Diode Laser Engraver
Diode laser engraving machine mainly relies on the following methods to achieve color patterns:
Oxidation of material surface
Diode laser engraving machine uses laser energy to instantly oxidize the surface of the material, thereby producing a color effect. This oxidation process can produce a variety of colors, depending on the parameters of the laser and the material properties.
Precise control of laser parameters
By precisely controlling the energy density and temperature of the laser, the thickness of the oxide film on the metal surface can be adjusted to achieve different color laser marking effects. This method can form a translucent oxide film on metal materials such as stainless steel, producing a color effect.
Use MOPA technology
MOPA (Master Oscillator Power Amplifier) fiber laser technology can provide precise control of pulse frequency and width, adjust the power density and marking temperature of the laser, and obtain excellent color marking effects.
Natural oxidation or use of colorants
On metals, color laser engraving is usually achieved by oxidation. The laser heats the metal surface causing it to melt and oxidize, forming a colored oxide layer. On plastics, vibrant colors can be produced by using colored plastics or by applying colorants to the plastic surface, which then melt and bond to the material during the laser engraving process.
Raster method
A colored oxide layer is applied to the metal surface, and when the laser melts the metal and oxide layer, a vibrant colored engraving is formed.
Using software and laser engravers
Design and control using software such as LightBurn, which can handle a variety of file formats and has options such as optimization and advanced setting controls, adjust the designs until they are just right for the perfect effect.
Characteristics of diode lasers
Diode lasers (also known as continuous lasers) have made significant progress in laser integration technology, with power levels of up to 20W, 40W and even 80W, which can form translucent films on stainless steel surfaces, but due to the somewhat unstable nature of diode lasers, the resulting color may vary.
要約すれば, the realization of color patterns by diode laser engravers mainly relies on the oxidation effect produced by the interaction of the laser with the material, as well as the adjustment of color through precise control of laser parameters by software. These technologies can be applied to a variety of materials such as metals and plastics to create colorful patterns and designs.
CO2 Laser Engraver
CO2 laser engraving machine can engrave colorful patterns mainly in the following ways:
Using optical diffraction
Use short pulse laser to make nano-scale strip structures on the surface of the material, showing different colors at different angles. This principle does not require the help of dyes and other chemicals and belongs to direct processing.
Laser ablation oxidation
Use laser ablation to ablate and oxidize the surface of metal (mainly stainless steel) to show different colors, and this color generally does not change with angle.
Oxidation method
The laser melts the metal surface, causing oxidation, and a colored layer will form when cooling. The color achieved depends on the laser settings and the type of metal used.
Grating method
This involves applying a colored oxide layer to the metal surface. When the laser melts the metal and the oxide layer, a vibrant, colorful engraving is completed.
Using colored plastics
Engraving on colored plastics can produce contrasting colors in the engraved area, thereby achieving a colorful effect.
Use of colorants
Colorants are applied to the plastic surface, which then melts and combines with the material during the laser engraving process, producing bright colors.
MOPA fiber laser technology
MOPA technology enhances the power of the laser beam, increasing its intensity and diversity. MOPA lasers are particularly effective for color engraving on metals and other materials, creating a surface oxide layer or incorporating colorants into hard plastics and acrylic resins.
Precise control of laser parameters
By precisely controlling the energy density and temperature of the laser, and thereby adjusting the thickness of the oxide film on the metal surface, different color laser marking effects can be achieved.
上記の方法を通して, CO2 laser engraving machines can achieve colorful pattern engraving on a variety of materials such as metals and plastics. Each method has its specific application scenarios and effects, and users can choose the appropriate method according to their specific needs.
Infrared Laser Engraver
Infrared laser engraving machine engraves color patterns mainly through the following methods:
Laser Induced Periodic Surface Structure (LIPSS)
A periodic stripe structure is formed on the surface of the material by laser. When the light is irradiated at a specific angle, different orders of diffraction light are generated, forming a bright surface color. This method is angle-dependent.
Thin film interference
Multiple layers of thin film are coated on the silicon surface, and the thickness of the surface film and oxide film are regulated by laser to form different colors with a rich color range.
Metal nanoparticle plasmon
The surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect of metal nanoparticles is used to produce color.
Oxidation method
The laser melts the metal surface, causing oxidation, and a colored layer is formed when cooling. The color achieved depends on the laser setting and the type of metal used.
Grating method
A colored oxide layer is applied to the metal surface, and when the laser melts the metal and the oxide layer, a vibrant color engraving is formed.
Use colored plastics
Engraving on colored plastics can create contrasting colors in the engraved area, thus achieving a colorful effect.
Use colorants
Colorants are applied to the plastic surface, which then melts and combines with the material during the laser engraving process, producing bright colors.
MOPA fiber laser technology
MOPA technology enhances the power of the laser beam, increasing its intensity and diversity. MOPA lasers are particularly effective for color engraving on metals and other materials, creating a surface oxide layer or incorporating colorants into hard plastics and acrylic resins.
Precise control of laser parameters
By precisely controlling the energy density and temperature of the laser, the thickness of the oxide film on the metal surface can be adjusted to achieve different color laser marking effects.
上記の方法を通して, infrared laser engraver can achieve colorful pattern engraving on a variety of materials such as metals and plastics. Each method has its specific application scenarios and effects, and users can choose the appropriate method according to their specific needs.
How to Control the Depth of Color?
Controlling the depth of color of the color pattern engraved by the laser engraver can be achieved through the following aspects:
Adjusting the laser power
By increasing or decreasing the laser power, the depth of the engraving can be affected. Increasing the laser power will make the engraving deeper, which may produce a deeper color effect.
Adjusting the laser frequency
Different laser frequencies will also lead to differences in marking effects and colors. Some laser engraving machines can be adjusted to very high frequencies to produce different color effects.
Adjusting the engraving speed
When the laser power is fixed, the faster the laser execution head moves, the shorter the laser beam stays on the processed object, and the less laser energy is absorbed by the object. したがって, the greater the working speed, the lighter the engraving color.
Adjusting the focal length
The adjustment of the positive focus and defocus amount will also affect the marking effect. 例えば, to achieve a black effect on high carbon steel or stainless steel, it is necessary to appropriately reduce the speed and energy, increase the frequency, and adjust the positive defocus amount to achieve the best effect.
Use the grayscale matrix
The grayscale matrix allows you to quickly and easily determine the required color depth. The test matrix consists of 100 different shades of gray, and using the Relief function in the Ruby® or JobControl® printer driver, you can determine the appropriate parameters.
Matching materials and laser wavelengths
Different laser wavelengths will produce different color reactions on different materials. 例えば, a CO2 laser engraver will produce red markings on a PVC water pipe, while a fiber or semiconductor laser engraver using a 1064NM wavelength will produce black markings.
The quality of the optical focusing lens
Using high-quality beam expanders and field lenses can provide better focusing, which will affect the marking color.
Impurities in the processed object
Impurities in the processed part will also affect the color effect. 例えば, there is a difference in the marking effect and color between imported acrylic and domestic acrylic, the latter containing more useless impurities.
Different atomic ratios in the material of the object
High carbon steel has a high carbon content, which makes it easier to produce a deep black color and better results.
Temperature of the object being processed
The temperature of the object being processed will also affect the color of the engraving. 例えば, when marking on ceramics, adding colored paper can produce different color effects.
The above method can effectively control the color depth of the color pattern engraved by the laser engraving machine. It should be noted that each material and laser type may require different parameter settings, so in actual operation, multiple tests may be required to find the best settings.
