings.
  • Loose Frame Components: Make sure your gantry is square and nothing is wobbling.
  • Stepper Drivers or PSU Issues: If it sounds electrical, contact support to test driver or power supply performance.

Pro Tips from Our Techs


  • Test First, Then Run: Use scrap material and low power to verify alignment and engraving depth before launching a full job.
  • Log Your Settings: Keep a cheat sheet for wood, acrylic, and other materials with tested speed/power/interval settings.
  • Keep a Cleaning Schedule: Every 10–15 hours of use, clean your optics.
  • Label Your Lenses: If you swap focal lenses, label each one and store in dust-free containers.


FAQs


  • How do I know if my mirrors are dirty?

    If your beam is weak or inconsistent, that’s usually our first check. A flashlight and lens wipe go a long way.

  • Why is air assist important?

    It keeps smoke and debris out of the beam path, reduces surface charring, and helps maintain consistent cuts.

  • Can I engrave metal with my CO2 laser?

    You can engrave coated metals (like anodized aluminum) or use a marking spray. For raw metal, you need a fiber laser.

  • What materials cause the most issues?

    Resin-filled woods, warped plywood, and mirror-backed acrylic can all behave unpredictably. Always test first.

Final Thoughts


Laser problems don’t have to derail your projects. With a clean machine, the right settings, and support from a real human, you’ll get back to producing sharp, consistent results in no time.


Need help with something specific? Reach out to Rabbit Laser USA—we offer lifetime U.S.-based support with every machine.


Cut. Create. Conquer.

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