The laser cutter or engraver is a digital device that uses laser technology to print. For a weight of about one kilo, with a height of a few tens of centimeters, it is an ideal tool for individuals. It prints the patterns you choose to perfection.
With this type of device, we can easily engrave wood, leather, metal, glass, plastic, gold, etc. It is an excellent tool that allows you to personalize your favorite objects such as telephones, pens, pencils, keys, wallets, watches, figurines, etc. Today in this guide, we will learn which 30w laser cutter to buy.
Which laser engraver to buy?
For the purchase of a laser engraver, it is necessary, if possible to buy a new one. Admittedly, second-hand models are cheaper but often have problems with the laser. Which seems risky in terms of quality.
In this regard, the versatile model is ideal. This type of laser engraver prints on all media. This means that a laser engraver, equipped with a powerful laser, is able to print on glass.
If you are unsure, do a power comparison by asking an expert for advice. But to help you already, engravers equipped with diode lasers are more suitable for printing on wood, glass, or aluminum. While engravers equipped with MOPA laser technology are more intended for ferrous and plastic materials.
How to laser engrave?
To laser engrave, it is necessary to proceed in stages:
The device must be connected to a PC or a Smartphone:
- The file to burn must be of 2D type. It should be noted that the supported formats are files: ai, bmp, cdr, dwg, dxf, eps, jpg, jpeg, pdf, png, scad, svg, and XPS. Likewise, until today, only 2D files can be engraved with this kind of device. Three-dimensional or 3D files are not yet supported.
- The support or more precisely the object to be engraved must be placed manually on the lower platform dedicated to this purpose.
- Afterwards, you can place the anti-light beam bezel and click on the button.
- Finally, wait a few minutes for the burning time and remove the printed support.
- After that, all that remains is to admire the result. Believe us, it will be great art.
What is a diode laser engraver?
A diode laser engraver is an engraving machine that uses a type of gas laser otherwise known as a carbon dioxide laser. This type of laser is formed from a gaseous mixture of carbon dioxide stirred with an electrical source.
If you want to start a small business, then a diode laser machine is a suitable option as it can cut and engrave a vast range of materials we usually use.
The Diode laser engraver can thus engrave on several kinds of non-metallic materials. You can work on media like plastic, acrylic, paper, wood, leather, etc.
The laser beam at lower power will slightly cut the support by heating it. He will engrave the patterns there following a very precise trajectory corresponding to the model submitted to him. Depending on the type of machine, the diode laser engraver can engrave individual or serial supports.
Specificities:
Atomstack a30 pro laser engraver is the most common on the market. It is also the most affordable engraving machine in terms of price. You can find all kinds and all sizes. The power of the laser can also vary. There is a wide choice depending on your needs. Know that the more powerful the laser, the more precise and efficient the machine will be. It should also be noted that some engraving machines can be laser cutters at the same time. In this case, the laser power must be high.
The laser engraver is also fast. A few seconds or a few minutes are enough to burn an average size image. Moreover, it is highly appreciated for its efficiency and precision. Indeed, it offers a very good rendering without a hitch.
Lifetime and maintenance:
The advantage of the Diode laser engraver is that it can last a very long time. Count in 5 to 6 years of average life. However, there are some that break down after a year and there are some that can last up to 10 years, it depends on the quality of the machine and the use.
What is a fiber optic laser engraver?
The fiber optic laser engraver uses the type of fiber laser that belongs to solid lasers. The engraver produces the laser beam using a laser seed. It amplifies it in glass fibers where energy is conducted using pump diodes.
Its wavelength is 1.064 micrometers. The focal diameter or spot is particularly small. This explains the fact that for the same power, the intensity of a fiber laser is 100 times higher than that of a laser. The energy is concentrated in a small diffusion space.
Materials:
Being a powerful laser engraver, the fiber laser engraver is ideal for working on resistant substrates like metals, coated metals, or plastic.
So, you can make engravings on thermoplastic, ceramic, aluminum, silver, steel, gold, stainless steel, brass, copper, chrome, etc.
Performance and productivity:
The fiber optic laser engraver offers a very precise rendering and a perfect finish thanks to the small size of the spot. This limits the damage to your support.
Its execution time is fast:
The performance is 4 to 5 times higher than with a laser engraver. You will therefore be able to engrave more surfaces with more speed while consuming less energy. It uses a reasonable power output for excellent rendering. The fiber laser is equipped with a forced air system which allows it to be cooled.
Lifetime and maintenance:
It does not require maintenance and is particularly resistant. It is characterized by the considerable lifespan of its laser which can range from 25,000 to 100,000 hours of production.