Laser engraving is the art of engraving an object using lasers. A machine that engraves is a laser engraver. Laser engraving creates incredibly detailed designs in a material. Although there are other machines called laser cutters, the names laser engraver and laser cutter are simply a function of the major use of the machine. Machines that are used mainly for engraving are laser engravers and those that are mainly for cutting are laser cutters. This article is a laser engraving guide. Hence, it will discuss what laser engraving is, what people can make with laser engravers, the materials for laser engraving, and how to use a laser engraver.
In the past, laser engravers were mainly used by big industrial manufacturing firms and corporations. However, laser engravers are no longer used by these industrial firms alone, but also by smaller firms, designers, and even people who consider engraving as a hobby.
How Laser Engraver Works
A laser engraving introduction requires knowing the process of this technology. A laser beam is focused on a point on the surface of the material. The amount of material that is melted and vaporized is predetermined via the controls on the laser engraver. It is simply the reflection of light through mirrors, this light is concentrated into heat. The depth of the engraving is varied by the adjustment of beam intensity. At the end of the process, the change in the surface of the selected material is visible. After the engraving is done, the areas might become black. For people who want to have a different color, multi-layered materials with different colors can be deployed.
It is a great method of design, and it guarantees consistency in look and design.
What You Can Create with Laser Engraving
Laser engraving is a very versatile technique that opens the door to many opportunities and designs. The applications of this technology are endless. This computer-controlled machine works autonomously as soon as a design is specified. For manufacturing purposes, laser engravers are used to add serial numbers, logos, images, and other customizations to parts.
For most DIY enthusiasts, laser engravers are like the ultimate plaything. With it, they can customize virtually anything from phone cases to wallets to wedding rings. Employing the relief engraving technique, users can create 3D structures. This is one of the most impressive and creative ways of using laser engraving.
Brief Introduction to Laser Engraving Materials
There are so many materials that can be engraved on. Some of the most popular materials are stone, paper, acrylic, glass, wood, leather, and so on. It should be noted that not all materials should be engraved. For example, engraving some types of plastics can be dangerous. Polycarbonate materials produce fumes that can quickly corrode the laser engraver which is harmful to people. Other materials that are not suitable for engraving because of their features and health hazards include Lexan, ABS, HDPE/milk bottle plastic, polystyrene foam, Polypropylene foam, epoxy, fiberglass, and coated carbon fiber.
Laser Engraving Software
As it is computer-controlled, the laser engraver can work autonomously. But without software, it is useless. Here is the recommended software for a laser engraving machine:
Adobe Photoshop
This software is one of the best for engraving. It is the most feature-rich software for engraving. Used by professionals and beginners, Adobe Photoshop is a great tool for enhancing the quality of work.
AutoCAD
One of the most versatile software programs ever made, AutoCAD helps you work smarter. With its large feature-set and its propensity for saving designs as vector files, this software is great for engraving.
Adobe Illustrator
Another software Adobe Illustrator is the graphics software. As a vector graphic software, its plethora of features is the largest. Although it can be a bit more difficult to master compared to other software, Illustrator makes the training process worth it.
Perfect Engraving Machine
There are factors that influence the type of engraving machine to purchase.
Firstly, an application has to be considered before purchasing a laser engraving machine. For example, small laser engravers are great for people who do not want to engrave materials industrially.
A major advantage of this type of engraver is the affordable price. The disadvantage is the processing area is quite small.
Another type of engraver is the crowdfunding laser engraver. Although it is more cost-effective than others, this type of engraver is not of good quality and is a high-risk investment.
Industrial grade engravers offer great quality but are expensive both to purchase and maintain.
Apart from size and application, other factors come into play when choosing a machine for laser engraving.
They include:
a. Safety
b. Cooling
c. Power supply
d. Exhaust air
Multifunctional machines offer a range of functions. From laser cutting to laser etching to laser engraving, 3D printing, or CNC carving, these machines are incredibly handy. There is no need to buy specific machines for particular applications when a single machine can multitask.
With its plethora of features, DOBOT MOOZ meets professional requirements. Its simple design leads to high efficiency. For example, assembling takes only 10 minutes to make it portable. It has a 3D printing mold that can mix colors to provide a colorful design. With a repetitive positioning accuracy of up to 0.02 mm this machine satisfies diverse production needs. It is safe to work with as it comes with a protective shield box and safety glasses. DOBOT Mooz ensures safety in every small detail as it protects human personnel from electric shock and leakage.
Discover laser engraving solutions with Dobot.
