The term “laser” is no longer a mystery. Many people recognize themselves easily. However, laser engraving and cutting are different beyond the basic concept of laser definition.
Let’s look at the basic definition of laser engraving and cutting. Laser cutting involves melting the surface and creating a raised mark, while laser engraving creates deep marks by removing material from its surface. In both cases, high heat should be expected, which will leave a permanent mark on the surface.
This permanent mark is necessary in terms of product divergence. Laser engraving and cutting have grown in popularity in recent years. They are used to create logos, serial numbers, VINs, label parts, etc., everywhere, and in every field one can find uses of laser engraving and laser technology.
In this article, we will discuss the concepts of laser engraving and laser technology based on different factors, so without further ado, let's dive in.
Laser cutting
Laser cutting process. Image Source: IndiaMART
A laser cutter is used to cut metal. Laser cutters allow you to design custom shapes using very powerful laser beams. Laser cutting allows you to cut out complex designs and shapes with great precision. This process makes it easy to cut and shape complex designs, regardless of the material used. You can design your design in software and then generate a G-code that you can send to the cutter using a cutter like SelfCAD's online cutter.
This process supports various materials including metal, plastic, wood, gemstones, wood, glass, paper, etc.
The laser cutting process offers options such as fusion cutting, oxidation cutting and scribing. Using these procedures, you can cut out complex designs with precision. All of these processes result in high quality edge finishing products.
Compared to other conventional methods, laser cutting, waterjet cutting and mechanical cutting processes provide better results in terms of precision and speed, while limiting material contamination and minor physical damage. The water jet cutting method uses high water pressure to draw the object, while in the mechanical cutting process, cutting tools are used to process the milling cutter in laser cutting. A laser is used to cut and engrave the material.
Resonators, mirrors and laser cutting heads are visible in the process of laser cutting technology. These are the important parts of laser machines. Laser cutting includes the following steps:
- Beam generation
- Beam focusing
- Heating and melting
- Material ejection
- Beam movement
Gases used in laser cutting
CO2 is a gas commonly used in the laser cutting process, which serves as the active medium. Initially, CO2 was used to cut non-metals; it was later used as a powerful tool for cutting metals for later modifications and improvements. Neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd: YAG) or neodymium-doped yttrium orthovanadate (Nd: YVO4) are typically used to cut metals.
Crystal laser technology is also used in some large-scale industries, but it is not widely used due to its high cost. The fiber laser is significantly less expensive than crystal lasers; hence it is considered a better alternative to crystal lasers.
Advantages of laser cutting
Using laser cutting technology has many advantages over other conventional cutting methods. Some of them are shown below:
- High precision and accuracy
- Better edge quality
- Reduced cutting width
- Less material contamination
- Less maintenance required
- Better operational safety
Laser cutting technology is proving to be a boon to the industry due to its versatility. Compared with traditional cutting machines, such as water jet machines or mechanical devices, complex designs can be easily cut with high precision. This technology saves you time and money, and any design can be cut repeatedly with the computer numerical control (CNC) option.
With this technology, you do not need a manual option to polish a product, as its precision is such that no further cleaning or finishing is necessary. From a safety point of view, laser cutting technology is safe for the operator, as this machine does not have any mechanical components, and the risk of serious injury is very low.
Laser cutting is an environmentally friendly technology because it produces less noise while cutting materials, which also improves the working environment.
Disadvantages of laser cutting
Nothing in the world is 100% perfect. Laser cutting also has several disadvantages compared to other conventional methods. For example
- Lack of uniformity in production
- Ranges on required equipment
- Metal hardening
- Energy and current consumption is high
- Higher equipment cost
As we know, laser cutting can cut a wide range of metals and non-metals with excellent efficiency. However, some metals are not suitable for laser cutting technology. Material thickness plays an important role in the laser cutting process.
The laser cutting process requires more energy than other conventional methods. For thick metals, higher gas pressure and high laser intensity are required, and the inconsistency of adjustment takes time in the production process.
Laser engraving
Laser engraving technology is used to write text on metal. Laser engraving allows you to engrave a specific image, design or logo onto a particular metal. Laser engraving technology uses a subtractive method to cut metal into a specific shape or design.
For this process, you need an electronic copy of the required design or logo, which you need to download to the computer. Then, according to specific technical drawings, the machine sets up and begins the engraving process. A highly heated laser beam is sent onto the material through which the beam creates the design by burning or evaporating the material.
The laser engraving process uses two engraving technologies: linear engraving and surface engraving. Linear engraving technology uses vector images to print on the surface of the material. Conversely, surface etching burns and vaporizes the material and creates a 3D print on its surface.
Types of machines and materials
Laser engraving technology uses a wide range of materials that can be engraved. Acrylic, MDF, glass, metal, leather and wood are specific materials used in laser engraving technology.
Acrylic is one of the strongest and most durable materials. It has specific waterproofing and is used in the kitchen or bathroom. Laser engraving on this material gives good results. It is also used in the medical field.
MDF is a medium density recessed material. The laser engraving process is smoother on this material due to its low density, which allows for denser penetration. MDF is also waterproof and fireproof, making it easier to process further.
Laser engraving technology allows you to engrave any type of glass without damaging it. You can see these technologies on cups, bottles, etc., with many beautiful images or designs engraved on their surface. But before engraving a glass, you have to make sure that you are using the right glass, otherwise you risk damaging it. Steel, iron, silver, gold or any other metal can be engraved using this technology.
Laser engraving technology uses diode lasers and CO2 lasers, two major machines widely used in the laser engraving process. CO2 lasers can penetrate any material with high precision, while diode lasers cannot penetrate all materials. CO2 lasers are more expensive than diode lasers in terms of price.
So it all depends on the material, requirements, quality and quantity of the users, who choose accordingly. Ortur Laser Master 2, FoxAlien LE-4040, and Atomstack A5 Pro are diode laser printers that are efficient and economical. CO2 laser is much better than diode laser.
It can pass through any metal that diode lasers cannot pass through. These lasers are extremely delicate and if one of their parts breaks, the entire machine stops working. OMTech 40 W(DF0812-40BG), Flux Beamo, Full Spectrum Laser Muse Core, and Glowforge Plus are some CO2 laser printers that are cheaper and better performing.
Advantages of laser engraving
- Fast production process
- Numerous possibilities for choosing materials
- Precision and accuracy
- Reliable process
- Extremely safe
- Little or no waste
Conclusion
We've covered how laser cutting and laser engraving work, their differences, their benefits and their uses. We hope you find this article informative and practical. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any doubts or suggestions.