How to choose a laser engraver
On our website, we review laser machines of all types. Below we will consider the main points that will help you choose the right laser engraving machine.
Since the engraving machine belongs to the class of complex technological equipment, it is necessary to understand some of its characteristics for subsequent operation.
1. General Description
Laser processing technology is fundamentally different from traditional mechanical methods. The main feature of the passage of a mechanical cutter on a CNC machine is the layer-by-layer removal of material, which results in waste in the form of metal or wood shavings.
This is how the part is formed.
Laser engraving technology allows you to move the cutting head along a predetermined path, just like a conventional CNC.
But instead of a cutter, a coherent monochrome beam acts on the surface, after which there is no waste in the form of chips. Due to the heat treatment, the layers of the material evaporate.
In addition, the travel speed is increased, the accuracy does not suffer from it, and the quality of the seam looks perfect.
An important factor is the low noise level during the operation of the machine, low wear of the moving parts.
The main difference from mechanical engraving is that due to the instant heat removal from the workpiece body, laser engraving allows you to process objects such as tablets, laptops, laptop cases and other volumetric devices with complex electronic filling, and not just flat sheets of metal or plastic.
2. Purpose of using a laser engraver
There are three criteria that determine the purpose of using this device. It is purchased for cutting (cutting), engraving, or for both, that is, universal work. If a laser engraver is needed only for cutting, then one should keep in mind such a factor as the power of the laser optics. For example, a power of 80-100 W is ideal for cutting, cutting.
For purely engraving, less power is required (50-80 W), but such a parameter as a variable focal length is important to make the pattern more accurate. Especially in the small details.
If both engraving and cutting operations are envisaged, a device is needed where processing speed, power and accuracy will be balanced.
Different types of this equipment differ according to such criteria as:
- laser power: high power machines are capable of processing thicker materials;
- working field;
- the length of the emitted wave;
- number of cutting heads;
- lowering height of the working table, electric drive of the working table;
- mechanical precision;
- roughness and cut quality;
- laser tube power: high power machines have the ability to cut material faster, but the amount of energy consumption is also increased;
- laser tube cooling system: more reliable cooling systems provide longer machine life and increase product cost;
- availability and functionality of the interface used in programmable machine models;
- ease of service.
It is impossible to give an exhaustive answer on how to choose a laser engraver until the buyer decides for himself with the scope of the device.
3. Materials for processing
After the purpose of the application has been determined, it is necessary to think over for which surfaces the engraver is purchased. As a general rule of thumb, harder materials require powerful lasers to penetrate deeper. In this case, the cutting (engraving) speed directly depends on the laser power. In other words, a powerful laser will provide a high processing speed. Exactly what speed can be calculated experimentally by trying different materials.
In addition to the structure of the material, the issue with the dimensions of the processed sheet is important. You can focus on the index in the title. For example, JCC 6090 can be recommended as a compact universal engraver for working on leather, plastic for engraving small advertisements, souvenirs, and accessories. The index in the name indicates the dimensions of the available working area, that is, 600 x 900 mm.
4. Types of engravers and differences
The next step is to select a device based on the type of laser beam source. There are 3 types of engraving machines for this feature:
- solid-state;
- gas;
- hybrid.
In comparison with traditional methods of electrochemical and mechanical engraving, laser engravers show the best characteristics in terms of such parameters as visual appeal, pattern durability, the ability to mark a product in series or in a constant technological cycle.
Engravers of the first type (including their varieties – fiber lasers) are designed to work mainly on hard surfaces: metal, plastic. They are distinguished by the highest quality and precision in the execution of patterns. However, these engravers do not mark on wood, cardboard, glass.
CO2 gas engravers have proven themselves perfectly on plastics, paper, ceramics, plexiglass and glass, rubber and wood. However, metal as a material is not available for marking with this type of engraver. There are also restrictions on the size of the working areas and the types of displayed images. For example, the unavailability of vector graphics images.
Hybrid devices combine CO2 and fiber lasers, providing the advantage of both in “one bottle”, but losing in narrow specialization.
5. Key characteristics of the equipment
When the choice of equipment for laser engraving is made according to the above criteria, we turn to the main characteristics of the machine. These characteristics are critical to the subsequent successful operation, and orientation in them can save you a lot of money when buying.
5.1. Laser power
The amount of power is directly proportional to the overall performance of the engraver, including the processing speed. However, there are some peculiarities. For example, at high power, you can machine harder materials, only at a lower speed. The downside of this parameter is high power consumption.
5.2. Machine cooling system
Available in options: whether the laser generator is equipped with such a system or not. The duration of the continuous work of the engraver depends on the cooling system. In addition, the cost of the machine directly depends on this parameter. When choosing a cooling system, we pay attention to the manufacturer and the technologies used. Branded products last longer than cheap Chinese counterparts, although, accordingly, they are more expensive.
5.3. Optional – electric drive and table lighting
For all its simplicity, the table’s electric drive makes it much easier to control the laser. Since the function of automatic focusing of the beam is activated, which improves the engraving accuracy. The electric drive is used mainly in industrial or professional machines, working with large amounts of materials, and the illumination of the working area makes it easier to control the operations.
5.4. Programming interface
We draw your attention to the variety of functions that can be reprogrammed. Also, make sure the interface is easy to learn and intuitive to use.
If the laser engraver is planned to be used in industrial volumes, you should think in advance about such a moment as the cost of a standard hour of machine operation.
6. Productivity (gradation of laser engravers by power)
We have prepared general tips for choosing a machine depending on the laser power and the thickness of the material being processed.
- tube power 12-15 W. For engraving, marking and cutting materials up to 4-5 mm thick. Disadvantage: low speed, low productivity, small processing area. Scope of application: small advertisements, souvenirs, plaques, stamps;
- power 25-30 W. For processing materials up to a thickness of 10 mm. Disadvantages: average speed. The scope of application is the same as above;
- power 40-60 W. Material thickness up to 13 mm. These systems approach high performance lasers;
- power 80-100 W. Can be used as a universal cutting and patterning machine. The depth of penetration into the material is up to 16 mm;
- power above 100 W up to 200 W. These are industrial productive machines that allow you to process material to a depth of 25 mm.
With a power of more than 80 W, it is already possible to carry out 3D engraving, for example, on wooden surfaces, in one pass. Lower power lasers can also handle this, but multiple variable focal passes will be required.
7. Scope of engravers
In terms of their functionality, engravers are used wherever it is necessary to thin patterns, barcodes, stamps, drawings or inscriptions on various surfaces, including complex curly ones.
- drawing of artistic patterns on wooden products;
- manufacturing of packaging, incl. decorative;
- outdoor advertising;
- production of souvenirs from metal, wood, glass, plastic, stone;
- drawing a pattern on leather materials, in the textile industry – cutting complex materials.
Also, the engraving machine is successfully used in ritual services for engraving inscriptions on monuments.
8. Features of maintenance
Basically, laser engravers are low-maintenance equipment with proper technical support and trained personnel. During operation, attention should be paid to the following points:
- initial setup of the machine by the operator (time for setup);
- service terms of maintenance specified in the documentation;
- average cost and delivery time of consumables;
- what is the MTBF period;
- regularity of water replacement and cleaning of the chiller;
- cleaning of optics and lenses;
- cleaning of the corrugation and the exhaust fan.
When buying, do not forget to check the performance of the engraving machine, especially its performance in the implementation of typical operations.
