Laser cutting and engraving: opening a new era of precision processing in manufacturing

As a non-contact process, laser cutting is like a precision artist, using precise and controllable heat to carve materials. The highly focused laser beam is the magic brush in its hand, which can evaporate, melt, burn or blow away the surface of the material to create a smooth mirror-like cutting effect. It mainly includes three types: remote, flame and fusion cutting.

Remote cutting: No cutting gas is required, only partial ablation of the metal is performed, and the energy input is gentle. It is especially suitable for processing thin and sensitive plates, just like delicately carving a precious work of art.

Flame cutting: With the help of the chemical reaction of oxygen and natural gas or acetylene gas, the steel surface is ignited and melted. However, this process is relatively slow and the heat-affected zone is large, just like painting an oil painting on canvas that requires patience.

Fusion cutting: Using argon or nitrogen as the cutting gas, the molten metal is blown away from the surface while preventing reaction with oxygen. The surface left often does not need further treatment, like a smooth line done in one go.

1. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) laser: It uses carbon dioxide, helium, hydrogen and nitrogen as gain media. It is powerful and can produce infrared light with a wavelength of 10.6 microns. It is good at processing non-metallic materials such as wood, paper, leather, fabric and plastic, just like a versatile craftsman who shows superb skills on these materials. But it is a little bit powerless for highly reactive or highly heat-absorbing materials.

2. Fiber laser: The gain medium is an optical fiber doped with rare earth elements. The wavelength varies depending on the dopant, and the shorter the wavelength, the higher the absorption rate. It is the best choice for processing reflective materials such as copper, bronze, gold and silver. It has many advantages such as energy saving, narrow beam and low power consumption. It is like an efficient assistant, bringing higher benefits to production.

3. Nd:YAG/Nd:YVO laser: It uses neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet as the gain medium and emits a laser beam with a wavelength of about 1.064 microns. It has high efficiency, small heat-affected zone, few movable parts, and low maintenance requirements. It can cut a variety of materials such as metal, plastic, and ceramics with high precision, and can be called an all-round player in the cutting field.

Laser cutting technology is widely used in many industries such as metal processing, electronic appliances, precision hardware, architectural decoration, automobiles and ships, textiles and clothing. In the metal processing industry, it can cut seamless steel pipes, auto parts, etc.; in the electronic appliance industry, it is used to cut optical components and electronic circuit boards; in the architectural decoration industry, it is used to create stainless steel decorative panels, metal sculptures, etc. Its high precision and high speed characteristics have greatly improved the production efficiency and product quality of various industries.

1. High precision: It can achieve precision within the millimeter level, accurately cut parts of various shapes and sizes, with extremely small errors, just like fine carving in the microscopic world.

2. Fast cutting speed: It greatly improves work efficiency, especially for metal materials, the processing speed far exceeds traditional mechanical processing, like a whirlwind, quickly completing the cutting task.

3. Good cutting quality: The cutting edge is smooth and flat, leaving no traces, and no subsequent grinding treatment is required, which provides a strong guarantee for the quality of the product.

4. A wide range of cutting materials: It can cut most metal and non-metal materials to meet the diverse needs of different industries and show strong adaptability.

5. Low environmental pollution: The cutting process does not produce chemical reactions and pollutants, is environmentally friendly, and conforms to the sustainable development concept of modern society.

6. Welding function: Some laser cutting machines have welding functions, which can be welded while cutting, simplifying the production process and avoiding the cumbersome steps of traditional processes.

7. High degree of automation: It can realize automated production and manufacturing, reduce manual intervention, and improve the safety and stability of production.

1. High cost: The high price has deterred many small enterprises and has become a major obstacle to its promotion and application.

2. Shallow cutting depth: Although it can achieve high-precision cutting, the cutting depth is shallow, which limits its application in some fields.

3. Requirements for materials: There are certain requirements for the hardness of the material, and some special materials cannot be cut by laser.

4. Fiber is easily damaged: The fiber of the fiber laser cutting machine is thin and easily damaged, resulting in high maintenance costs.

Laser engraving machines convert design patterns into permanent marks through laser beams. Their working principle is based on the sublimation process in which the laser beam vaporizes the specified area of ​​the part. They can directly convert metal from solid to gas, leaving high-contrast modifications on the surface of the material, and realize the engraving of barcodes, logos, serial numbers, etc.

CO₂ laser engraving machine: It is the best choice for engraving wooden materials such as plywood and wood. It emits infrared radiation with a wavelength of about 10.6 microns, and the optimal laser power range is 40W to 300W. It is cost-effective, easy to set up, and versatile, suitable for complex and detailed designs, whether it is industrial application or commodity processing.

Fiber laser engraving machine: It is the king of metal engraving, especially suitable for metal materials such as carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and precious metals. It is a solid-state laser with a small focal diameter and high intensity, and the optical power is usually 2000 to 4000 watts. Its operating wavelength is 1064 nanometers, which can mark a variety of materials. It has excellent performance in industrial applications and has the advantages of safety, sustainability, and environmental protection. However, the initial cost is relatively high.

Metal: Pure iron, steel and other metals are suitable for fiber laser engraving machines, and its 1064 nanometer wavelength can effectively mark metals. However, the higher the thermal conductivity and reflectivity of the material, the more difficult it is to engrave. For example, aluminum has strong thermal conductivity, so you need to be careful when engraving. Fiber lasers of different powers are suitable for different metal processing needs. For example, 50W fiber laser engraving machines are suitable for processing metals with high thermal conductivity and reflectivity, while A20W fiber lasers are suitable for metal marking and photoetching.

Plastics: UV laser marking machines are ideal for engraving plastics. Its 355 nanometer wavelength can produce smooth marks on plastics through photochemical reactions, avoiding soot and burrs caused by heat pressing. In addition, 3W UV machines or 20W, 30W fiber lasers can also achieve high-precision marking on plastics, and ComMarker fiber lasers can also form colored marks on plastics.

Operational safety precautions: Although laser engraving is powerful, it can be dangerous if used improperly. The laser beam is high-intensity and invisible, which can cause serious burns and eye damage, so be sure to wear laser goggles when operating. Laser engraving machines may also cause fires, so they need to be equipped with fire extinguishers; toxic fumes are emitted during operation, and a smoke exhaust system should be installed. At the same time, pay attention to the characteristics of the engraving material, read the product manual, keep a safe distance, seek help when moving the machine, and disconnect the power supply when cleaning and repairing.

Total investment and operating costs: The cost of laser engraving depends on many factors, such as laser power, wavelength, material type, and engraving machine type. CO₂ laser engraving machines have a wide price range, ranging from $150 for home use to $500,000 for industrial-grade machines, and their maintenance costs include lens and nozzle alignment, filter replacement, etc. Fiber laser engraving machines are relatively expensive, with the cost of 20W-60W ranging from $3,000 to $10,000, and the price of industrial-grade ones can exceed $1 million. In addition, the engraving material and the requirements for the engraving effect will also affect the overall cost.

Laser cutting and engraving technology, with its unique charm and excellent performance, has set off a revolution in precision processing in the manufacturing industry. Whether it is the pursuit of high-precision metal processing or the creative laser engraving, they have brought us unlimited possibilities. When choosing and using these technologies, fully understanding their processes, types, advantages and disadvantages, as well as safety and cost knowledge will help us better play their advantages and create better quality and exquisite products.