Achieving precise, high-quality engraving across diverse surfaces requires meticulous preparation, optimized machine settings, and material-specific techniques.

Always start with a meticulously clean surface. For materials prone to residue (wood) or chipping (glass), apply masking tape for crisp edges. For laser engraving, accurate focal length adjustment is paramount.

Tailor power, speed, and DPI to the material and desired depth. Higher DPI/slower speeds enhance detail. Delicate materials (thin acrylic, paper) need lower power/faster speeds. Harder materials (metal with fiber lasers or marking compounds, stone) require higher power, often multiple passes. Good ventilation is crucial.

Material nuances: Wood needs grain-alignment, charring management. Acrylic (cast preferred) uses lower power/faster speed for frosting, or reverse engraving. Metal needs fiber lasers or marking compounds; annealing yields dark, shallow marks. Glass/ceramic require slight defocusing or backing (damp paper towel) to prevent chipping; sandblasting gives deeper etches.

Optimize artwork with high-resolution vectors; raster images need contrast. Clean residue post-engraving. Always test on scrap to fine-tune settings.