Experiment No.
LLB012
Mission Title
Grab & Go
Technique
Engraving Silicone
Lead Scientists
Kim & Garrett
This month, we’re working with silicone, focusing on cosmetic bags and phone lanyards that are flexible, durable, and built for
everyday use. Silicone behaves very differently than wood or leather, so dialing in the right settings is key to getting clean,
readable results without damaging the material.
• Primary Substrate: Silicone cosmetic bags and silicone phone lanyards (flexible, heat-sensitive material that engraves by surface marking, not depth).
• Surface Prep: Clean with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth to remove oils, dust, or residue before engraving.
For the Nova 130 w was prepped with Dawn dish soap, all others Dawn was not needed
• Engraving Behavior: Silicone does not engrave deep. The laser alters the surface to create a darker or slightly textured mark, so focus on contrast and clarity rather than depth.
• Cleanup Strategy: No masking needed. After engraving, wipe with a microfiber cloth to remove any light residue with LA awesome or Magic Eraser.
• Residue Removal: For fine details, use a soft brush or cloth. Avoid excessive pressure since silicone is flexible and can distort.
• Focus Calibration:
◦ Keep focus tight on the surface for sharp results.
◦ Avoid heavy defocus, as it can reduce detail and create uneven marks.
• Pro Tip: Use lower power and higher speed to prevent melting or warping. Too much heat can cause the silicone to deform or leave inconsistent marks.
Prep: Clean the surface with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth to remove any oils or debris before engraving. For
higher wattage CO₂ lasers, such as a 130W, it is recommended to apply a light coat of Dawn dish soap to help reduce
residue and improve engraving results.
Air Assist Calibration: Turn air assist OFF or keep it very low to prevent cooling inconsistencies and reduce the chance of
debris blowing across the surface.
Test Pass: Run a small test on an inconspicuous area to dial in proper speed and power for clean contrast without
overheating.
Engraving Pass: Use a high-speed, low-power pass to create a surface mark. Avoid slow speeds that can cause melting or
warping.
Detail Check: Inspect fine lines and text. If the mark is too light, slightly increase power or reduce speed in small
increments.
Wipe the surface clean using a microfiber cloth with LA’s Awesome Cleaner or a Magic Eraser to remove any remaining
residue.
📂 Download SVG Blueprint
Overview:
LAB
SKILL
Lab Report LLB-0012
Experience
Materials Guidance:
The Protocol (Steps):
File Downloads
File Downloads
TEST MORE, WASTE LESS. | CREATIVE LAB PROTOCOL LLB012
Back to Briefing
Laser Settings Matrix:
Launch these high-margin multi-depth products:
• Personalized Cosmetic Bags (names, initials, bridal parties)
• Travel Makeup Kits (bundled with matching designs)
• Custom Phone Lanyards (names, sayings, branding)
• Teacher & Nurse Gift Sets (functional + personalized)
• Event Giveaways (bachelorette, weddings, conferences)
• Branded Business Merch (salons, boutiques, influencers)
The Profit Lab (Product Ideas):
Next: VIEW LLB-010🡺
NEXT: VIEW LLB-011🡺
NEXT: VIEW LLB-012🡺
XTOol f1 (diode) 20W
XTOol F1 (IR) 20W
dIODE (s1/d1) 40W
CO2 (XTOOL) 55W
CO2 (xtool) 80W
CO2 (AEON) 100W
CO2 (nova) 130W
XTOol f1 (diode) 20W
XTOol F1 (IR) 20W
dIODE (s1/d1) 40W
CO2 (XTOOL) 55W
CO2 (xtool) 80W
CO2 (AEON) 100W
CO2 (nova) 130W
XTOol f1 (diode) 20W
XTOol F1 (IR) 20W
dIODE (s1/d1) 40W
CO2 (XTOOL) 55W
CO2 (xtool) 80W
CO2 (AEON) 100W
CO2 (nova) 130W