Can you etch glass with a laser machine?

Glass etching machine: depending on the laser machine’s accessories, you can easily process mugs, crystal products, wine glasses or beer tankards. For this purpose, the conical shapes are clamped in a rotary engraving attachment.

How does etching with a glass etching machine work?

When laser etching with a glass etching machine, the material is strongly heated and vaporised by the laser beam which emits a large amount of energy on a small area. This creates a visible and noticeable marking, with popular examples including logos, names and floral patterns.

How can you etch glass?

You can create designs & patterns on glass by:

Laser engraving or laser etching with a laser machine
Sandblasting

What’s the difference and what is suitable for which application?

The advantages of sandblasting are that large-area motifs, logos, designs and matting can be evenly implemented. A drawback of sandblasting however is that you need a film that is glued to the glass. This protects any areas that should not be sandblasted by masking them. The film is removed post-processing.

A glass etching machine is relatively easy to use: the motif to be applied is available digitally and is transferred to the laser machine using software, then the motif is engraved into the glass within a few minutes. Fine, unique and elaborate designs can be implemented quickly using the laser beam, a clear advantage of laser etching. This means that laser engraving and etching is often preferred to sandblasting.

Want more information about glass etching machines?

Many ideas can be implemented with a glass etching machine.

Hollow glasses such as wine bottles, drinking bottles or vases become special gifts by applying unique designs, photos, quotes or words that are personal to you or the recipient.

The possibilities are vast and Trotec offers creative DIY patterns that customers love to use to personalise glass.

How and why do Trotec customers use laser machines for laser etching?

Integrity Laser, a contract manufacturer and gift manufacturer based in New Hampshire, operates in several market segments and serves the needs of both large-scale customers and those requiring one-off gifts across the United States.

Many small customers often use the company to start their personalisation business, and they recently expanded and opened a gift shop selling finished products at a local craft market.

In addition to increased throughput and the ability to process glassware quickly with their rotary system, Jeff Muster found InPack technology™ to be the main advantage of Trotec's glass etching machines. It encloses critical, system-sensitive components with robust housing and protects them from dust and dirt, drastically reducing maintenance requirements. The laser machine life is increased and the processing results are improved, especially when it comes to glass processing. When engraving glass, the volume of dust is high, making this component essential for entrepreneurs.

A glass etching machine is a laser machine that can engrave, label and mark many materials. An investment that covers many applications and with which the range and customer base can be expanded.

How expensive is a laser machine for glass etching?

For glass engraving there are different laser engraving machines available. Each has different wattages from 30 to 120 watts and differently sized work areas. It’s best to research the necessary applications and subsequently the appropriate laser before buying.

Which laser etching machine is best for glass etching?

If you opt for a glass etching machine like a laser machine, it’s best to get a rotary engraving attachment too. With this you can quickly process glassware in different shapes such as conical drinking glasses.

Trotec offers this attachment for Speedy laser engravers and the SP500.

See the Speedy series

Because individual requirements require individual advice.
We’ll advise you free of charge.