Laser engraving is the process of cutting out a portion of material by using a laser. Laser engraving typically uses a laser that has such high heat that it vaporizes the material that is being cut. Laser etching is different because it doesn’t cut into the material and instead just removes the top layer. Laser etching also uses a less powerful machine than laser engraving. Finally, a laser has many different benefits for jobs such as the ability to work precise, fast and consistent.

Key Takeaways:

• Etching removes less material than engraving and is considered a chemical rather than physical process.
• Laser engraving and etching are fast, precise, consistent, affordable and flexible processes.
• Soda-ash glass works best for engraving, while glass with more metal (e.g., leaded crystal glass) is less suitable.

“In manufacturing, lasers are used for drilling, cutting, and engraving a wide range of materials.”

Read more: https://all3dp.com/2/glass-laser-engraving-etching-all-you-need-to-know/