Laser Engraving Machines and Supplies | Jewelry Laser Engraver
The release of a laser engraving machine has made both personal and commercial laser engraving more accessible than was possible just a few years ago. It was once something that was restricted to just industrial manufacturers but is now increasingly adopted by designers, hobbyists, and small to medium businesses.
What Is a Laser Engraving Machine?
A laser engraving machine allows one to produce a permanent mark on the surface of an object by using a laser to remove materials from the surface. The term laser engraving is used interchangeably with laser etching but the two have a few key differences. The biggest difference between the two wordings refers to the depth of the mark created by the laser. At a shallow depth, it is considered laser etching but as that depth increases, the term shifts to engraving. Any deeper and it is called deep engraving. The type that you choose will depend on the mark you want to make on the material. For example, some types of applications like galvanizing need a more prominent depth that ensures the engraving is readable. A few industries may require a specific depth in order to meet government regulations
How Does a Laser Engraver Work?
Laser engraving vaporizes materials into fumes. The laser beam behaves similar to a chisel and makes a mark by removing the layers on the material’s surface. The laser will need to hit the targeted areas with a high level of energy in order to generate the heat needed to ensure vaporization.
The fiber laser engraver is growing in popularity in recent years. This popularity can be attributed to the higher quality deep marking and engraving delivered by these types of laser engravers. A fiber engraver achieves this by using short pulses (which in turn reduce thermal effects) to deliver quicker results with higher power pulses.
The Importance of Jewelry Laser Engraver Machines
A jewelry laser engraver is a crucial tool for any manufacturer or store involved in the jewelry business. Engraving jewelry has been a common practice for ages but the rise of high tech tools like the jewelry laser engraver has now made it much easier to do the marking and engraving needed in jewelry.
There are several techniques used for engraving jewelry. Laser engraving is used for engraving jewelry while laser bonding is used to bond an external material with the base component. Laser annealing is used to decolor a certain area using high exposure of the laser. This contrast is used to color parts of the component.
What Can I Do with a Laser Engraver?
A laser engraver is perfect for a range of industries, especially industries that require a permanent marker for things like tracing and part identification. There is a variety of other applications such as using laser engraving or etching to mark a logo, serial code, timestamp, barcode and other information related to manufacturing. With laser engraving, manufacturers can make high quality engravings that are readable by inventory tracking tools like RFID scanners or barcode scanners.
In the jewelry industry, laser engraving is used to make intricate designs and cutouts that would usually not be possible with such small components. Hobbyists use it to engrave day to day items like leather wallets, wood labels, and phone cases.
Using A Laser Engraver for Metal
Lasers have been a great assistance for laser marking and engraving metals. A desktop laser engraver for metal will work on all types of metals, not just soft metals like aluminum but also on metals like steel or other harder alloys. Such metals can be quickly, reliably, and most importantly, accurately marked with a laser engraver. With some specific metals like steel alloys, it is possible to use laser engraving to make corrosion resistant engraving that does not damage the structure of the metal’s surface. Metal engraving is used in a range of applications – in industrial settings to mark products for tracing and on a smaller scale, to personalize promotional products with names and logos.
What is A Desktop Laser Engraver?
If convenience is a priority, a desktop laser engraver is most probably the best option for your bench. Desktop engravers are suitable for a range of engraving purposes such as marking electronic components, painted substrates, carbides, plastics, and of course, metals.
Such engraving machines are engineered with a focus on ease of use and flexibility so are generally compact in size while still able to produce the industrial standard engraving required in a professional setting. Many systems can be trolley mounted, further enhancing the portability of the machine. In addition, these systems are made to set up very quickly, reducing downtime and increasing efficiency in the workshop.
What Is a Mini Laser Engraver?
A mini laser engraver is a more compact version of a full scale laser engraving machine. It is often light in weight and designed for portability. However, most mini engraving machines cannot engrave metal, jewelry, stone, and other similar materials but are able to work on wood, plastic, leather etc.
What Laser Engraving Supplies Are Needed?
Laser engraving machines will require specially manufactured laser engraving supplies that are designed for laser etching and engraving. These supplies include laser-able paper, wood panels, acrylic sheets, and laminates. These supplies are manufactured in a range of sizes and colors depending on the application and are offered in several surface finishes. These are intended for use in a range of applications such as print-and-cut applications, illuminated displays, outdoor signage and more.
What Is A Fiber Laser Engraver?
A fiber laser engraver is a non-contact laser marking process where the active laser gun is an optical fiber laced with a rare metal. A fiber laser is much sought after due to its benefits, namely, the increased durability, higher resistance to temperature, and the use of non-toxic acids, solvents and inks.
What Is A Laser Engraver Used For?
This CNC laser marking method is used in a range of industries, especially in the industrial manufacturing sector, for hobbyists, jewelers, and school education to name a few.
How Does A Fiber Laser Engraver Work?
A beam of a fiber laser is made by a bank of diodes. This light is channeled through and amplified with fiber optic cables that are similar to the cables used for data transfer. When this amplified light leaves the optic fiber cable, it is focused (using lenses) on the material that requires cutting.
What Can You Engrave with a Laser Engraver?
Some of the materials that can be cut with a laser engraver include aluminum, brass, copper, nickel, fiberglass, metal, carbon fiber, chrome, non-conductor ceramics, carbide, and tungsten. This are of course, just a few examples – laser engravers are compatible with a long list of metals and non metals.
How Much Does A Laser Engraver Cost?
If you are looking to purchase a laser engraver, the cost may be the first question you want answered. Well, the price can range anywhere from $3,500 to $28,500 depending on the brand and configuration that you have chosen. If you are purchasing from out of the country, do note that you will have to factor in shipping costs, tax, and custom fees into your calculations.