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A laser is a highly focused beam of light that emits a specific wavelength and heat. A system of mirrors and lenses in the laser machine guides and concentrates the beam into a predetermined focal point. Heat given off by the laser hits a material substrate to permanently alter it, by marking or etching its surface, or by cutting through it completely.
Depending on the type of laser (i.e., CO2, fiber, etc.), its wavelength, and the power level, lasers can be used for many creative purposes, commercial products, and manufacturing processes including welding, cutting, etching, annealing, and more.
Here we&#;ll look at the differences between laser cutting, engraving, and marking operations.
Laser cutting is an efficient and highly accurate alternative to water jet cutting or mechanical cutting tools like shears. It can be used for precision cutting of glass, plastic, wood, textiles, and metals, including steel.
The laser beam is focused and guided by a system of optical components inside the laser machine, directing the beam to a point on the material. Heat from the laser melts the material enough to burn or melt through it. Different materials require different types and strengths of lasers. For example, a powerful CO2 laser is required to cut through steel.
After making an initial puncture in the material, the beam is moved according to the desired pattern and cuts a path. Laser cutting machines are controlled by computerized motion control systems that use G-code programming to create specific cuts, features, and shapes. Laser cuts can be simple or intricate. A laser can also be used to drill holes with great precision.
Laser cutting is used in many manufacturing applications. Some examples include:
Laser cutting is fast and makes efficient use of material. The layout is optimized to cut as many parts as possible from each sheet of metal, which reduces waste and production costs. This makes it very cost-effective for high-volume orders. Because it is a computerized process, adjustments are simple to make.
The beam can be focused on a highly concentrated and tiny focal point, and exact coordinates are programmed into the machine, so it&#;s possible to achieve extremely tight tolerances for cuts and shapes. As non-contact tools, lasers don&#;t leave stray marks, scorch, or otherwise damage material outside of designated areas on the workpiece. What&#;s more, because the material is melted and vaporized, cuts and holes are usually smooth and clean, requiring little to no additional finishing.
Laser engraving is a type of laser marking used in both artistic and manufacturing applications. Like laser cutting, this process involves using a laser to permanently alter material along a pre-programmed path; however, instead of cutting through it, only a thin layer of material is removed. This process of melting and vaporizing a thin layer of material is called ablation.
Solid state fiber lasers are often used for engraving. Materials including metal, stone, brick, wood, acrylic, fabric, and cardboard can be laser engraved. Depending on the wavelength and other parameters, engravings can be raised, shallow, or deep. Most engravings are between . in. and .005 in. deep.
This process is used for applications including:
Laser marking encompasses several operations including laser annealing, carbon migration, etching, and engraving. While all types of laser marking are permanent, some methods use low heat, so no material is removed. The result is smooth, high-contrast markings that resist fading and abrasion.
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Metal, plastic, some ceramics, and wood can be laser marked. Manufacturing uses for laser marking include applying serial numbers, reference marks, traceability codes, branding, or other custom graphics or messages.
At Evans Tool & Die, we provide complete solutions for metal fabrication, including high-quality laser cutting services. Our team can help at every step of the manufacturing process including engineering and design, prototyping, tool and die building, stamping, machining, welding, finishing, assembly, and packaging.
Reach out today to learn more about our services or to request a quote.
Both processes are categorized under the laser marking procedure. This is because they use laser marking machines to generate beams that can vaporize part or all of a product. Although similar, below are some differences between laser cutting and laser engraving:
Laser cutting involves using a laser beam to cut through the entire thickness of the material by melting, burning, and vaporizing. Most cuts are perfect. Hence, they don&#;t need a second touch-up. On the other hand, laser engraving involves cutting to the desired depth without cutting through the entire thickness. Therefore, engraved materials only have their surfaces vaporized to the required depths.
One of the most important disparities in the laser cutting vs. laser engraving process is based on the machines used. Here, the laser power is a definitive parameter. On the one hand, laser cutters are machines with a laser power above 60W. High power is important for cutting, although it depends on the material&#;s type and thickness. On the other hand, laser engravers have a laser power below 60W.
The difference in laser power also restricts the types of laser machines compatible with the process. For example, most laser cutting machines are fiber or CO2 laser markers. However, laser engravers can include other laser marking machines, such as UV or green lasers.
Keynote: Laser engravers can cut thin sheets of non-metals.
Another important difference in comparing the two processes is the focus lens used in the laser machines. Laser cutting machines have a lens with a long focal length. Consequently, they deliver smooth cut edges, making them aesthetically pleasing. On the other hand, laser engraving machines have a lens with a short focal length. Consequently, they give an object a finer spot size, improving the engraving quality.
Generally, the laser cutting process is very slow due to the time and energy it takes to completely vaporize a material. However, this depends on the material you are cutting and its dimension. For example, a thin metal will take less time than a thick one, while a thin plastic will take less time than a thin metal. Furthermore, the slow cutting speed ensures that the forefront is smooth and of good quality.
Laser engraving has a higher cutting speed as the process does not involve cutting. Aside from that, it aids efficiency and reduction of contact time. However, cutting at too much speed can lead to low-quality marking.
Laser cutting machines use vector design files, while engraving machines use vector and raster design files.
The vector design format is applicable in laser workings that require thin lines, and it involves using laser beams to trace the lines and curves of the design vector by vector. Vector design files can be in EPS, AI, or CDR formats.
The raster design format applies to laser working materials such as wood, stamps, and papers. It involves building the design from pixels and engraving it line by line or point by point. Raster files are in JPG or PNG format.
Assist gases such as helium and oxygen helps in expelling the molten material seen during the laser cutting process. As a result, they are highly recommended for cutting thick materials. Aside from expelling molten materials, they also cut a smooth finish look.
On the other hand, laser engraving does not require to assist gas because it can create a pop that affects the outlook of the surface finish. However, you can use it when the engraving process produces too much smoke, as the gases prevent the smoke from affecting the marking quality.
The company is the world’s best laser machine for marking supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.