How Does a Laser Engraving Machine Work?

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

Throughput 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

Laser Engraving

A laser engraver machine uses a laser, which modifies the material through high temperatures. Therefore, similarly to combustion processes, different combustion chemical reactions will appear on different materials during the work process — each varying depending on the melting point of the material and creating differing cutting effects. Additionally, the cutting process will produce an oily smoke and smell.

CNC Engraving

A CNC router relies on the spindle and bit to work, which, similarly to using a drill bit, can produce dust during the cutting process but will not produce the smoke and smell produced by a laser engraver machine. The cutting seam of the CNC engraving machine depends on the diameter of the router bit — of which there are many types. Different router bits are used for different materials.

The Target Market for Laser Engraving Machines

Laser engraving machines are mainly used in various industries such as aerospace, automotive, medical, electronics, and semiconductors. They are ideal for businesses that require high precision and quality in their marking processes. Additionally, they are suitable for large-scale production due to their speed and efficiency.

Conclusion

Laser engraving machines are an essential tool in many industries due to their precision, speed, and ability to work with various materials. When considering purchasing a laser engraver machine, businesses should evaluate factors such as throughput, table size, applicable material, and the brand of key components. Understanding the different types of laser engraving machines and their applications can help businesses make informed decisions and achieve high-quality results in their marking processes.