How Laser Engraving Machine Works

Engraving refers to a type of printing done on metal plates. Lines are cut on the metal where the ink will be held. A laser engraving machine uses laser technology to engrave on a metal surface or any other surface. They are widespread in industries that want to label or mark manufactured items and are known for their precision and smooth finishes. This article will look at everything businesses should know about laser engraving machines.

Demand and Market Share for Laser Engraving Machines

In 2020, the global market share of laser engraving machines was US$ 2.76 billion. The adoption of laser engraving machines is driven partly because of the benefits they offer in the automation of industries. The most notable of these is the medical field, which has recently experienced an upward surge in laser engraving technologies. Their reliability, effectiveness, and uniqueness of production are reasons that will drive their adoption even further.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Laser Engraving Machine

Throughput of the Engraving Machine

It refers to parts processed per hour. The speed with which the engraving machine works will directly affect business sales, whether the volume of work is low or high. This, in turn, gives the business an edge in that it can offer lower prices to its customers.

Table Size of Processing

The table size determines the size of the object engraved. A smaller table size translates to smaller objects engraved, while a more extensive table will allow bigger objects to be engraved. The table sizes range from 300mm x 200mm while larger tables can be as big as 1600mm x 900mm. Depending on the object size businesses want to engrave, they can choose a suitable engraving machine.

Applicable Material of the Engraving Machine

Engraving machines can work with several materials. Plastic, paper, metal, acrylic, and wood can be used during engraving. Businesses should consider the material they will be engraving before purchasing because engravers specialize in different materials.

Brand of Key Components

Before businesses purchase an engraving machine, they should consider well-established and reputable brands. This is to find quality and market-approved engraving machines. Besides this, a clear on-site demonstration of the engraver should be made to businesses to ascertain its effectiveness.

Types of Laser Engraving Machines

CO2 Laser Engraving Machines

CO2 laser engravers are commonly used for non-metal materials like wood, acrylic, glass, and leather. They are versatile and can be used for both cutting and engraving.

Fiber Laser Engraving Machines

Fiber laser engravers are ideal for metal materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, and brass. They are known for their high precision and speed, making them suitable for industrial applications.

Diode Laser Engraving Machines

Diode lasers are generally used for lower-power applications and are suitable for engraving softer materials like plastic and wood. They are often used in DIY projects and small businesses.

The Target Market for Laser Engraving Machines

Laser engraving machines are used across various industries due to their versatility and precision. Some of the primary markets include:

Medical Industry

The medical field uses laser engraving machines for marking medical instruments and devices. The precision and permanence of laser engravings are crucial for maintaining traceability and compliance with regulatory standards.

Automotive Industry

In the automotive sector, laser engraving machines are used to mark parts with serial numbers, barcodes, and logos. This helps in tracking and quality control throughout the manufacturing process.

Jewelry and Fine Arts

Laser engraving machines are popular in the jewelry industry for engraving intricate designs on metals and gemstones. They are also used in fine arts for creating detailed and personalized artworks.

How Laser Engraving Machine Works

Laser Technology Basics

All lasers consist of three principal components:

• An energy source, usually known as an external pump source.
• An active laser medium.
• Two or more mirrors that form the resonator.

Laser Engraving Process

A laser engraving machine emits a high-power density laser beam through the optical path system. The laser beam irradiates the surface of the workpiece until it reaches the melting point or boiling point. At the same time, the high-pressure gas runs coaxially with the beam to blow away the molten or vaporized metal. As the relative positions of the beam and the workpiece move, cutting marks will appear on the material, thereby starting the engraving process.

Advantages of Laser Engraving

Laser engraving offers several advantages over traditional engraving methods:

• High precision and accuracy
• Ability to engrave on various materials
• Non-contact process that minimizes material deformation
• High-speed processing
• Permanent and durable markings

Conclusion

Laser engraving machines are a vital tool in various industries due to their precision, versatility, and efficiency. Understanding the different types of laser engravers and the factors to consider when purchasing one can help businesses make informed decisions. As technology continues to advance, the adoption of laser engraving machines is expected to grow, offering even more innovative solutions for marking and engraving needs.