What do I need to know about laser engraving machines?
Laser engraving is the most popular laser marking technique in product marking. It involves the use of laser marking machines for permanent marking on different materials. Laser engraving technology is very precise. It is therefore the preferred choice for marking parts and products in many industries, particularly automotive and aerospace. Laser engraving machines are machines that are based on laser engraving and can be used to engrave and process materials.
The basic structure of a laser engraver
A laser engraver consists of three main parts: the laser, the controller, and the surface. A laser is a drawing tool that emits a beam of light allowing the controller to trace a pattern on the surface of the material. The controller determines the direction, intensity, speed of travel, and range of propagation of the laser beam aimed at the surface. The surface is selected to match the type of material on which the laser can act.
The working principle of laser engraving machines
In the process of laser engraving, the laser is generated through the laser and then transmitted by the reflector and irradiated to the processed items through the gathering mirror, the items are heated sharply by the laser and the material color will change or even vaporize or melt, the CNC controls the laser head and the motor to move the optical components on the laser head, mirror, etc. so that the focus is concentrated on the X, Y and Z on the mobile machine axis to achieve the purpose of processing.
Materials that can be engraved
Laser engraving machines can engrave a wide range of materials, commonly used materials include the following:
- Plastics Plastics such as acrylic and POM are common materials for laser engraving. However, the power of the laser must be fully adjusted and tuned to the absorption spectrum of the material and other available additives. Plastics are more compatible with CO2 and UV laser marking.
- Metals Metal is also a common material for laser engraving. Examples of metals that are compatible with this process are stainless steel, gold, silver, iron, and aluminum. However, metal engraving generally requires anodizing of the metal material before engraving can take place.
- Wood Plywood, MDF, and cardboard are all popular wood materials that can be engraved with a laser engraver. However, it should be noted that wood is a flammable material and the power needs to be adjusted when laser engraving is carried out to avoid problems with fire.
The advantages of laser engraving
There are many advantages to laser engraving machine processing, so many industries often choose laser engraving machines to process their materials because of these advantages.
- Short processing time Engraving material with a laser engraver is a fast process that can take between 3 and 5 minutes, depending on the material, design, and laser power. Due to its speed, this process is important in rapid manufacturing.
- Wide range of materials to be processed The wide range of materials that can be processed by laser engraving machines and the variety that they offer give the customer greater freedom in the choice of materials and designs.
- High precision Laser engraving machines offer high precision and low engraving errors, although the exact accuracy depends on the type of machine and its components. Due to their high precision, they are also widely used in the jewelry, medical and electronics industries.
- Durability Laser engraved marks have a high contrast, contribute to the visibility and are permanent. As a result, they are durable under different environmental conditions. This is in contrast to marking processes, such as inkjet marking, where the chemicals responsible for the marking can be washed off in a non-conductive environment. Due to their durability, laser engraved marks are suitable for product identification and traceability.
Conclusion
We trust you will have a better understanding of laser engraving machines after reading this article. Laser engraving is a non-contact process that produces precise, permanent and high-quality marks and is widely used in many industries. If there is anything you are not sure about, please feel free to come to our website for advice.
