How to Engrave Glass with a Diode Laser?

Engraving glass with a diode laser directly, as with a CO2 laser, is not possible. The wavelength of the blue diode laser engravers is 450-455nm, which passes through the glass. Since it is not absorbed by the material, the etching or engraving does not occur. 

However, you can still engrave glass using a diode laser. 

In this article, we will teach you how to engrave glass with a diode laser engraver. You can follow the same method on any type of glass or just a plain glass sheet.

Items Needed to Engrave Glass with a Diode Laser

We need a diode laser engraver, and in our case, we are using xTool D1 Pro 20-Watt version. Other than that, we need a few other things.

1. Laser Marking Paper

When this paper is applied to the glass, it helps absorb the laser beam of diode lasers. The paper can easily be removed from the surface after engraving.

You can also use laser marking spray, paint or other coating.

2. Denatured Alcohol

Before applying the paper, the glass should be clean. 

The glass might appear clean, but there could be fingerprints or small dust particles that can affect the engraving. Therefore, it is better to apply denatured alcohol to the surface and clean it.

3. A Few Drinking Glasses

Buy a few drinking glasses because you might end up wasting a few of them at the start.

A few trials are needed before getting the perfect result. You can buy cheap glasses for the trial, and once you understand the settings and nitty-gritty, you can opt for the standard glass.

4. Rotary Attachment

Drinking glasses are cylindrical, and for cylinder engraving, you need a rotary attachment. 

A regular cylindrical drinking glass is easy to engrave as it can be used on any type of rotary attachment. But for wine glasses and drinking glasses with handles, you need special rotary attachments.

xTool has solved this issue by introducing the world’s first 4-in-1 rotary attachment, RA2 Pro, that is suitable for 90% daily cylindrical engraving scenarios. Whether the glass is regular or irregular, the attachment is suitable for all.

5. Risers

Risers are needed to increase the height of xTool D1 Pro to fit different engraving or etching scenarios. When the height is increased, there is ample space for the rotary attachment and the glass. If you didn’t buy risers with the machine, buy them separately.

5 Steps to Engrave Glass Using a Diode Laser (xTool D1 Pro)

Note: We are using the 10W diode module on xTool D1 Pro. If you are using the 20W module, then adjust the power accordingly.  

Step 1: Clean the Glass Using Denatured Alcohol

The first step is related to the cleaning of drinking glasses. Wipe them off with a dry cloth and remove any dust. For removing fingerprints, grease, oil, and other sticky residues, use denatured alcohol.

Apply alcohol on a piece of cloth and clean the glasses. During the process, avoid touching the etching surface with your bare fingers as it will leave the fingerprints.

Step 2: Prepare and Apply the Laser Marking Paper

It is time to use the laser marking paper. You need to cut the required size of the paper using scissors. Now, soak the paper in water for five minutes. After five minutes, you will see that the backing of the marking paper has been separated. Throw away the white backing paper.

Now, apply the marking paper on the glass. Handle it with care because it can tear with little force. Spread the marking paper evenly on the glass using rubber or your fingers. Make sure there is no air left under the paper.

Use a hairdryer to dry out the paper on the glass. It will hardly take a minute. 

Step 3: Set up the Power and Speed Setting on the Software

Connect the rotary attachment to the laser machine and turn it on. Take the dimensions of the glass and place it on the attachment.

Upload the design to the software. You can adjust the size of the image according to the measurements of the object. 

Set the power to 50% and speed to 100 mm/s. The power and speed settings here are suggested based on our testing.

Step 4: Adjust the Laser Focus

It is necessary to adjust the focus of the laser. Put its lever down and let it touch the glass. Now, put the lever back in its place. 

Adjust the placement of the module. You will see the crosshair on the object. Click on the Process button on the software. Click on Framing. Press the button on the machine and frame the image as you like.

Finally, click Start and press the button on the machine.

Step 5: Remove the Marking Paper

After the engraving process is completed, you need to wipe the marking paper left on the glass. Put the glass in water for a few minutes, and then remove the paper from the glass. 

Note: You might waste a few glasses before you finnally get the result you want. Don't get frustrated halfway.

Final Words

Engraving glass using a diode laser is a bit different from engraving other common materials, such as wood. It requires laser marking paper.

Secondly, you need a rotary attachment to rotate the glass. 

We have discussed the required materials and the step-by-step procedure. You can follow the same steps for plain glass sheets or any shape of the glass.

xTool D1 Pro enables you to make a wide range of objects and engrave and cut different materials. It is an ideal machine for hobbyists, DIY lovers, professionals, and artists to express their creativity. In addition, it can also be used to start a small laser engraving and cutting business.