What Laser Engraving Machine to Buy

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. Key components such as a working laser source and laser head, both manufactured by Aurora, and system configurations should work well.

Cost

The cost of acquiring an engraver determines what a business can and cannot buy. Their prices vary from US$ 1,200 for a 100W laser engraving machine to US$ 15,000 for a 1000W metal engraving machine. In addition to cost, maintenance of the machine is critical as well. The frequency of care may have a considerable impact on a business. Because of this, businesses can look at whether the maintenance of the machine is something that is learnable or strictly requires a professional.

Availability of Support Features Such as Warranty

They are helpful, especially for engraving machines, because of the cost of operating one. Having a warranty is essential as it alleviates repair costs for some time. It also helps the business have a reliable source for maintenance and repair should it be required.

Types of Laser Engraving Machines

Etching

Laser etching occurs when the laser beam comes into contact with the material and melts it.

Emitting Power

For the machine to engrave things deeply enough, a high-powered laser is required. If the machine is subjected to excessive strain, it may succumb to wear and tear. As a result, before settling on a model, one must determine the required depth for their markings. A 20W or 30W engraving machine is ideal for permanent markings. If there are special requirements, a fiber laser with a power output of 50W or 60W is the best option.

Users can adjust for different factors, such as beam expansion, mode structure, resonator set-up, and focal point, if they are aware of the depth of the marking. The engraving tolerance is also affected by the rate of removal. Some machines may have a higher removal rate but poor accuracy.

Individuals seeking pinpoint accuracy should look for machines with extra features, such as a laser measuring tool or a mechanical probe. Although they are more expensive, they will ensure higher precision and quality.

Laser Source

The laser power source converts electrical energy into laser power for engraving. Low-quality laser engravers may have a weak laser source, occasionally resulting in inaccurate engravings. Knowing the laser source and wavelength allows one to determine whether a particular machine is appropriate for their needs.

A fiber laser with a wavelength of 1,064 nm is ideal for processing metals. A thulium-doped fiber laser with a wavelength of 1,040 nm is best suited for engraving medical equipment. The erbium-doped fiber laser of a wavelength of 1,550 nm is great for telecommunication purposes. Thus fiber lasers operate at different wavelengths for different requirements, and one must look up the laser source to understand its potential.

Laser Beam Output

Consider whether the laser beam is continuous or pulsed when shopping for an industrial laser engraving machine. Continuous-wave laser beams have consistent energy levels, making them ideal for laser drilling, welding, and cutting machines.

Pulsed laser beams have high energy peaks, making them ideal for engraving permanent markings or piercing holes without melting the surrounding material. Nevertheless, some machines can change modes.

Material

One of the most important factors to consider is the material one will use. Some materials are easier to engrave than others and thus may not require the same features from machines as more complex materials. For example, aluminum and brass are easier to engrave than titanium and steel.

The Target Market for Laser Engraving Machines

Laser engraving machines have a broad target market. Industries such as automotive, aerospace, medical, and electronics are significant users of these machines. Additionally, small businesses and hobbyists also find laser engravers useful for creating custom products. The demand for personalized items, such as jewelry, trophies, and gifts, has also contributed to the growing market for laser engraving machines.

Conclusion

Choosing the right laser engraver machine involves considering various factors such as throughput, table size, applicable material, brand, cost, and support features. Understanding the different types of laser engraving machines and their specific uses is also crucial. By carefully evaluating these factors, businesses can make an informed decision and select the most suitable laser engraver machine for their needs.