This will help you decide on the optimal working area size and power for your machine. For example, cutting 10 mm plywood requires at least 100 W of laser power. However, it is strongly recommended not to use laser tubes at full power, the generally accepted optimal power level is 75-80%, which means you need to take an oversized tube. As a result, the CO2 laser tube will have a longer life, saving components.
Below we describe each criterion in more detail:
1. The size of the work area. There are benchtop (working areas from 200 x 300 mm to 600 x 400 mm), medium (600 x 900 mm and 1200 x 900 mm) and large format models (2000 x 3000 mm).
Basically it depends on the standard of sheet size and the size of the final product. The blank size available in your region will determine the working area of your future machine. It's also important to know if you need to pre-cut these materials or if you're going to be dealing with the entire sheet.
Important: For laser engraving of a single unit, the tabletop model is the best choice. When it comes to mass production, mid-format laser engravers and even larger models are more suitable and profitable options.
2. The working table descending depth of the laser engraving machine. This function determines the workpiece size you can machine. For example, if the machine is equipped with a lift table, you can use a swivel and carve on a wooden railing.
3. Laser engraving table type.
There are the following types of workbenches for laser engraving machines:
flakes. A sheet sheet is usually included in the basic version; for easy cleaning and preventive maintenance.
honeycomb. The best choice for handling small products and components and working with thin materials. The workpiece can be pressed against the honeycomb steel table with neodymium magnets, which ensures the precision and high quality of engraved and cut products.
conveyor. This model is designed for the cutting and engraving of leather (artificial leather) and various fabrics into rolls. Only handle wooden blanks on transfer tables in emergency situations, as such transfer tables are not usually anodized.
4. Engraving and cutting speed. It is individual for each machine and can vary between 300 and 500 m/s.
5. Positioning accuracy. A parameter representing the acceptable error limit for laser engraving. Like the previous paragraph, it varies by model and ranges from 0.03 to 0.05 mm.
One of the most important factors affecting the positioning accuracy is the presence of the fuselage frame structure, which strengthens the entire structure of the laser machine.
During the engraving process, the rapid movement of the laser head will generate an excessive moment of inertia. This means that many machines can shake during operation, reducing the quality and accuracy of the final image.
