Description
Operate computer-controlled laser engravers to mark, etch, or cut designs, text, and codes on metals, wood, plastics, glass, and other substrates. Prepare digital artwork, set up fixtures and laser parameters, run jobs, inspect quality, and maintain equipment while following laser and material safety standards.
- • Import and prepare vector or raster artwork in CAD/graphics software.
- • Measure and compute layout dimensions, scaling, and placement.
- • Select materials and verify suitability and safety (e.g., avoid PVC).
- • Set power, speed, frequency, resolution, and pass counts for each material.
- • Focus the laser and set bed height or auto-focus; set origin and alignment.
- • Position, clamp, or jig workpieces; use rotary or pin fixtures as needed.
- • Run test burns on scrap to validate settings and contrast.
- • Start jobs and monitor progress; pause or adjust parameters as needed.
- • Adjust depth, contrast, and kerf via settings or additional passes.
- • Examine engraved work for completeness, legibility, and defects.
- • Verify dimensions and mark quality using calipers, gauges, or magnifiers.
- • Clean and polish engraved areas; remove masking, residue, and soot.
- • Apply paint fill, color inlay, or marking compounds to improve contrast.
- • Create and place barcodes, QR codes, serial numbers, and logos.
- • Set up and align rotary attachments for cylindrical or curved items.
- • Nest parts and optimize toolpaths to improve yield and cycle time.
- • Maintain digital files, presets, and production records.
- • Perform routine maintenance: clean lenses and mirrors, check belts, align optics.
- • Inspect and replace filters; verify exhaust and air assist operation.
- • Calibrate focus and laser output; run material test routines.
- • Interpret sketches, drawings, blueprints, or samples to plan engravings.
- • Ensure ventilation and PPE compliance; follow laser safety procedures.
- • Package, label, and stage completed parts for next operations or shipment.
- • Troubleshoot issues such as banding, inconsistent depth, or poor contrast.
- • Coordinate proofs and revisions with designers or customers.
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
