Laser Engraving

MPL has a laser engraver that you can use to etch and cut your designs out of wood or acrylic.

Did you know MPL has a laser engraver that you can use to cut, etch, mark, and engrave wood and acrylics? With our laser engraver, you can cut your own ornaments, make personalized gifts by engraving names and special messages on different items.  The machine uses lasers to produce concentrated heat that removes the top layer of material, cutting it from an item to create your designs.

Related FAQs

  • Laser engraving machines can have a number of different processes for engraving, but for the most part:

    1. The engraving design is keyed into a computer software like CorelDraw.
    2. The object to be engraved is placed within the laser tray.
    3. The laser engraving machine is then properly focused on the surface of the object.
    4. The power of the laser beam is set depending on the thickness of the material (whether wood, acrylic etc.).
    5. The laser operator starts the selected engraving process on the computer.
    6. The machine activates the laser and passes over the desired marking area on the surface of the material/object..
    7. The engraving is removed from the machine once it is completed, and engraving residue (soot, metal shards, etc.) is removed from the surface of the object.
    8. Voila!
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8xaVlG0_Qg&t=3s (possible video link to insert)

    Laser engravers are specifically designed to focus laser light for the purpose of engraving wood, metal, glass, or some other material with a preselected engraving—often images or script. The machine uses lasers to produce concentrated heat that removes the top layer of material, cutting it from an item to create the desired design. The light is focused at the right distance and set to the right power level in order to leave a mark. Too little power and it will not end up cutting into the material, too much and you can burn through the object.

  • Laser Engraving can take anywhere from 5 seconds to multiple hours. Quite a few factors need to be taken into account such as the material being engraved, the size of the design, and the power of the laser to name a few. 

    Though the actual process of engraving may be relatively quick, there may be multiple, longer steps involved in preparing the engraving such as rendering the design into the computer software, prepping the material being engraved, and removing any unwanted residue after the engraving process.

  • Yes, we sell 12” x 24” sheets of wood and acrylic that can be used with our machines. Wood sheets cost $5 +tax and acrylic sheets cost $19 +tax.

  • Customers can bring their own materials to use with our laser engraver however, we ask that you check with staff to ensure your material will be compatible with our machines before starting your project.

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LASER ENGRAVERS

Epilog Helix Laser Cutter/Engraver

The Epilog Helix 40 watt laser engraver is specifically designed to focus laser light for the purpose of engraving, cutting and etching a variety of materials, such as wood and acrylic.

Glowforge Laser 3D Printer  

The Glowforge Plus, known as a 3D laser printer, is capable of engraving designs, cutting objects and scoring materials into the product you desire.  

Carbide 3D Nomad 883 CNC Router

The Carbide 3D Nomad 883 is a CNC machine designed to cut and drill 2D and 3D files into customized objects made from wood, acrylic and more.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Follow these simple steps to become Makerspace Certified to use our Makerspace equipment!

Step One: Complete the Online Makerspace Certification course. This course should only take 15-30 minutes to complete. As part of the certification, you will review and agree to the Makerspace User Agreement.

Step Two: Create an account on Markham’s Program Registration and Facility Booking Platform.

Step Three: Complete our form to arrange a time to meet with a Digital Literacy Specialist.  Once you have completed this form, our staff will connect with you via email within 5-7 business days.

Note: Customers under 13 years of age will need to be accompanied by a Makerspace-certified adult to use Makerspace equipment.

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