Laser engraving machines are particularly designed for etching, engraving hard materials, etching, marking and automating the process through the use of computer software. In this guide, we will learn what is the history of laser and engraving machines and some more useful information about this incredible machine.
What is the history of Laser?
At the beginning of the 20th century, the famous physicist Albert Einstein carefully considered the phenomenon of light in his research. One of his thoughts was whether light could possibly be composed of “energy packets”.
With the "stimulated emission principle" arising from these thoughts, Einstein laid the groundwork for the development of a technology we now know as laser technology. However, it was more than 40 years before physicist Charles Townes put Einstein's theoretical foundations into practice in the form of stimulated emission.
Stimulated emission means that a laser-active medium can temporarily store energy, for example by scattering light. This stored energy can be recovered, the laser beam is thus amplified.
When the laser engraving machine was invented is still unknown but we only know that laser engraving was first reported to be used for the first time in the year 1978.
Laser engraving is a process of material removal by vaporization which results in a permanent and deep marking. The laser beam is like a chisel that makes cuts by removing layers of material from the surface of a part. The laser strikes precise points with a massive flow of energy in order to generate the heat necessary to vaporize the material.
This article provides detailed information on how engraving works and the best ways to get a laser engraving machine.
Laser engraving used in?
Laser engraving is a marking technique used in merchandising for companies and other customizable products to be able to incorporate the logo on different surfaces. As its name indicates, a laser beam is used that will allow it to be permanently placed on materials such as metal, wood, or glass, among others.
This method of personalization is very common in pens, bottles, key rings, flash drives, and any other item that has a plate that allows it to be done. Above all, it is associated with high-quality promotional gifts as it provides a serious and formal touch.
How does laser engraving work?
First of all, the products that are going to receive this printing must be prepared. Then, they will be placed one by one in a certain position so that they can be recorded. Finally, the machine projects a laser beam that burns the surface of the object to be able to put the logo.
Obviously, the effect will be different depending on the material on which it is applied and, of course, it will not maintain the original color of the article. Next, we are going to reveal parts of the machine, its benefits, and drawbacks of a laser engraving machine:
The machine consists of three main parts: the laser, the controller, and the surface itself. In itself, the beam or beam that is emitted serves to draw the logo or design that is desired on the object, allowing the same pattern to be replicated repeatedly.
Thanks to its system, you can determine the specific direction, intensity, and width that is covered by the image. The process is carried out remotely, so it is not necessary for the object to come into contact with the device itself.
Of course, there are different types to achieve different finishes (some more focused on marking, others with a more pronounced depth...), depending on the grooves that you want to achieve and what contrast you want to obtain.
Benefits and drawbacks of personalized products:
Benefits:
Perception of seriousness and formality:
Unlike colored logos, laser engraving adds a serious and professional touch to the gift. In this way, if you want to transmit this image to a client, a supplier, or any entity with which you are going to start a commercial relationship, this technique is the most appropriate for it.
Affordable price:
Contrary to what one might think, laser printing is quite cheap and rivals other possibilities such as pad printing or screen printing. Therefore, it will not have an associated cost that can determine whether to opt for more or fewer units.
More precision:
That is, the machinery allows for a more detailed design compared to other techniques.
Very difficult to damage:
Ink is not being put on top of a surface, it is "burning", so the logo cannot be erased. The only thing that could change it would be a strong blow.
Durability without extensive deterioration:
Together with the previous one, the effect created on the surface of the object will make the logo last in optimal conditions, thus making it easier for it to maintain the appearance of the first day over time.
Drawbacks:
- Only available for a certain set of customizable products.
- Less striking result compared to other techniques such as screen printing or pad printing.
- It does not allow putting the logo in color.