Surface engraving
Fine detail on compatible materials, including leather, ceramic glaze and thin aluminium cards we’ve explored.
Explore leatherA creative workshop in Bell Green, Lewisham
xTool F2 Ultra UV — More Than Just Engraving
We brought the xTool F2 Ultra UV laser into our workshop to explore what ultraviolet laser technology could do.
What surprised us most wasn’t the engraving — it was the cutting.
From hardwoods to ceramic glazes, we’ve been discovering new ways to work with familiar materials.
Explore the projects below, or come and see the machine for yourself.
Book a Free Demonstration5 W UV laser 355 nm
Featured UV Laser Project
UV Laser – Christmas
Our first featured seasonal project: a place for the Christmas ideas and workshop work we develop with the UV laser.
Explore This ProjectWhat we’re exploring
Engraving, marking and experimental cutting
The F2 Ultra UV is designed for engraving. In our workshop, we’ve also been testing what it can do with materials and projects that interest us.
For creating SVG vector files for laser workflows, see our recommendation for Inkscape in Apps & Software.
Internal crystal engraving
A manufacturer-supported capability for suitable crystal blocks. We haven’t tried this at PM Makerspace yet.
Read xTool’s guideExperimental cutting
Wood and leather have given us some of our most surprising workshop results. Material and results vary.
Explore wood cuttingThe useful basics
About the xTool F2 Ultra UV
The xTool F2 Ultra UV is a 5 W ultraviolet laser with a wavelength of 355 nm. It is designed for surface engraving and can engrave inside suitable transparent crystal. We use the machine to explore practical creative applications in our workshop.
LaserUV · 355 ± 5 nm
Power5 W
Surface area200 × 200 mm
Inner engraving area70 × 70 mm
Manufacturer and safety information
For official capabilities, material guidance and safe operating information, see the xTool F2 Ultra UV guide and UK and EU safety instructions.
Made and explored at PM Makerspace
UV Laser Projects
Follow each project for the details, photographs and workshop findings.
Project 01
UV Laser – Ceramic
Etching glazed ceramic, refiring the surface and recording how the plate responded to our practical tests.
Explore projectProject 02
UV Laser – Leather
Fine-detail engraving and cutting experiments, including cleaner-looking cuts with minimal charring.
Explore projectProject 03
UV Laser – Metal Cards
Surface marking on thin aluminium cards, with through-cutting kept clearly separate from marking.
Explore project
Project 04
UV Laser – Wood Cutting
Cleaner-looking cuts in selected woods, from European timber to resin-rich tropical hardwood samples.
Explore projectProject 05
UV Laser – Fabric
A new project exploring what UV laser etching could bring to fabric and textile surfaces.
Explore projectProject 06
UV Laser – Christmas
Our first featured seasonal project: a place for the Christmas ideas and workshop work we develop with the UV laser.
Explore projectBell Green · Lewisham · South East London
Come and See What We’re Making
Book a free demonstration to see the equipment, ask questions and talk through an idea of your own.