What is a Laser Engraving Machine

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/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

Laser engraving is a process where the laser beam physically removes the surface of the material to expose a cavity that reveals an image at eye level.

1. This creates a cavity in the surface that is noticeable by sight and touch.
2. The process is quick as the excess material is vaporized with each pulse.
3. Several passes may be needed to make deeper marks in the material.
4. The laser creates extremely high temperatures during the engraving process, which essentially causes the material to melt and then vaporize.

What to Use Laser Engraving For

1. Laser engraving is the most common option for people who want something personalized or customized.
2. There are three types of laser engraving: etching, deep laser engraving, and laser ablation (the difference between the three is what the surface is and how much material you remove).
3. Laser engraving is not ideal for marking safety-critical parts.
4. It is the fastest way to mark something with a laser.
5. The maximum engraving depth is 0.020” in metals but can go as deep as 0.125” in some other materials, such as graphite.
6. It’s great for parts that are expected to experience high wear.
7. It will engrave on almost any kind of metal, plastic, wood, leather, or glass surface.
8. It’s typically used to engrave serial numbers and logos, among other things.

Comparing Laser Engraving to Traditional Engraving

1. It provides you with more font options.
2. It can be done on several materials.
3. It is more legible than traditional engraving on small objects such as jewelry.
4. Laser engraving machines are faster than traditional methods.
5. There is much less chance of the product being damaged or deformed.

Conclusion

Laser engraving machines are an essential tool for many industries, providing precision, speed, and versatility. By understanding the different factors to consider when purchasing a laser engraver machine, businesses can make informed decisions that best suit their needs. With the growing demand and market share, laser engraving technology continues to evolve, offering even more advanced and efficient solutions for various applications.