FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Contents

  1. What materials do you use?
  2. Why would I want to work with Laser Lab Studio versus someone I find on Etsy or any other Laser Engraver for that matter?
  3. What types of files do you require?
  4. What additional supporting files may be needed for a project?
  5. I don’t have a designer, but I have an idea/project need, can Laser Lab Studio help?
  6. We have a designer that we work with, can Laser Lab Studio work directly with our designer to ensure best project outcomes?
  7. I have a unique object that I would like to see if you can engrave on, what will you need from me for this project?
  8. How long does it take to develop a product or custom project?
  9. What type of production time turn around time do you offer?
  10. Do you offer Rush Orders?
  11. Do you accept returns, refunds, or exchanges?
  12. Do you offer local pickup?
  13. Do you ship?
  14. What payment terms does Laser Lab Studio offer?
  15. I’m interested in working together, can we chat?
  16. Let’s Connect!

What materials do you use?

We primarily source 1/8” and 1/4” sheet materials for cutting and engraving. 1/4” is the maximum thickness for cutting on the laser. We operate a CO2 machine and can cut and engrave on wood, plastics, some metals, natural materials (leather, cork, slate), paper, and cardboard. Items such as drinkware and tumblers with painted, powdercoated, or annodized surfaces can also be engraved.

We require a material sample for any new material or item prior to running a job.

  • Baltic Birch Plywood in Natural, Varnished, Lacquered, Stained
  • Hardwoods
  • MDF
  • Acrylics (Matte, Glossy, Mirrored, Patterned and Multi-layered Acrylics)
  • Cork & Cork Fabric
  • Paper & Cardboard
  • Leather (Engrave Only/No Cutting)
  • Faux Leather (As long as it does not have PVC in it)
  • Anodized Metal (Engrave Only)
  • Tumblers (Yeti/RTIC etc.)
  • Uncoated Glass
  • Slate
  • Vinyl
  • Mixed Media (A combination of materials above, ie: A Wood & Acrylic Sign)
  • Unique Signage Installations (ie. Signage over organic matter, electronics, lighting elements etc.)

Why would I want to work with Laser Lab Studio versus someone I find on Etsy or any other Laser Engraver for that matter?

  • Expertise, Experience & Quality - We pride ourselves on delivering the highest quality parts and products possible. We have decades of experience crafting products with our hands, tools and machines.
  • Relationships - Check out our testimonials from current and past clients to see how we rate in serving our clients.

What types of files do you require?

Vector File Types: .AI, .EPS, .SVG, .PDF

To produce the highest quality laser engraved products, we require vector based artwork in AI, EPS, SVG, or PDF formats. Vector graphics differ from raster graphics in that they are created using a vector-based program such as Adobe Illustrator and can be scaled to any size without losing quality. Be sure to expand all text (Create Outlines) before sending.

Raster images, in contrast, have a fixed resolution and are created with pixel-based programs such as Adobe Photoshop, digital cameras, and digital scanners. These file types are typically JPG and PNG. While suitable for printing, they don’t always produce the best engraving results with the materials we commonly work with. We highly recommend converting most artwork to vector unless its a greyscale photo.

Graphic showing difference between vector and raster graphics

Vector: Scalable and smooth vs Raster: Not scalable and pixelated

Don’t have a vector file? No Problem! You have options.

  1. File Conversion. Use a tool that converts raster graphics to vector graphics such as VectorMagic, Vectorizer, Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw, or Inkscape.
  2. Hire us to convert your brand or logo into a vector graphic. Some graphics are more detailed or complex and require additional steps to convert into vector graphics for use in laser engraving and cutting. We charge per graphic to convert/produce a quality vector design file. We will ask you to verify that you want this service (or not), before we begin.

What additional supporting files may be needed for a project?

As appropriate to the project - Brand Assets, Final Brand Guidelines, Fonts, Supporting Inspirational Images/Past Project Buildout examples and other assets as needed.


I don’t have a designer, but I have an idea/project need, can Laser Lab Studio help?

Yes, we offer a variety of design services to help your project come to fruition. Start by filling out our inquiry form and we’ll get back to you.


We have a designer that we work with, can Laser Lab Studio work directly with our designer to ensure best project outcomes?

  • Absolutely, we are always happy to hop on email, zoom, phone call to ensure that your designer is designing files that are production ready.
  • Designing for laser engraving/cutting varies from designing for print. We are happy to walk you and your designer through best practices when designing for laser engraving to ensure the desired result.
  • In some cases, working with your designer may still result in design work being completed/finalized by Laser Lab Studio. In this case, design work by us may incur billable hours. We will always discuss this possibility and get approval from you before any billable hours occur.

I have a unique object that I would like to see if you can engrave on, what will you need from me for this project?

We require a sample of the object/objects that are being tested, the assets (ie: vector logo/Initials/font etc.) that are being used for the sample, and the desired location(s) of the test. We dial in the best possible machine settings that produce the highest quality and optimal engraving possible on the object. Once the sample is complete we will send images to you, and can send the object back as desired. Unique Object Testing Fees apply, shipping may apply.


How long does it take to develop a product or custom project?

3 weeks to 6 months, depending on the complexity of the product/project. We know that is quite the range, our projects vary greatly in complexity, once we have a clear understanding of your project needs we can better estimate the timeline with you.


What type of production time turn around time do you offer?

Typically 2-3 weeks, however, production time is very fluid - Sometimes we can turn projects around much faster, sometimes slower depending on the time of year, current projects on deck, and the complexity of your project. We can give you a more realistic estimate once your proof is approved.


Do you offer Rush Orders?

Yes. Rush orders are 30% of the total cost of the job, and we shift your job to the top of the queue to meet or exceed your deadline.


Do you accept returns, refunds, or exchanges?

No. Due to the propietary and custom nature of producing parts and/or products for a specific client, purpose, and end use, we do not accept any returns, refunds, or exchanges. To learn more, review our Terms and Conditions.


Do you offer local pickup?

Yes! If you are local to the Denver metro area, you are welcome to pick up at our studio in Littleton, CO. Just get in touch via email to arrange a time.


Do you ship?

Yes! We can ship just about anywhere. We use USPS and UPS. Shipping costs are dependent on the project size and packaging requirements. If you have a shipping carrier your prefer, just send us a shipping label.


What payment terms does Laser Lab Studio offer?

  • For jobs that are 1K and below, we require payment in full before we begin the job.
  • For jobs that are above 1K we require 50% down to begin the job, and 50% on completion.
  • We are not able to offer net 30 at this time.

I’m interested in working together, can we chat?

  • Submit your project details/questions via Work With Us.
  • Once you have submitted the inquiry form, you can book your free 15 min phone or Zoom chat to discuss your project via Calendly.
  • After 15 minutes, if you would like to continue the conversation, let’s book a 1 hr consultation meeting.

Let’s Connect!

Have a question that isn’t answered here…? Get in touch! Email works best for the quick question.

We love to work with clients on a referral and best fit basis. Drop us a line if you know someone!

Last updated: 19 February 2025