A portable laser engraver is a machine used in many manufacturing industries for marking plastics and metals. It is a user-friendly machine, applicable in different marking projects. However, some people don’t know how it functions and how to operate it.
To combat this, we made a guide on using a portable laser engraver. This guide will thoroughly discuss the laser engraving process, portable laser engraving machine features, and how to select the right one. Enjoy!
Laser engraving is a subtractive manufacturing process involving using a laser beam from a laser engraver to create images on a material. Therefore, laser engraving is common in the automotive, aerospace, and electronic industries.
Differences Between Laser Marking, Etching, and Engraving

Laser engraving is a common manufacturing process with wide applications. However, due to the “laser” tag, most people confuse it with other laser processes such as laser etching and laser marking.
Laser Etching

Laser etching is a subset of laser engraving that uses heat from a laser etching machine’s laser beam, possibly a portable laser etcher, to melt a material. The material expands, leading to a raised cavity. Consequently, it modifies and enhances physical characteristics such as the reflectivity of materials. Laser etching is a popular process used on metals.
Laser Marking

Laser marking involves using a lower portable laser marking machine to make high-contrast markings on a material. Unlike laser etching and laser engraving, it does not alter the condition of the material. It only leads to the discoloration of the material via oxidation which is the marking itself.
Laser etching, marking, and engraving can produce images on different materials by using laser beams. However, the difference between the three is in the production of the markings. Laser engraving removes part of the materials. Laser etching alters the top layer of the material. Laser marking leads to the creation of images on the materials without removing or altering the materials.
Types Of Laser Engraving Process
There are two types of laser engraving processes: raster and vector engraving. Both methods are different, and they are based on the graphic file type they use.
What is a Portable Laser Engraver?

A portable laser engraver or a handheld laser engraver is a popular tool in the automotive, aerospace, electronics industries due to its portable and ease of operation. Unlike a traditional engraving machine, a portable engraving machine comprises two general parts: a handheld part and a box. The two components are responsible for the machine engraving functions and other complementing features.
How Does A Portable Laser Engraving Machine Work?

Choosing the right portable laser engraving machine comes with understanding how the machine works and other needed prerequisites. These might be highly demanding. However, below are a few factors that will help choose the best portable laser engraver.
How to Choose the Right Portable Laser Engraving Machine?

Choosing the right portable laser engraving machine comes with understanding how the machine works and other needed prerequisites. These might be highly demanding. However, below are a few factors that will help choose the best portable laser engraver.
· Price
Price is a huge factor when deciding to get a portable laser engraver. Unlike traditional laser engravers, a portable engraving machine is portable while still exceptionally good for industrial use. A portable engraving machine also boasts of heightened ease of operation due to its features. Therefore, the price of getting one is higher than the conventional laser engravers.
· Software Compatibility
Software compatibility is an important factor when looking to get a portable laser engraver. There are two options available. You can get a portable laser engraver with its software. Therefore, you have to ensure your designs fit into the engraver’s software. The second option is to get a portable laser engraving machine that can work with your software. Therefore, when you create a design with your software, it will be compatible with it. A good example of a software-compatible engraver you can get is the portable 20w fiber laser marking machine.
· Power Source
What do you think will improve the ease of operation the portable laser engraving machine is popular for in terms of power source? Battery support, of course! In conjunction with a corded power source, having a portable laser engraver with a battery option also makes it easy to use in any condition.
· Laser Source
The laser source is also an important feature to look at when getting a portable laser engraver. Look for a machine using a noiseless laser source that makes the process environmentally friendly.
· Connection Options
Although this might not be essential, it is never the less important. It is better to find a portable laser engraver that does not need to connect directly to a computer. Most portable laser engravers we know use USB sticks to connect to the computer. This further ensures ease of operation.
· Weight
Portable laser engraver also varies in their portability due to the weight factor. This is based on the different features of the machine and the optimization given by the manufacturer. Therefore, when choosing a portable laser engraver, choose one with the right size and weight that can complement the functions. However, note that weight also drives prices. Therefore, portable laser engravers with a smaller size that can be used industrially, such as the portable fiber laser marking machine, have more features and higher prices.
How to Use the Portable Laser Engraver?

Using a portable laser engraver might seem a little complicated. However, it is not. With the steps below, you can understand the procedure and utilize it in your projects. Below are our four important steps used in portable laser engraving.
What Materials Can You Mark and Engrave?
There are many materials that you can engrave using a portable laser engraver. Therefore, the process is applicable in different manufacturing industries. Below are two categories of materials you can work with using a portable laser engraver.
· Plastics
Plastics are another type of material that can be engraved using a portable laser engraver. Unlike the traditional laser engraver, the machine can work on hard plastics and other plastic types such as PVC, PP, and PE
· Metals
Metals are the most suitable materials for laser engraving. They are heat resistant. However, you must be careful of the high-density laser irradiation when using a portable laser engraver for metal. Examples of metallic materials that you can engrave with the process include stainless steel, copper, and aluminum. Using a portable laser engraving machine for metal is popular in many industries such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics.
Why You Should Use a Portable Laser Engraving Machine?
Portable laser engraving machines are popular in many industries because of their many advantages. Below are a few advantages you can enjoy when using the process:
· It Is A Non-Contact Material Processing
Laser engraving, like other laser processes, is non-contact. Therefore, there is no need to clamp the material. Consequently, this will reduce the damage to the material. Also, because it is a non-contact process, there is no tool wears.
· Maximum Precision
Laser engraving allows you to mark materials with maximum precision. Virtually everything that can be drawn can be engraved and marked using a laser. Also, because it is portable, the degree of dexterity in marking increases, making it ideal for many scenarios.
· Features
Depending on the type of portable laser engraving machine you are using, you have many features to enjoy. For example, with the portable 20w fiber laser marking machine, you can enjoy a noiseless laser source, battery options, and software support.
Also, portable laser engraving machines are lightweight, which improves their portability. They mostly don’t require maintenance, and they have long working hours.
Get the Best in Terms of Laser Engraving and Marking
Portable laser engraving machines have a wide range of applications due to their permanent and deep marking. Its markings don’t fade off easily. Consequently, the machine is used in the automotive, aerospace, and engineering industries to mark serial numbers, logos, or product identification numbers.
This article discussed the laser engraving process and a portable laser engraving machine. Do you crave the need for accuracy and error-free traceability in laser engraving or other marking processes? Then Heatsign is your best bet. At Heatsign, we aim for a quality, efficient, and effective marking process. We also have the marking machines ideal for laser engraving, marking, and other marking processes such as dot peening and inkjet printing. Therefore, by choosing us, you are already a step ahead in ensuring quality marking in your project.