Laser marking is a method of leaving marks on
an object and includes chemical alteration, charring, foaming, melting, and
ablation. The technique does not involve the use of ink and a bit head that
needs to be replaced over and over.
However, the buying price of laser marking machine is relatively high, but worth every penny since it gives quality work. You can find laser engraving machines in almost any store and heat sign laser marking machine is among the leading supplier of the best engraving machines.
Laser engraving machine consists of five
main parts:
- The laser/beam
A laser looks like a pencil. The light
emitted from it allows the controller to mark a pattern onto the surface.
- The controller
It controls the intensity of the beam,
direction, and speed at which the laser should move on the surface it is
marking.
- Surface
For example, if you want to mark a plastic
cover, you feed into the laser, synthetic surface it will mark on.
- Laser source
It determines the durability of the laser marking machine. It is an
essential component, and its quality guarantees the service life of your laser engraver.
- Power supplier
It provides power for your machine, and it
is installed in a control box together with the galvo mirror power supply.
Tips for buying a laser engraver
- Support
When you invest in an expensive good, you might
want to know if you can get technical support from the supplier. It’s no
different when you buy metal
engraving machine or laser
stamping machine. These are complex machines, and they break down.
However, if they break down, you need to be sure your supplier has spare parts
of the same. Additionally, the supplier should give an illustration on how to
fix the laser engraver
and how to use the machine.
- Laser size
Consider buying a bigger laser because it
has a large bed on which you can place the material you want to engrave. It gives
you the ability to mark more substantially, and if you need to embed many small
pieces, you can place as many pieces on the laser bed as possible. However, let
your production level guide you in selecting the size of the laser machine to
buy.
- Laser marking machine
power
The more powerful a laser marking machine is, the faster and reliable
it is. For example, a laser marker of 50 watts
will move faster, making more engraving as compared to a laser of 30 watts.
However, the power of the laser does not determine how deep it can engrave.
- Marking material
Every laser engraver is meant for specific equipment.
Hence, ensure you buy a laser machine for your application.
- Main configuration of the
machine
Familiarize yourself with the setting of
the laser controller card, lenses, and laser source and compare it against the
actual laser marker
when you go shopping. It will ensure buying the best laser, which is in line
with what you require.
- Production requirement
It is essential to inform your supplier
about your needs. Depending on the amount of production you require in a day,
and the feature of the products, it will ensure the supplier recommends the
best engraving equipment.
- Application form
Laser marking is vast and includes ablation,
chirring, color changing, and chemical alteration. Nonetheless, it’s hard to
find a laser that can do all and therefore, before purchasing an engraver, it
is crucial to know the kind of engraving you want.
- Pulse repetition
Research on the pulse repetition rate of
the laser marking machine
you need. It will ensure you get the best for your application. For example,
pulse repetition of a fiber laser engraver can be adjusted, and this optimizes
the marking.
- Beam properties
The quality of a laser beam determines the
quality of your product. The best beam is capable of generating sharp contours,
deep engraving, high speed, and small line widths. Additionally, the right beam
gives deep focus as compared to a reduced quality beam.
Benefits of laser engraving
- High marking speed
Laser
marking machine is the most convenient in the market
because of its high speed. The machines speed ensures high production, and you
gain production benefit fast.
- Durable marking
Laser marking is permanent even under harsh conditions. The trademark is resistance to destruction from heat or acid. Also, laser engraving ensures you do not damage the material you are engraving because there are several engraving forms meant for different materials. Additionally, as long as the perfect parameter settings are fed in the laser machine, the product remains without blemishes on the surrounding of the engraving.
- Precise marks and constant
quality
An inkjet machine marks substantially until
the ink starts to run out and you can note the difference in the marking on the
same surface for an inkjet with full tank ink and one without.
However, that is not the case with a laser marking machine. The production
quality is constant, and even the smallest font size engraving is clear and
deep. The laser machine can make the most sophisticated graphics and shapes,
giving the most effective product.
Limitation of laser markers
- Price
The price of laser engraver has over years decreased. However,
the most and the best of them are quite expensive. In case you need to replace
some components, it is quite pricy.
- Limited to two dimension
Laser engravers are limited to move on x
and y dimension. It cannot scan materials that have high hardness. But besides
that, it is the best engraving method.
Take away
Generally, the use of laser marking machine is quickly taking over the inkjet
machine. It is practical, convenient, and despite its cost, laser marking is of
high-quality. It can be used in all fields and industries, including marking of
mirrors and jewelry.
Above all, research on the type of laser machine
you want to invest in for your product before buying it. Ensure its
availability and the support from the supplier are in line with your
requirement.