Answers to Common Questions About Laser Marking Machines

This guide addresses the most common problems faced by users of laser engraving machines from the moment they turn them on until they have completed their first project.The content covers precautions for starting up the equipment, parameter settings, and methods for adjusting the first piece, helping operators quickly grasp the basics and avoid equipment failures or defects in the finished product due to improper operation.

1. Things to check before starting up.

Many of the children who received the equipment were anxious to get it up and running, but ran into a variety of small problems.Don't panic, just do these things first.

Power source and environmental confirmation.

Is the plug firmly in place? Is the voltage compatible? It is especially easy to mix up the 220V and 380V models.Keep the floor dry. Leave at least 50 centimeters of space around the appliance for ventilation. Don't let the vents blow against the wall.

Lens and optical path inspection.

Before turning the microscope on, use a Q-tip dipped in alcohol to wipe the objective lens. Be careful not to leave any fibers behind.Listen for unusual noises when the machine is turned on. A "clicking" sound may indicate that the optical path is out of alignment and needs to be adjusted.

2. How to set the parameters for the first marking.

The first time we adjusted the parameters was like adding salt to a dish. Too much or too little was no good.Remember this little ditty: "The parameters change with different materials. Start low and work up.

Separating metals from nonmetals.

For reflective materials such as stainless steel, the frequency should be set at over 20 kHz, and the power should be controlled at around 60 %.Non-metallic materials such as wood and acrylic, on the other hand, require a reduction in frequency (5-10 kHz) and a 70 % rise in power.

Test techniques.

Don't test directly on the finished product! Prepare some scraps of material, and use the "grid method" to test: divide the scrap into several areas, and use different parameter combinations in each area. After comparing the results, select the combination that gives the best results.

A guide to avoiding pitfalls in the first production run.

Many people have had their first prints come out blurry or burnt out. The problem is usually in one of the following areas:

Focus adjustment in action.

Put an A4 sheet of paper on the laser engraving table and move the platform up and down slowly until the laser beam is the smallest circle possible.Remember to refocus for materials of different thickness, don't be lazy and use the old data.

Graphic problems.

We will not go into detail about the common tasks of converting vector graphics into curves and text into curves.Tip: When using a complicated pattern, make sure that the same area is not being repeatedly cut, or it will overheat.

Inspection of the finished product.

Don't be so eager to shut the machine off after cutting. First, check the edge to see if it is smooth and even. Then run your fingers over the surface to see if it is rough.If you see stripes, the problem is probably that the mirror is vibrating too fast. Reduce the speed to below 800 mm / s and try again.