Curl USA - Photography Terms & Glossary

Glossary Of Laser Engraving and Cut Terms [1]

Curl Curl in laser engraving refers to the tendency of thin or flexible materials to warp, bend, or curl during the engraving process due to thermal expansion, stress, or uneven heating. Materials such as paper, cardboard, plastics, and thin metals are susceptible to curling when subjected to high temperatures generated by the laser beam. Curling can distort engraving patterns, cause misalignment, and affect engraving quality, particularly in intricate or detailed designs.

Minimizing curl requires careful selection of engraving parameters, optimizing laser settings, and implementing support structures or fixturing techniques to stabilize the material and mitigate thermal effects. By addressing curling issues, engravers can achieve consistent, distortion-free engravings on a variety of materials, ensuring high-quality results and customer satisfaction.