Five Common Mistakes and Solutions for Laser Engraving Machine Parameter Settings

The parameter settings of a laser marking machine directly affect the quality of the marking, but during operation problems such as power adjustment, speed matching, and focal length calibration can lead to poor quality markings or equipment damage.The book summarizes five common high-frequency error scenarios, provides practical solutions for resolving them, and helps users quickly optimize parameter settings.

The power setting is too high or too low.

When customers first start using laser marking machines, they usually think that the higher the power the better the effect, or that to save electricity they should lower the power. The result is that they either burn the material or the marking is unclear.Actually, different materials have very different sensitivities to power.For example, metal requires a higher power than plastic, which can become deformed if the power is raised too much.

Solutions.

First, consult the recommended power range (found in the instruction manual or on the manufacturer's website). Test starting from the middle value.When marking, observe the effect. If the lines are black, or the edges are carbonized, gradually lower the power by 5 % ~ 10 %. If the marks are too light, gradually increase the power by 5 % at a time.

The speed and frequency of the waves are not properly adjusted.

The marking speed and the laser frequency are like the pace and stride length of a runner: if they don't match, the runner will fall behind.Some people would try to finish the design quickly by turning up the speed, only to end up with a design that had missing lines.

Solutions.

Remember the two basic rules: For fine designs use "high frequency, low speed" (e.g. 1000Hz with 200mm / s); for large areas use "low frequency, medium speed" (500Hz with 500mm / s).To test the machine, the operator first uses waste material to print a 3 × 3-centimeter test piece. The operator then adjusts the machine until the pattern is continuous and there are no burn marks.

Environmental factors are ignored.

A common mistake of novices is to calibrate the focus only once and then keep using it, forgetting that temperature changes, vibrations, and even the levelness of the work surface can all affect the focus.The temperature changes caused by air conditioning in summer make it necessary to readjust the focus in the afternoon.

The solution.

Every day before work begins, he uses a focal length gauge to calibrate the machine. Before key processing, he also uses A4 paper to do a "burn test," placing the laser head 5 mm above the material surface and firing a short pulse.If the resulting dot has an even edge, the focus is accurate; if it is elliptical or elongated, focus must be adjusted.

The material parameters were simply copied.

Many users simply apply the material parameters that come with the equipment, but the same type of stainless steel plate may have different surface treatments, and the results of marking can be very different.Even worse, some manufacturers provide performance data based on tests conducted in a controlled environment, which do not match the actual working conditions.

Solutions.

The template parameters are a point of reference, not a standard.When encountering new types of material, they first cut out a small piece and test it by engraving it with a variety of settings. They then select the best setting and store it in a special file.

They ignored the need for equipment cooling and a clean environment.

Laser machines generate heat, and some people think that "if it's not hot to the touch, it's fine," but the result is that the optical lenses fog up and the guide rails become coated with dust, which can affect the accuracy of the marking and even reduce the lifespan of the equipment.Even more insidious is the dust in the workshop that gets sucked into the optical system, leading to a decline in laser energy.

Solutions.

Every day before shutting down the machine, the operator uses a dust-free cloth dampened with alcohol to wipe the lenses and tracks. Every week the cooling fans 'filters are cleaned.When working for more than four hours continuously, it is recommended that the computer be shut down for 15 minutes to cool off.In the damp south, a dehumidifier should be installed in the room to keep spare lenses and laser tubes dry.