What kind of machine to buy for laser engraving? Some engrave metals well, others do an excellent job with plastic, and others work well with wood. The abundance of equipment leaves the customer at a loss for what kind of machine is right for the job.
❗Laser machines differ in: the type of transmitter, the speed, the device and the purpose of the machine.
What is laser engraving
Laser engraving is a method of applying an image or an inscription on a workpiece by a focused laser beam. The coordinates are entered into the control program and the laser burns out the image.
Advantages of laser engraving:
o Productivity. Speed from 500 mm / s to 7,000 mm / s, depending on the model of the machine;
o Durability. Image is not erased by chemical or physical effects;
o Non-contact. The laser inflicts images without touching the material. This avoids the appearance of chips and cracks on the workpiece;
o Accuracy. Diameter of the laser beam - a hundredth of a millimeter, which allows to achieve high quality images, even on small workpieces;
o Versatility. It is possible to process and cylindrical workpieces, thanks to the rotary device.
What are laser engraving machines used to do?
Laser machines are used to apply graphic information to the material. They are used to:
o Apply barcodes, QR codes, technical or general product information;
o They brand packaging and products;
o They apply images to decorative items;
o They make souvenirs;
o Engrave mass-produced goods (rulers, toppers, constructor parts).
Top Engraving Machines
The best machines for engraving wood and wood-based materials
Laser CO2 engraver Wattsan 0503
o Speed - 500 mm/sec.
o Power - 50W.
o Working Area - 500h300 mm.
Wattsan 0503 was specifically designed for engraving materials. For the small diameter of the laser spot on the machine installed a short-focus lens. Expanded nozzle on the machine reduces the intensity of blowing, so the combustion products are not bent to the surface of the material and the engraving is cleaner.
You can install a rotary device on the machine, because the working table of the machine is lowered by 200 mm. Engraving resolution of the machine is up to 2500 dpi.
Wattsan 0503 has a senior model - Wattsan 6040 laser engraver CO2. The working area of the machine is larger - 600x400 mm. Power is 80-95 watts.
What to look for when choosing a laser engraver
o Type of emitter. Depends on the material you will be working with. You will need a fiber-optic transmitter to work with metals. Other materials will be handled by a CO2 beamer;
o Transmitter power. A fiber optic marker with 20-30 watts of power will handle most materials. For high speed and deep engraving or for engraving highly reflective metals, you need a 50 watt or higher power transmitter.
For CO2 laser engravers with flying optics you will need a 50 watt transmitter and if you plan to do more cutting, look for machines with 80 watt or more of transmitter power;
o Transmitter life. Laser CO2 tubes are consumable material, they have the service life of 2-8 months. After failure the laser tube is replaced by a new one. Fiber optic emitters have no consumables and have a safety margin of 11 years.
o Working Field. The maximum size of the working field of a laser marker is 300x300 mm. The size of the working field of CO2 laser mills from 200x300 mm to 2000x3000 mm. They can engrave large products: signs for supermarkets, bakeries, cafes, restaurants, and engrave a lot of small workpieces on the machine.
o Speed of operation. The maximum engraving speed of the marker is 7000 mm/s. The laser machine is slower, its limit is 500 mm/sec, but more material fits in the larger working field.
o Laser beam accuracy. Laser markers have an accuracy of 0.001 mm, CO2 machines have an accuracy of 0.03 mm.
o Software. Skills in working programs to control the marker or laser machine are easy to learn. Our specialists can help you.
o Supplier reliability and support. For example, one of the reliable suppliers in Europe is Virmer. They deliver Wattsan machines from China quickly and with a warranty.
