Discover how to Master Tigerwood (Goncalo Alves) Laser Engraving!

Welcome to another Material Minute, where we put the Monport Onyx 50W CO2 laser to the test! This time, we’re engraving 3.175 mm Tigerwood (Goncalo Alves), a dense, exotic hardwood known for its rich color variations and bold, dark streaks. Watch as we fine-tune laser settings to achieve sharp, high-contrast engravings, enhancing the natural beauty of this striking wood while minimizing burn marks!
By experimenting with various speed and power settings, we aim to find the ideal parameters for achieving sharp details and crisp contrast. Whether you’re fine-tuning your engraving skills or exploring the best techniques for Tigerwood (Goncalo Alves), this guide will give you the insights you need to improve your results.
Scroll down to check out the test settings, see the engraving results, and level up your laser projects!
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Setting | Value |
Material | 3.175 mm Tigerwood (Goncalo Alves) |
Power | 20% to 100% |
Speed | 50 mm/s to 500 mm/s |
DPI | 254 |
Line Interval | 0.1 mm |
Air Assist | 5 PSI |
Frequency | 20 kHz |
Passes | 1 |
Final results of cut test on 3.175 mm Tigerwood (Goncalo Alves).


Analysis & Observations on Engraving 3.175 mm Tigerwood (Goncalo Alves) with a Monport Onyx 50W CO2 Laser
Optimal Engraving Settings
From our test results, the best engraving performance on 3.175 mm Tigerwood (Goncalo Alves) was achieved using 40% to 70% power at speeds between 250 mm/s and 450 mm/s. These settings delivered sharp details, high contrast, and minimal charring, making them ideal for fine text, intricate patterns, and precision designs.
Performance Insights
- Crisp and Clear Engravings:
The 40%–70% power range combined with 250–450 mm/s speed resulted in well-defined engravings with smooth gradients and reduced burn marks. - Overburn & Charring:
When engraving at higher power levels (80%–100%) and slower speeds (50–150 mm/s), excessive heat caused deep burns, surface roughness, and significant darkening. This led to overburn effects, which may be undesirable for detailed or fine designs. - Light or Faint Engravings:
At lower power levels (20%–30%) and higher speeds (450 mm/s and above), the engravings lacked depth and contrast, often appearing too faint or barely visible. These settings are not ideal for detailed work, but they may work well for subtle markings or engraving on pre-treated wood.
Key Factors Affecting Engraving Quality
- Air Assist Impact:
A 5 PSI air assist helped reduce residue buildup, prevent excess charring, and clear away debris, improving engraving clarity. - Line Interval & DPI:
The 0.1 mm line interval and 254 DPI resolution provided smooth shading and fine details, ensuring consistent and clean engraving results.
Recommended Engraving Settings for 3.175 mm Tigerwood (Goncalo Alves)
- Power: 40% – 70%
- Speed: 250 – 450 mm/s
- DPI: 254
- Line Interval: 0.1 mm
- Air Assist: 5 PSI
- Frequency: 20 kHz
By following these settings, you can achieve high-contrast, detailed engravings on Padauk with minimal burn marks and excellent readability. Whether you’re engraving text, logos, or artistic designs, these optimized settings will ensure professional-quality results.
Affiliate Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
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