What is a laser engraver and how does it work?
As the name suggests, it is a CNC device that engrave patterns on materials. It is a subtractive manufacturing method that alters the surface of an object by using a laser. This process is mainly used when creating images on materials that are noticeable at eye level.
To achieve this effect, the machine generates intense heat through its laser to vaporize the particles on the material for engraving. This will expose the cavities in the material to form the final image. Laser marks the surface of an object. You may want to watch this video to learn how a laser engraving machine works.
The method is very fast because the design is created as the laser moves. Additionally, how often the lasers move over the engraved object determines the depth of the marks they create.
There are many types of laser engraving machines. One has a stable workpiece in which the laser moves alone (or vice versa). Some machines are specialized for cylindrical items. Also, some machine workpieces and lasers do not move, but some galvo mirrors move the laser on the surface of the object while engraving.
Laser engraving is different from mechanical or other traditional hand engraving methods. Mechanical machines use mechanical methods, such as diamonds and extremely hard objects, to carve materials. But laser machines use thermal energy from the laser.
The machine has strong versatility, high precision and high speed. Compared with the traditional manual method, the effect of the laser method is quite delicate. It has more advantages, making it a good alternative to traditional methods and others.
Here are the factors to consider when purchasing an engraving machine.
1. Types of carving materials
The material you use will determine the laser engraver to buy. There are various materials for carving. They include metal, acrylic, paper, plastic and wood. Not every device will work on all types of materials. Therefore, choose the one that is compatible with your artifact.
Also, the engraved area is important. Some devices can work on large areas, while others can only work on small areas. Also, you need to decide whether you want the machine for DIY home use or professional use.
Spending so much money is not a good decision when you want a personal home machine. However, if you want it to be used for your business, it is worth investing in equipment with the best efficiency and performance with powerful laser power.
2. Accuracy
There are many factors that affect machine accuracy. The following are the most prominent:
Generally, square devices are more accurate than compass types.
The greater the spindle power of the device, the more precise it will be.
The proficiency and technique used by the technician in assembling the machine determines its accuracy. A machine that works better will have high accuracy.
The device has two transmission modes: rack drive and screw drive. The type of drive affects the accuracy of the machine. In general, screw drives have a higher level of accuracy than rack drives.
3. Maintenance
This is a key factor to consider when purchasing a machine. You need to know how often your equipment needs maintenance. You also need to check if this is something you can do yourself or if you have to hire a technician.
4. Replacement parts
You'll want to check your equipment for ready-to-use replacement parts in case something breaks. No matter what type you buy, it's still a machine that will break someday.
Also, no matter how meticulous you are, there will come a time when you will need to replace certain parts. So make sure you have easy access to parts or you'll be waiting months to receive them.
5. Your budget
This is one of the most important factors when buying an engraving machine. This is because your budget dictates the types of machines you can buy. Although the price of a machine should not determine its quality, your budget is an important decision factor.
If you want a device that can engrave on different materials, you should spend more. There may be cheaper options, but they may consume more energy and electricity, making them expensive over time. So make sure you take these factors into consideration when setting your budget.
The price of engraving machines varies. Factors that affect its price include laser type, engraving material, engraving area, laser power, etc.
What can you do with a laser engraving machine?
You can use the device on almost any type of surface - glass, leather, wood, plastic or metal. You can also get a variety of carving materials. Also, it is very effective compared to traditional methods for smaller objects like jewelry.
Also, there is little chance of the material being deformed or damaged, and you can apply this technique to different fields such as fine arts and medicine. There are many industrial applications for this device, but you can still use it at home. An example of a home engraving machine is a CO2 laser system. You can connect it to your computer's USB port and it will work just like your home printer.
You can use this device in the following industries:
Advertising: engraving two-color plates, acrylic, signs, crystals, trophies, power of attorney, etc.
Glass: Pre-sculpted sandblasting film, shadows, glass background walls, glass screens, etc.
Marble: engraving images and creating decorative paintings (first engraved, then hand-painted and then mounted on frames).
Jewelry: Gold carving, jade making, gold pendant.
Crafts: Carve text and exquisite patterns on shells, marble, leather, bone, ivory, bamboo, wood, etc.
Leather apparel: Engrave intricate text graphics on fur, fabric, faux and synthetic leather. Engrave on clothing, gloves, home decor, hats, shoes, handbags, cars and toys.
Packaging: Engraving on rubber sheets, die-cut blades, double-layer sheets, plastic sheets, etc.
Models: Create airplane models, building sandbox models, etc.