Granite (Laser Engrave)
Generic / House Brand
☀ UV Stable
✓ Food Safe
⬡ Chemical Resistant
Overview
Igneous rock composed of quartz, feldspar, and mica. CO2 lasers can engrave granite by thermally shocking the surface — creates white/frosted contrast on dark stone. Cannot be cut by any common laser. Fiber laser (1064nm) achieves better results than CO2 on stone. Dust is silica — N95 minimum during cleanup.
Properties
Difficulty
intermediate
Flexibility
rigid
Layer Adhesion
excellent
Enclosure
recommended
Heated Bed
no
Dry Storage
no
Pros
- Extremely durable — permanent outdoor engraving
- High-contrast white marks on dark granite
- Weather resistant — maintains engraving indefinitely
- Prestigious appearance for memorials and awards
- No coating or paint fill required on dark granite
Cons
- CO2 only engraves — cannot cut
- Dust is silica — N95 respirator mandatory during cleanup
- Very heavy
- Fiber laser preferred but expensive
- Light granite (grey/white) requires paint fill for contrast
- Inconsistent results from crystal structure
- Can fracture if thermal shock too aggressive
Best For
- Memorial headstones and plaques|Architectural signage|Corporate awards|Outdoor permanent markers|Kitchen and bathroom tiles|Pet memorials
Avoid For
- Cutting applications|Thin or fragile pieces|Applications requiring flexibility|Light-colored granite without paint fill (low contrast)
Storage
Store flat on non-slip surface. Very heavy — use proper material handling equipment. Seal with stone sealer after engraving for outdoor applications. Do not drop — granite fractures at sharp impact.
Laser Compatibility
CO2 80W: Engrave only — 100mm/s 80% power, 2+ passes. Wet engraving (thin water film on surface) reduces silica dust. Fiber laser (1064nm) preferred for stone — 500mm/s 80% power. Dark granite gives white/frosted marks without paint fill. Light or white granite requires engraving then filling with black enamel paint. N95 minimum during cleanup.
Brands
Local stone supplierscountertop fabricatorsmemorial stone suppliers