What is the difference between a laser engraver and a laser cutter?

How does laser engraving work?
During the process of laser engraving, the laser processes a shape, graphic or picture (e.g. a JPG or PNG) on a wide range of materials. The laser moves horizontally along the individual lines of the engraving, and the material being engraved is removed point by point, line by line. This processing method is called grid engraving.
Among other things, surfaces or shapes can be engraved using this method, including photos, pictures, logos, inlays, fine to thick lettering, and stamps, to name a few.

How does laser cutting work?
Laser cutting is a thermal separation process. During the process, predetermined geometries are traversed and cut by the laser beam. As with engraving, a wide variety of materials can be used. A vector-based file (lines and curves of a geometry) is the basis for the cutting process.
This process is used to cut shapes (such as letters, signs and tags) as well as applications that have previously been engraved.
Can Trotec laser machines do both, engraving and cutting?

I will use my laser mostly for cutting
The laser cutting and laser engraving machines are respectiviely designed and adapted to the needs of our customers. Cutting is usually done with large-area materials that are cut quickly and precisely with a clean edge. For this, higher laser power (watt) is usually required. Our large-sized laser cutters are used for large-scale cutting of acrylic, MDF, textiles, and more.

I predominantly want to laser engrave
You want to learn more about how Trotec laser machines work?
Our laser experts are happy to answer your questions about our products and laser processing. They will help you discover all the possibilities of laser engraving and cutting. Additionally we invite you to see our lasers and applications at one of our demonstration facilities.