Have you ever been curious about the meaning of CNC in laser engraving? If you’re in search of a laser engraver for your engraving business, it’s likely that you’ve observed many laser machines bearing the acronym CNC in their names. In reality, CNC laser engravers are among the most sought-after engravers on Amazon.
So what does CNC stand for in laser engraving?
The abbreviation CNC stands for Computerized Numeric Control. This means that a CNC laser engraver is a laser machine that uses computer software, such as CAD, to control the laser engraving process.
Instead of being manually operated, the laser machine is programmed and guided by the software, making it easier to use and resulting in precise and accurate engravings.
Types of CNC Lasers
CNC laser engravers utilize electrically generated laser beams that are amplified and directed through a partially mirrored container. Once the beam has reached enough energy, it is directed towards the material to be engraved or cut through various methods. These methods result in the three main types of CNC lasers: CO2 lasers, fiber lasers, Nd:YAG (Neodymium yttrium aluminum garnet), and diode lasers.
CO2 lasers
The CO2 laser was invented in 1964 by Patel Kumar and has since become a highly sought-after type of CNC laser engraver. Its high power makes it ideal for projects requiring precision, customization, and mass production, which is why many hobbyists are drawn to it. It can be used to engrave and cut a variety of materials including, but not limited to, wood, metal, plastic, and paper.
In CO2 laser engravers, an electronically produced light passes through a gas-filled tube (typically consisting of carbon dioxide, hydrogen, nitrogen, and helium) with mirrors at both ends. The mirrors reflect and guide the laser beam to the material being engraved or cut.
The mirrors in the tube prevent any light from being lost, thus increasing the light’s intensity until it’s strong enough to partially pass through the reflective mirror. The light produced by the CO2 laser is in the form of infrared light and is therefore invisible to the human eye. Its long wavelength makes it effective in cutting materials such as wood, acrylic, glass, paper, fabric, and others suitable for laser engraving.
fiber lasers
Fiber laser machines utilize an optical fiber as the source of laser energy. The fiber is doped with rare earth elements like neodymium, erbium, ytterbium, holmium, thulium, praseodymium, or dysprosium.
What sets fiber lasers apart from other CNC lasers is that the laser beam is produced from a flexible medium. This allows for an easier delivery of the laser beam to the target, making it useful in laser cutting.
Additionally, fiber lasers have strong power, allowing them to cut and engrave materials that other CNC laser engravers may struggle with.
For more information on fiber laser engravers, you can check out this article.
If you’re in the market for a fiber laser engraver, you can find our top recommendations here: “The 5 Best Fiber Laser Engravers for You.“
YAG lasers
The YAG laser operates with a wavelength of 1.064 microns, which is about 10 times smaller than that of a typical CO2 laser.
Whether this is an advantage or disadvantage depends on the desired outcome. The small wavelength makes YAG lasers ideal for engraving metal as the material absorbs the light well.
However, for engraving materials such as wood, acrylic, fabric, plastic, a laser with a higher wavelength is more suitable.
YAG lasers are typically used for industrial purposes due to their limitations in the types of materials they can engrave, making them not the best choice for a home-based laser engraving business with limited material options.
Diode lasers
Diode lasers, also known as semiconductor lasers, are created by running electrical current through a semiconductor.
The resulting light is used for a range of applications, from laser printers to DVDs. These small, low-power lasers are often used on smaller laser engravers due to their small size. Their small and precise focal point makes them ideal for laser engraving.
Check out our recommended list of the top 10W diode laser engravers here.
Advantages of CNC lasers
CNC laser engravers are popular with hobbyists, professionals, and schools for their unique benefits. The following are the main advantages of using CNC laser engravers:
- Capable of cutting both thick and thin materials by simply replacing the focus lens to adjust the focal point.
- Increased efficiency and speed in production.
- Minimal to no warping during engraving.
- High accuracy compared to other cutting and engraving methods.
- The laser beam has a small cutting diameter, which enables cutting more parts per sheet of material.
Materials that can be engraved with a CNC laser engraver
Materials that can be engraved with a CNC laser engraver:
- Wood
- Acrylic
- Glass
- Paper
- Fabric
- Metal
- Plastic
- Leather
- Stone
- Ceramic Note: Some materials may require special coatings or treatments to be engraved with a laser.
FAQ’s
What is CNC in laser engraving?
CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control and refers to the use of computer software to control the movement of a laser engraver.
How does CNC laser engraving work?
A CNC laser engraver uses computer software to control the movement of the laser beam, allowing it to engrave or cut material with precision and accuracy.
What materials can be engraved using a CNC laser engraver?
A variety of materials can be engraved using a CNC laser engraver, including but not limited to wood, metal, plastic, glass, fabric, and paper.
What are the benefits of using a CNC laser engraver?
Some of the benefits of using a CNC laser engraver include faster production, greater accuracy, and less warping compared to other forms of cutting and engraving.
Are there different types of CNC laser engravers?
Yes, there are several different types of CNC laser engravers including CO2 lasers, fiber lasers, YAG lasers, and diode lasers. Each type has its own unique advantages and limitations.
Who uses CNC laser engravers?
CNC laser engravers are used by hobbyists, professionals, schools, and industries for a variety of purposes such as personalization, mass production, and industrial applications.
Conclusion
CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control, which refers to a type of automation used in various manufacturing processes, including laser engraving.
In CNC laser engraving, a computer-controlled laser beam is used to cut, etch, or mark a wide range of materials. This technology offers many benefits, including greater accuracy, faster production, and reduced warping during the engraving process.
There are several types of CNC lasers, including CO2 lasers, fiber lasers, Nd:YAG lasers, and diode lasers, each of which is designed for specific applications. CNC laser engraving is used by hobbyists, professionals, and schools for a variety of projects, from creating custom gifts to mass producing products for commercial use.
