Laser Marking Machine Buying Guide 2023: 8 Parameters to Check on Site

In 2023, when choosing a laser marking machine, on-site validation of key parameters can effectively avoid falling into a trap.These eight essential performance indicators cover critical points including laser power stability, marking accuracy, and compatibility with materials. They help buyers to choose equipment that truly meets their needs, avoiding the costs of trial and error.

Why is it necessary to test the parameters on site?

A lot of people buy laser marking machines on the basis of the parameters that the manufacturers give them, but when they get the machines they discover that the actual results are a lot worse than they expected.For example, a "0.01mm precision" might only be true for a specific material, or only achieved after preheating for half an hour.So don't let the figures on paper fool you. Go to the factory or showroom and check out the eight parameters one by one. That's a whole lot better than fighting over who's at fault later.

Eight core parameters must be verified on-site.

The stability of laser power.

If the lines are even, then the machine is working properly.Some machines work well when first turned on but lose power after a while, especially those with air-cooling systems.Try a dark-colored metal plate. If the color comes out uneven, then forget it.

The actual accuracy of the marking.

Don't just look at the "micro-level precision" in the advertisements.With a magnifying glass, we check the edges to see if they are sharp. Then we test different materials (like stainless steel and aluminum oxide).

The range of materials that can be processed.

Bring along some scrap materials you use regularly and try them out on the machine! Some machines claim to be able to handle any material, but when you try to print on plastic the edges get blurred.The most difficult tests are those involving reflective materials (such as copper) and curved surfaces, which pose the greatest challenge to the design of the optical path.

Smoothness of software operation.

Try to import a complex vector graphics file, and see if the program hangs when you try to zoom in and out, or when you try to set up layers.When faced with a "high-end" machine with a completely English interface, the old hands have to spend a long time figuring out how to use it.

Heat dissipation system.

Feel the temperature of the case after one hour of continuous operation.Poor heat dissipation not only affects the life of the machine, but can also cause a machine to shut down when the temperature gets too high in the workshop during the summer.You can hear the noise of the fans, too, which are like vacuum cleaners.

Service after the sale.

We would ask to see the logbook, and then pretend to report a fault, to see how the manufacturer would handle it.I've encountered technical support people who only say "try restarting." When you have a problem, this sort of attitude can drive you up the wall.

Transparent cost of consumables.

Find out how often the lenses and laser tubes need to be replaced, and how much they cost.Some manufacturers have pushed down the price of the main machine to a very low level, and then the price of the consumable supplies is higher than gold. This kind of thing is impossible to avoid.

Safety precautions.

For example, if the operator deliberately makes a mistake (for example, starting the machine without first closing the door), the equipment should automatically stop.You should also check the seal of the protective shield. Laser scattering is no laughing matter. Don't gamble with your safety just to save money.

Don't forget these little details when you test.

Bring along a USB flash drive to store the test data, and avoid using the manufacturer's "perfect demo template." Wear dark clothes to make it easier to see the laser light. It's best to bring along an experienced technician, who can tell from the feel of the tracks whether the manufacturer has put any effort into the machine.

Finally, a reminder: Don't be in a hurry to hand over money to a salesman who urges you to sign a contract on the spot.Take it back and show it to your friends. Sometimes a third party can spot problems that you haven't noticed.