Taking the big step towards automation is undoubtedly consolidating the growth and scope of your business. It is not an easy decision, but it is a competitive advantage and it will have immediate results.
If you have already decided on Laser engraving machine and cutters to improve your production processes, but don't know where to start, continue reading this information where we will share the various keys to choosing the best laser cutting and engraving machine according to your needs and requirements.
What are the steps to choose the best laser-cutting machine?
Define what materials you will work with:
Defining what type of materials you will work with will determine if a laser cutting and engraving machine is the ideal tool to use. Why is it important to define this variable? Because if in your processes you need to manipulate metals, a Co2 laser cutting machine will not be the option for them, on the contrary, you will require Fiber Optic Laser equipment to increase your sales.
However, if materials such as acrylic, MDF, paper, and fabric are used, you are in the right place and we can continue with the process of choosing a laser cutting machine.
The thickness of the material:
The maximum thickness that we can cut in a 110-watt laser cutting machine is 12 millimeters in acrylic. If your materials are thicker than 15 millimeters, one inch or more, it is best that you evaluate the benefits of working with a CNC Router. In case you want to focus on engraving, you should decide on a 90-watt machine.
The volume of work:
There is laser cutting equipment with 2 different characteristics that will allow working with materials of different volumes, one with a lifting table and one without it. The elevation table allows you to engrave or mark materials or objects up to 25cm. Once this premise is identified, the necessary processor for your business will be determined and it is possible to add a device to engrave on cylinders.
Space:
It is important to have identified the area that is contemplated to place the laser cutting machine. House room, workshop, or warehouse? Although all models of laser cutting machines can be accommodated in a small space, the greater the capacity and the larger the format, the more precise specifications will be required on the site.
Do you want to have an ally that supports you in the best decisions of your production flow? At Atomstack, we accompany you in the process of analysis, diagnosis, proposal, implementation, and training for the use of a laser-cutting machine. Contact us and let's form a solid work team.
What is a laser CNC cutter?
Laser CNC Cutters are machines that carry out their cutting function using a laser, a beam of amplified light. Laser-powered cutters have the same foundation and function in the same ways as any other CNC cutter.
The main difference lies in the source that generates the laser beam. So, the cutting and engraving parameters are very wide.
There are different types of the laser source, but the most used or common are CO2 due to their power, wide range of compatible materials, and cost.
How do they work?
Doing a laser engraving job is as easy as printing. These machines require the help of a computer that gives them precise orders to do the job.
The first thing to do is create the design in software that allows you to work with vectors, such as CorelDraw!, Photoshop, AutoCAD, Illustrator, Inkscape, etc. then proceed to engrave.
During the process, the laser beam impacts the material, exposing it to a large amount of heat. Depending on the result to be obtained, the laser will have an exposure time. The color of the material will change or it will evaporate or burn.
The result is high-quality, permanent, and abrasion resistant.
What can you do with a laser CNC cutter?
Laser engraving machine is highly resistant and have a very elegant finish. In addition to the fact that the works are carried out with great quality, so it is possible to appreciate every detail.
CNC laser cutters are compatible with many types of materials such as paper, cardboard, wood, acrylic, fabrics, glass, aluminum, plastics such as polycarbonate or polyamide, and rubber.
With a laser engraving machine, it is possible to exploit your creativity since many types of work can be done with these cutters.
They can apply their functions in different promotional and advertising products, from stamps, signs, trophies, pens, USBs, and key rings, to glasses and an infinity of office items.
Thanks to its high technology, it is possible to engrave photographs on materials such as wood. An innovative and creative work that can help you attract more clients.
Benefits of using a laser CNC cutter:
Greater field of application. It can be used with a wide variety of materials.
No contact:
In mechanical engraving, the material can be damaged by its subtraction mechanism, in addition to taking more time to engrave. With laser processing, this is not necessary, since the engraving is done without contact, which prevents splinters.
Greater precision:
Laser engraving machine technology makes it possible to create finer designs with maximum precision. Everything that can be drawn in software can be engraved with the help of a laser cutter.
Lower production cost:
The elaboration of pieces with this type of machine reduces waste and dust, which implies savings in raw materials.
While Atomstack laser engraving can be a powerful and creative tool, it is very crucial to use it with caution and responsibly. By avoiding materials that pose a health risk and safety hazard, and by obeying best practices for disposal and safety, laser engraving is definitely a safe and enjoyable process as it helps to create unique and personalized designs on a range of materials.