Just curious here, but how deep can a laser engrave materials? What are the limitations of laser engraving, any safety concerns regarding the types of materials engraved? What about power requirements?

Any info appreciated!

Thanks,
Ken

It depends on the kind of tube (CO2, Yag, or Fiber), the amount of power and the material. When I engrave wood for example, on my 45 watt CO2, set at 35% speed/100% power on oak I'll go 1/32", on basswood just over 1/16. You can also make multiple passes to go deeper.

Just as an example, let's say it's 4140 prehard, and I'm wanting to go .020 deep. I've heard the term Yag laser before, what exactly is Yag?

Thanks,
Ken

Sorry I have no experience with that, my 45 watt CO2 doesn't engrave metal.
I do know that one YAG I know of can do 5mm depth on aluminum plates, and 3mm for steel plates.

YAG is a type of material in the laser tube (yttrium-aluminum-garnet), and provides much higher peak power than CO2.