Fiber Laser Engraving Natural Slate Coasters

With a myriad of laser systems available, engraving on natural slate has become a favored technique due to its simplicity and adaptability. Natural slate proves remarkably forgiving, allowing for experimentation with various settings. Tailoring settings to your specific machine—be it power, speed, or type—is crucial for optimal results, as what works for one setup may differ from another.

The Versatility of Natural Slate

• Slate is renowned for its durability and longevity. It is highly resistant to cracks, breaks, and scratches.

• Slate is resistant to water, heat, and frost, making it suitable for outdoor use.

• Slate is environmentally friendly and has a long lifespan with a timeless appeal.

Fiber Laser Engraving Natural Slate Coasters

In this project, I am going to be doing a quick gray engraving on natural unsealed coasters. After importing my images into Lightburn (whatever software you are using will work fine), I set the following parameters.

Speed - 1500

Power - 65%

Frequency - 50

Lines per Inch - .07

Number of passes - 1

Lens - 110

Fiber Laser - 50 watt

I’m using natural slate coasters from TheEcoporium that have not been treated or sealed with any product. The engraving results in a light gray mark on the surface of the slate. With these settings and images, the engraving goes relatively quickly and produces a light mark on the slate without any depth.

1. If necessary, clean the slate

2. Place the coaster under your laser head and adjust the lens’ height according to your laser requirements

3. Frame

4. Fire away - this project is really quick on a fiber laser

5. Wipe residue from the slate coasters

That’s it… this project is really quick and easy. These coasters are great for giving as gifts or just making for personal use. Since they are natural slate that has not been treated the slate will absorb moisture if exposed to it, which will temporarily reduce the contrast, but it will dry and look great.

Note: If you are going to be engraving several slate coasters you can speed up the process by sorting the coasters by thickness. That way, you don’t need to adjust your laser head as often.

At TheEcoporium we offer square slate coaster blanks and round slate coaster blanks in bulk.

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Safety Disclaimer:

as we dive into the exciting world of fiber lasers, it's crucial to prioritize safety. I am not a professional, and while I'm here to share information, it's essential to always follow proper safety protocols when working with fiber lasers.

1.     Eye Protection: Fiber lasers can emit powerful beams that are harmful to the eyes. Always wear appropriate laser safety goggles with the correct optical density for the laser you're using.

2.     Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area or use a fume extractor to minimize exposure to any potential fumes or by-products produced during laser operations.

3.     Emergency Procedures: Know the location of emergency shut-off switches and fire extinguishers. Have a clear understanding of emergency procedures in case of unexpected events.

Remember, your safety is of utmost importance. Always exercise caution, use the appropriate safety gear, and adhere to recommended safety guidelines. If in doubt, seek professional assistance.

Happy and safe laser experimenting!