10 Laser Engraving Terms You Should Know

If you’ve just bought a laser engraver—or you’re considering starting a laser engraving business in the UK—you’ll quickly notice how often technical terms get thrown around. DPI, PPI, vector, dithering… it can feel like a different language at first.

But these terms aren’t just jargon. They’re practical tools that help you troubleshoot faster, improve engraving quality, reduce material waste, and work more efficiently.
Think of it like cooking: you don’t need to be a professional chef, but you do need to understand what “medium heat” means if you want consistent results.

1. DPI (Dots Per Inch)

DPI refers to how many dots (or pixels) are engraved per inch. It directly affects detail and how much overlap occurs between engraved points.

Higher DPI = more detail, but also more heat concentration.

Practical guidance:

• Wood: Lower DPI usually gives better results (avoids overburning)
• Acrylic: Medium DPI creates a clean frosted effect
• Too high DPI can lead to cloudy or overburned finishes

In UK workshops, where materials like birch plywood and cast acrylic are common, balancing DPI is essential for both quality and cost efficiency.

2. PPI (Pulses Per Inch)

PPI controls how many laser pulses are fired per inch of movement. It determines how continuous your cut or engraving line appears.

• Low PPI: Dotted or perforated effect
• High PPI: Smooth, continuous cuts

For example, when cutting acrylic signage (popular in UK retail and hospitality), increasing PPI improves edge smoothness—but too high can cause melting or residue buildup.

3. Line Density

Line density refers to how closely engraving lines are spaced. It works closely with DPI to determine how “filled” your engraving looks.

If your engraving looks like visible stripes instead of a solid fill, your line density is too low.

Important when:

• Engraving logos or branding assets
• Producing signage or plaques
• Eliminating scan lines for a professional finish

4. Air Assist

Air assist directs a stream of air at the laser point during engraving or cutting.

It:

• Reduces burning and charring
• Prevents residue buildup
• Improves edge quality

UK-specific note:
In enclosed indoor workshops (common in UK homes and studios), air assist is critical for maintaining clean results and minimising smoke marks—especially on wood and acrylic.

5. Dithering

Dithering uses dot patterns to simulate shading in images. Since lasers typically engrave in a single tone, dithering creates the illusion of depth.

Different patterns (e.g. Jarvis, Floyd-Steinberg) produce noticeably different results.

Used for:

• Photo engraving
• Portraits
• Detailed grayscale artwork

6. Dot Duration

Dot duration controls how long the laser fires at each point.

Instead of increasing overall power, adjusting dot duration lets you fine-tune:

• Darkness
• Depth
• Detail

Useful for:

• Photo engraving refinement
• Sensitive materials
• Avoiding overburn while improving contrast

7. Vector

Vector files use paths (lines and curves) instead of pixels. They tell the laser exactly where to move.

Used for:

• Cutting shapes
• Engraving text and outlines
• Logos and precise designs

If you want sharp edges and clean cuts—vector is essential.

8. Raster Engraving

Raster engraving works line-by-line, similar to how a printer operates.

• Slower than vector
• Better for detailed images and filled areas

Used for:

• Photos
• Complex graphics
• Background textures

Most real-world projects combine both:

• Raster for fills
• Vector for outlines and cuts

9. Power (%)

Power determines the intensity of the laser beam.

Too much power:

• Burns wood
• Melts acrylic

Too little power:

• Fails to mark material

Typical Laser Power Ranges

10. Speed

Speed refers to how fast the laser head moves.

• Slower speed: deeper engraving
• Faster speed: lighter engraving

Speed and power always work together. Adjusting one without the other rarely gives optimal results.

Quick Reference Table

Choosing the Right Machine (UK Small Business Context)

For many UK-based small businesses—Etsy sellers, signage makers, or craft studios—a 60W CO₂ laser is often the ideal starting point.

The OMTech Pronto 35 60W CO2 Laser Engraver is a common entry-level option because it balances:

• Affordability
• Versatility (wood, acrylic, leather, glass)
• Ease of use

It offers:

• Large working area (approx. 20" × 28")
• Autofocus for accuracy
• Compatibility with software like LightBurn
• Class 1 safety enclosure

This makes it well-suited for UK home workshops and small commercial setups.

Final Thoughts

Learning these terms isn’t about memorising definitions—it’s about understanding how your machine behaves.

Once you get comfortable:

• You stop guessing
• You start making intentional adjustments
• Your results become consistent

That’s when laser engraving shifts from trial-and-error to a skill you genuinely control.

If you’re serious about improving your output—whether for a business or personal projects—these fundamentals are where everything starts.