Why the CO2 laser engraving machine cannot engrave metal
Laser engraving machines are generally used in wood products, plexiglass, glass, stone, crystal, Corian, paper, two-color board, alumina, leather, resin, etc. However, there are problems with laser engraving machine engraving metal, the reasons are as follows:
1. Dot matrix engraving. Dot matrix engraving is exactly like high-definition dot matrix printing. The laser head swings left and right to engrave a line consisting of a series of dots each time, and then the laser head moves up and down to engrave multiple lines at the same time, and finally forms a full-page image or text. Scanned graphics, text and vectorized graphics can all be carved with dot matrix.
2. Vector cutting is different from dot matrix engraving. Vector cutting is performed on the outer contour of the graphic. We usually use this mode for penetrating cutting on wood, acrylic, paper and other materials, and marking on the surface of a variety of materials.
3. Engraving speed: Engraving speed refers to the moving speed of the laser head, usually expressed in IPS (inches per second). High speed brings high production efficiency. Speed is also used to control the depth of cutting. For a specific laser intensity, the slower the speed, the greater the depth of cutting or engraving. You can use the engraving machine panel to adjust the speed, or use the computer’s print driver to adjust. In the range of 1% to 100%, the adjustment range is 1%. The advanced motion control system of the Hamm machine can make you still get super fine engraving quality when engraving at high speed
4. Engraving intensity: Engraving intensity refers to the intensity of the laser that hits the surface of the material. For a specific engraving speed, the greater the intensity, the greater the depth of cutting or engraving. You can use the engraving machine panel to adjust the intensity, or use the computer’s print driver to adjust. In the range of 1% to 100%, the adjustment range is 1%. The greater the intensity, the greater the speed. The deeper the cut
5. Spot size: The size of the laser beam spot can be adjusted with lenses with different focal lengths. The small spot lens is used for high-resolution engraving. A lens with a large spot is used for lower resolution engraving, but it is the best choice for vector cutting. The standard configuration of the new device is a 2.0-inch lens. The spot size is in the middle, suitable for various occasions.
Laser engraving machines generally use CO2 lasers, and the power of laser tubes currently used belong to the low and medium power range. The maximum is 300W. Originally, metals absorb less of this mid-wavelength laser. Therefore, laser engraving machines are generally not used to engrave metal.
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