You don't need to invest a lot of money to get started with laser engraving, and it can be a fun hobby that will allow you to earn some extra money.
The laser cutting business ideas below will show you the most profitable laser engraved products you can manufacture and sell.
I'll also walk you through some tips for starting a successful laser engraving business, including how to get paid for your work and where to market your business.
Making money with a laser engraver is a really fun way to earn extra income or even start your own business.
You might be surprised at the different things people want to laser engrave. From trophies to tombstones, there's a huge market for you to dig into.
As with all businesses, you need to market your business correctly and provide excellent customer service and quality in order to be successful in your laser engraving business.
What is the difference between laser engraving and etching?
You may have heard of etching and wondered if it is the same as laser engraving.
In fact, they are two different things that produce the same result - marking the metal with pictures, text and designs.
Etching uses chemicals to create marks on the metal, while laser engraving actually cuts the metal to create designs and text.
How much does it cost to start a laser cutting business?
If you want to start your laser engraving business from scratch, you'll first need a few supplies.
You'll also want to invest in marketing materials, such as your business website, and promotional materials, such as business cards.
Expect to spend around $300-$500 for a full business setup including a laser engraver.
What Is The Best Laser Engraver?
The most important part of thinking about how to make money with a laser engraver is choosing the right machine.
The main things to consider when looking for a laser engraving machine are:
Price
software compatibility
The material you want to engrave
Machine size
Compatibility with your computer - some machines are bluetooth and others will not work with Apple products.
While you can buy a laser engraver for around $300, you'll need to pay a little more if you want to start a laser engraving business.
The best all-around laser engraving machine is the Atomstack A5 Pro.
You can use it to cut cheese boards, trophies, and more. The learning curve is much smaller than with more expensive laser engravers, which is great for beginners.
What laser engraving software do you need?
LaserGRBL or LightBurn software are the most popular laser engraving software options.
They are compatible with Atomstack A5 Pro. They You can use this software on Windows XP, 7, 8, 10, Mac OS and Linux.
LaserGRBL is free and open source software, ideal for engraving enthusiasts.
Lightburn is a paid laser engraving software. It offers more options than freeware. Although there is a 30-day free trial, it costs $40-$80 depending on which version you need.
What is the best wood for laser engraving?
Look for wood that:
Light color
high resin content
no whole grains
The best woods for laser engraving are plywood, alder, cherry, balsa, fir, cork, and engineered wood.
