What Is Laser Engraving?

In the traditional concept of engraving, we understand engraving is to imagine the teacher holding a carving knife or power tools to chisel out a beautiful pattern. However, the so-called laser engraving uses laser technology to carve. The principle is the use of laser heat to burn or make chemical changes to the engraved surface to produce engraved marks.

Laser engraving machine and handheld tools compared to the advantages of engraving text and pattern size, speed can be controlled, and the engraved pattern is also relatively fine. The disadvantage is not as three-dimensional as manual physical engraving. So the laser engraving machine is mainly used for shallow carving.

The structure of the laser engraving machine, laser engraving machine to achieve the function of engraving, mainly requires software control mechanical transmission, and laser light source several components to achieve. Software as a page of human-computer interaction is used to edit the picture text, adjust the parameters and start and stop.

Traditional engraving machines are driven by the mechanical transmission part of the stepper motor or servo motor drive, of course, due to the characteristics of the laser, many modern machines have used the vibration mirror system, through the control of the lens angle of the small movement to achieve the laser position control. Laser light source is the core component of laser engraving, light source characteristics determine the laser can achieve the effect of engraved material, and the energy size of the engraving depth and speed has a significant impact on it.

The classification of laser engraving machine light source

Currently on the market, laser engraving machine common light sources are mainly CO2 light source, fiber optic light source, violet light source, green light source, and diode light source. The laser wavelengths are different, and the engraving efficiency varies greatly.

CO2 laser engraving machine is mainly suitable for engraving materials such as wood, leather, plastic, and other non-metal materials.

Fiber optic light source, the main carving materials are metal or lacquered materials with high density. Wood is generally not good for engraving unless it is very dense hardness can also be engraved on.

A Violet light source, is a high-end light source, carving very fine and carving a wide range.

The green light source, we may have seen a lot of acrylic in the middle of the three-dimensional image, generally have green light source carving. Can carve transparent glass and other materials.

Diode light source, this originally stage lighting light source, in the laser engraving industry to achieve a magnificent transformation, its engraving principle is somewhat similar to the magnifying glass sun under the point of a cigarette butt.

Laser engraving machine selection criteria

I believe that many friends who want to buy a laser engraving machine are the most concerned about this issue. We all definitely want to choose a suitable and affordable type of laser machine. So before you choose, you can understand the advantages and disadvantages of various laser machines.

CO2 laser engraving machine: the advantages of engraving material: wide wood, leather, plastic, rubber, etc., power, carving speed, high precision. Disadvantages machine is generally bulky at 40-50 kg and not convenient to move, the general price is moderately suitable for factories.

Fiber laser engraving machine, the advantages of high precision engraving speed, suitable for factory batch operation and can be docked to the factory automation production line. The disadvantages of the machine are that is generally more expensive about 15,000 yuan or more, the volume is relatively large and the weight is more than 30 kg.

The advantages of the laser engraving machine are that it can engrave a wide range of materials, not only metal but also non-metal. Can realize a machine multi-purpose. Disadvantages: Expensive, because of the characteristics of the violet light source, the machine is generally more than 20,000-30,000 yuan, the machine is also relatively heavy. Suitable for high-end manufacturing.

Green laser engraving machine, the advantages can achieve three-dimensional engraving 3-dimensional positioning engraving. The disadvantage is that the volume is large and the price is expensive.

Diode laser engraving machine, the advantages of low price low to less than $1000 generally not higher than $3000, small size convenient to move. Disadvantages: Slow engraving speed, can not engrave pure metal. Due to the speed limit, generally more suitable for personal DIY homes, or small and medium-sized businesses with small batch customization.