How to Choose the Right Laser Engraving Machine: A Guide to Understanding the Specifications

How to quickly choose the right laser engraving machine work table size? By using the parameter comparison table to analyze the processing material, product size, and industry requirements, you can grasp the core points for making your selection in three minutes, and avoid the pitfalls!

Why should the size of the workbench affect the marking results?

Many people who are just beginning to work with laser marking may think that the worktable is just something to put things on, and that the size doesn't matter.In fact, there are many factors to consider. For example, if the worktable is too small, then when processing large parts, the position of the workpiece must be adjusted repeatedly. This is time consuming, and the resulting inaccuracies in the final product may be unacceptable.So before you select a size, you have to get a clear idea of your own needs.

Three steps to choosing a workbench.

Step 1: Identify the object of your processing.

First measure the maximum dimensions of the daily work pieces, and record the length, width and height.For example, if the company is doing a lot of work on mobile phone cases, the largest piece of work might be 200 mm × 100 mm; if it is engraving designs on metal sheets, then 500 mm × 300 mm would be the right size to consider.There is a small trick to this: When selecting a work surface, it is best to choose one that is 10-20 % larger than the largest work you will be doing, so as to leave a little room for maneuvering and adjustment.

Step Two: Check the material type and processing method.

Metal materials generally require a laser head with higher power, and at this point it is necessary to confirm that the work table can support the weight and is stable.For instance, if one is cutting a thick steel plate, and if the table is too thin or the support structure is loose, the machine will shake during operation, directly affecting the uniformity of the depth of the cut.In addition, when it comes to automatic marking on a production line, the compatibility of the conveyor belt and work table must also be considered.

Step 3: Leave room for future needs.

Don't just look at what's right in front of you!" If you are doing small parts right now, but plan to take on larger orders next year, it is better to choose a modular workbench that can be expanded.Some manufacturers offer a later option of adding a larger work surface, which can save you a lot of money when you decide to upgrade.

How should one read the parameters?

Three data points in the parameter table provided by the manufacturer are of particular importance:

1. Effective marking range: directly determines the size of the object that can be engraved.

2. Table top material: Aluminum is lightweight, but not as sturdy as steel, which is heavier but also more expensive.

3. Repeatability: The smaller the number (for example ± 0.01 mm), the higher the accuracy.

Take the following example: A certain model of marking machine is advertised as having a marking range of 300 × 300 mm, but in fact there is a 5-cm blank space around the edges of the marking area (for the purpose of fixing the work piece), so the actual usable area is only 250 × 250 mm.In this case, you have to check the diagrams in the product manual to see what the actual usable space is.

These are all pitfalls.

• Blindly pursuing large sizes: Each extra square meter of surface costs money, and not only is the equipment expensive, but the costs of later maintenance are high.

• Neglecting the Z-axis: If the vertical space between the laser head and the work surface is inadequate, then it is difficult to process three-dimensional objects such as cylinders.

• Blind faith in "universal" models: Different industries have very different requirements for workbenches. For example, jewelry makers need a workbench that can handle delicate work, while auto parts makers need a workbench that can handle heavy loads.

Finally, I would like to remind everyone that after you've finished studying the specifications, you have to go and try the machine out for yourself! Bring some of the parts you usually work on to test out the machine. See if the tooling and clamping is convenient, and if the working range is sufficient. This is the most reliable way to test a machine.