A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW ON THE INFLUENCE OF LASER ENGRAVING PARAMETERS ON BURNING DEPTH AND ACCURACY IN HARDWOOD MATERIALS

Abstract

This systematic literature review investigates the influence of laser engraving parameters on burning depth and engraving accuracy in hardwood materials, addressing a growing demand for precision manufacturing in both industrial and artisanal applications. Despite the increasing adoption of laser engraving for hardwood processing, inconsistencies in thermal interaction, surface finish, and dimensional precision remain prevalent due to variable wood characteristics and parameter settings. To address this gap, the review applied the PRISMA protocol to systematically identify, screen, and synthesize relevant studies from two reputable databases, Scopus and ScienceDirect. A total of 12 primary studies met the inclusion criteria, spanning various hardwood species and processing conditions. Thematic analysis of the literature revealed three dominant research clusters: (1) Surface Modification and Material Enhancement, focusing on treatments such as thermal, chemical, and surface activation methods to optimize engraving quality; (2) Combustion Behavior and Burning Characteristics, examining ignition thresholds, flame spread, and charring patterns as determinants of burning depth and thermal stability; and (3) Thermal and Heat Transfer Properties, emphasizing the role of conductivity, diffusivity, and fiber orientation in governing heat penetration and engraving precision. Numerical synthesis of reported findings indicates that optimized laser parameters, in conjunction with wood-specific modifications, can significantly reduce overburning while enhancing dimensional accuracy.  Furthermore, combustion-resistant species and modified surfaces demonstrated up to 25–40% improvement in engraving definition under controlled parameter settings. The review concludes that effective parameter optimization must integrate species-specific thermal behavior with tailored pre-treatments to achieve consistent burning depth and high engraving accuracy. These insights provide a knowledge base for developing predictive models and best-practice guidelines for precision laser processing of hardwoods, bridging the gap between material science and advanced manufacturing applications.