Learn which fabrics can withstand the engraving process and at what temperatures. Heartier fabrics such as denim, canvas, and leather can withstand higher power settings during engraving; but when it comes to delicate fabrics, it is important to start your settings at high speed (near or at 100 percent) and low power (around 5 to 10 percent). Test these initial settings on some spare material, and if the fabric can withstand it, increase the power until you get the results you are looking for.
When it comes to direct-to-garment engraving, it is helpful to lower the dots per inch (DPI) at which you engrave. The higher the DPI, the more material will be removed. Engraving at a lower DPI helps ensure the laser just slightly vaporizes the top layer and doesn’t burn entirely through the fabric. Most fabric engravings do fine at 150 to 300 DPI.
-Amy Dallman, Epilog Laser
