The development history of laser engraving machines can be traced back to the 1990s, when laser technology gradually matured and began to be applied in the field of engraving. The initial home laser engraving machines were mostly industrial-grade equipment, which were expensive and complicated to use. With the advancement of technology and the increase in market demand, home laser engraving machines have gradually become popular and their prices have gradually dropped. Today’s home laser engraving machines have become more intelligent and convenient. Users can design and engrave directly through computer software. They are widely used in personal creativity, DIY production, handicraft production and other fields. This blog will briefly introduce the classification and characteristics of home laser engraving machines to help you understand laser engraving machines.
Definition and Working Principle of Laser Engraving Machine
Laser engraver is a device that uses laser beam to engrave patterns or text on the surface of different materials. Its working principle is to use laser beam to irradiate the surface of the material with high energy, so that the surface of the material is heated, vaporized or melted, thereby forming the required pattern or text.
Laser engraving machines are often used to create customized gifts, prizes or industrial products, as well as to create complex designs in many industries such as jewelry, electronics and manufacturing.
Features of Laser Engraving Machine
Precise focus
It can ensure that the laser beam can be accurately focused on the surface of the workpiece during the engraving process, so as to achieve precise engraving effects. Through precise focus, the laser engraving machine can achieve more detailed and precise engraving, thus meeting the needs of different customers.
Multiple connection methods
It can be connected to a computer or other devices through a variety of different connection methods to achieve more flexible operation and control. Whether through USB interface, Wi-Fi connection or network connection, users can easily control the laser engraving machine for a more convenient operation experience.
Safety and reliability
It is one of the important features of laser engraving machines. Laser engraving machines usually take into account the requirements of safety and reliability during the design and manufacturing process to ensure that users can work safely and reliably when operating laser engraving machines. By adopting various safety protection measures and reliable design solutions, laser engraving machines can ensure the safety of users and equipment while ensuring work efficiency.
Large working area
It is suitable for various working areas from 80*80mm to 1300x2500mm, effectively improving production efficiency.
Wide range of applications
Applicable to acrylic, metal, two-color board, density board, leather, cold silk, rubber, wood, bamboo products, plexiglass, plastic, marble, jade, crystal and other materials.
Rich application scenarios
Can be used in advertising, handicrafts, leather, toys, clothing, models, architectural decoration, computer embroidery cutting, packaging and papermaking and other industries.
Classification and Characteristics of Laser Engraver
Classification by laser type
According to the different laser types, laser engraving machines are generally divided into diode laser engraving machines, carbon dioxide laser engraving machines and infrared laser engraving machines.
Diode laser engraver
Diode laser head
A diode laser is a bright and powerful light-emitting diode whose light is focused into a tiny spot by a lens. Sometimes, for engraving and cutting purposes, multiple diodes are used to produce the focused light. These diodes generate heat, so they are mounted in a metal housing with a fan to ensure that the housing and diodes remain cool.
Diode laser engravers are known for their affordability, small size, and portability. They are ideal for small-scale engraving and cutting tasks, such as on soft materials such as wood, leather, and acrylic. Desktop laser engravers mainly choose diode laser solutions.
Carbon dioxide laser engraver
CO2 lasers are gas lasers that emit infrared radiation and are the most common and widely used laser tools, measuring at a wavelength of about 10.6 microns (10,600 nm, infrared). Modern CO2 lasers produce their laser beam in a sealed glass tube filled with gas. High pressure then flows through the tube and reacts with the gas particles, increasing their energy and producing light.
CO2 laser cutters are versatile and can cut a wide variety of materials, including non-metals and thicker materials such as wood and acrylic.
Infrared laser engraver
Infrared lasers typically have a wavelength of 1064nm. Because the laser beam is in the infrared region, it is invisible to the human eye and has no discernible color. Infrared lasers are known for their precision and ability to work with specific materials, such as metals, that absorb infrared wavelengths efficiently.
Infrared lasers can produce precise engravings on a variety of materials, including metals, plastics, stainless steel, copper, glass, and ceramics.
Classification by laser light source
Different light sources of laser cutting machines are used for different materials. According to the characteristics of the material to be processed, the thickness of the material, the processing quality requirements, and the requirements for the quality of the laser beam and the thermal impact, the absorption of the laser band is different, and the selected laser cutting machine light source will also be different.
Generally speaking, laser engraving machines are divided into three types: red light, blue light, and red and blue light.
So, what is the difference between laser blue light and red light?
1. Different wavelengths
The wavelength of blue light is about 450-490 nanometers, while the wavelength of red light is about 620-750 nanometers.
2. Different penetration
The penetration of blue light and red light in different media is different. Blue light has stronger penetration in transparent glass, plastic and other materials, which means that blue light cannot engrave transparent objects; while red light has weaker penetration in these materials.
3. Different application fields
Because the wavelength of blue light is shorter, it has stronger focusing ability and is suitable for high-precision cutting and engraving. The wavelength of red light is longer, which is more suitable for large-area marking and coating processes.
4. Different equipment
Diode laser engraving machines use blue light sources, while infrared laser engraving machines and carbon dioxide laser engraving machines use red light sources.
Currently, there is a laser engraving machine that combines red and blue lasers on the market.
It combines the advantages of red and blue light, is suitable for most metal and non-metal materials, and has two wavelengths of laser sources. Not only does it increase the number of materials that can be engraved, but the engraving speed is also improved.
Classification by appearance and structure
Generally, it can be divided into frame type, integrated type and handheld type.
Frame type
- Usually has a stable frame structure, suitable for work that requires fine engraving and cutting.
- High stability, high precision, suitable for processing large workpieces.
Integrated type
- The laser and control system are integrated together, making the structure more compact and suitable for occasions requiring mobility and portability.
- Compact structure, easy to move, suitable for processing small workpieces
handheld type
- It can be operated by hand, which is suitable for situations where engraving is required in different positions.
- It is highly portable, flexible and suitable for personalized customization.
Applicability of Laser Engraver
Engraving materials
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Diode laser engraving machine
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Carbon dioxide laser engraving machine
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Infrared laser engraving machine
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Red and blue laser engraving machine
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Engraving
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Cutting
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Marking
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Engraving
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Cutting
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Marking
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Engraving
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Cutting
|
Marking
|
Engraving
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Cutting
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Marking
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|
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Metal
|
✓
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✓
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✓
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/
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/
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/
|
✓
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/
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✓
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✓
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/
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✓
|
|
Glass
|
✓
(Dark glass)
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✓
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✓
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✓
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✓(Clear glass)
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✓
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/
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/
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/
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✓
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/
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/
|
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Timber
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✓
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✓
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✓
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✓
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✓
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/
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/(Surface coated wood is OK)
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/
|
/
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✓
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✓
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/
|
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Acrylic
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✓(Dark acrylic)
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✓
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✓
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✓
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✓
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/
|
/
|
/
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✓
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✓
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✓
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✓
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|
Leather
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✓
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✓
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✓
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✓
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✓
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/
|
/
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/
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/
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✓
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✓
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/
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Paper
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✓
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✓
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✓
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✓
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✓
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/
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/
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/
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/
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✓
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✓
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/
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|
Plastic sheets
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✓
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✓
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✓
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✓
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✓
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/
|
/
|
/
|
✓
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✓
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✓
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✓
|
|
Plastic
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✓(Dark plastic)
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✓
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✓
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✓
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✓
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/
|
✓
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/
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✓
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✓
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✓
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✓
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|
Stone
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✓
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/
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✓
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✓
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/
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/
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/
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/
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/
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✓
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/
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/
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Textiles
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✓
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/
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✓
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✓
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✓
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/
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/
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/
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/
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✓
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✓
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/
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Commonly engraved metals and plastics include:
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Plastic
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Metal products
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Other materials
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|---|---|---|
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ABS
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Aluminum plate
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Cellulose acetate
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ASA
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Chrome surface
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Cotton
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PVC
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Gold-plated surface
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Leather
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Resin
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Nickel plated surface
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Paper
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Acrylic
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Stainless steel
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Rubber
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Polyacetal
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Brass
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Ceramics
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Polyamide (PA)
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Copper
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Glass
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Polycarbonate（PC）
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Zinc
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Wood
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Polyester (Polyetheretherketone)
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Iron
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|
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Polystyrene（PS）
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Iron plate
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Polyurethane（PU）
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Bronze
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Polypropylene (PP)
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In general, materials need to absorb light to generate heat when engraving or cutting, which means that the laser will not be reflected by or through the material. This depends on the wavelength of the laser and the optical properties of the material.
The wavelength of the diode laser engraving machine is about 455nm~1064nm. It is ideal for cutting and engraving non-metals.
The wavelength of the CO2 laser engraving machine is about 10600 nm, which can be well absorbed by non-metallic materials, especially acrylic and transparent glass.
Infrared laser engraving machines can directly engrave and cut metals.
Engraving Depth
The engraving depth depends on the hardness of the material and the setting of the laser power. Generally, the laser engraving machine can achieve different engraving depths on different materials, and the engraving depth can be controlled by adjusting the laser power and speed.
However, we can provide some general rules to let you know what is needed and start in the right direction.
Laminated materials usually have a cover with a thickness of about 0.00254 mm. The engraving depth is 0.3048 mm.
Coextruded materials have a cover sheet thickness of approximately 0.127 mm and require engraving to a depth of approximately 0.1778 mm.
Microsurface materials, including many wood grain and metal products, have very thin layers and only require engraving to a depth of 0.051mm – 0.076mm.
Multi-layer acrylic products for front and back engraving require engraving to a depth of approximately 0.3048 mm to clear the cover layer.
Laser Engraver Market and Application Prospect Analysis
Laser engraving is a versatile process that is widely used in various industries to achieve product personalization, traceability and colorless identification. Some of the most common applications include:
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Application Industry
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Description
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|---|---|
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Engraved Plates and Labels
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The precise and durable mark makes engraving ideal for creating vehicle identification plates and labels such as name plates, serial number labels and equipment tags.
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Custom Engraved Gifts
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The precision and adaptability of the process makes it ideal for personalizing non-colored gifts including jewelry, photo frames and keepsakes.
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Signage and Displays
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Detailed and attractive results make laser marking the technology of choice for creating signage and displays, such as commercial signs, directional signs and display panels.
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Tools and Instruments
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The durability and accuracy of laser engraved markings make them ideal for tools and instruments with identification numbers, calibration marks, and other essential information.
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Electronic Devices
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In the electronics industry, laser marking ensures that serial numbers, logos, and regulatory markings are accurately and legibly applied to components, circuit boards, and other devices.
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Target Users
The individual users who purchase a desktop laser engraver can vary widely, depending on their personal needs and applications for the machine. However, there are some common characteristics that may apply to many users, including:
- Small business owners or entrepreneurs who need to create custom products or prototypes for their business.
- Hobbyists or DIY enthusiasts who enjoy making personalized gifts or decorations.
Artists or designers who need to create complex designs or patterns. - Individuals who want to create custom products for personal use or to sell on an online marketplace.
Overall, users who purchase a desktop laser engraver tend to be creative, detail-oriented, and interested in using technology to bring their ideas to life.
FAQ
1. Is laser engraving the same as laser cutting?
No, they are different. Laser engraving and laser cutting are two different laser processing technologies.
Laser engraving is to engrave patterns, text, etc. on the surface of the material, using a laser beam to remove the material on the surface of the object, causing it to evaporate or melt to form a permanent mark.
Therefore, it is suitable for product personalization and customization.
In contrast, laser cutting uses a laser beam to completely cut the material. The laser cuts the workpiece by melting, burning or evaporating the workpiece to produce clean, precise edges. It is a sheet metal manufacturing technology that is commonly used to cut materials such as plastics, wood, fabrics, and metal parts.
2. Is laser engraving the same as laser marking?
Different.
Laser marking is to fade the surface of the material without removing any material, and is usually used for barcodes, UID codes, and logos.
Laser engraving is to physically remove the surface of the material to form a cavity; it is usually used for personalized items.
3. Can a laser engraver engrave a mug?
Yes, but it needs to be equipped with a rotating axis. The rotating axis allows the mug to be rotated at a controlled speed, ensuring an even, continuous design.
