The practice of using lasers to engrave or mark objects is called laser engraving. Techniques used for this type of procedure are very complex and technical, where a specially designed computer system is used to drive the movements of the laser. Materials that can be engraved by laser engraving machines are wood, plastic, metals, coated metals, stone and glass. Laser engraving is also used for making customized jewelries and paintings that acquire full engraving. Industrial applications of laser engraving are the printing of text or specifications on flexo photopolymer plates, direct laser engraving for cylinders and drums and sub surface laser engraving used for glass.

Laser engraving machines are usually composed of three parts. First is the laser itself that is used like a pencil, the beam emitted from it allows the controller to trace the patterns to be engraved onto the surface. Next is the controller that dictates the direction, intensity, speed, and spread of the laser beam. Finally is the surface that is matched on the type of laser that is used. Laser engraving is one of the most advancing fields of technology today. Scientist and engineers are now finding ways to enhance lasers to be able to engrave harder materials not only for ornamentation but as well for certain specifications of materials.