Seven Points to Remember about Laser Glass Marking

Operators of laser marking machines must take special precautions when working with glass materials to avoid damage to the glass or the equipment.The seven points cover such practical techniques as parameter adjustment, tool usage, and maintenance and cleaning, helping operators improve efficiency, ensure safety, and extend the life of equipment and materials.

Selecting the right laser parameters.

Glass is very sensitive to the energy of the laser beam, and improper settings can easily cause cracks or burn marks.

Balancing power and speed.

If the power is too high or the speed too slow, the glass may be overburned, especially dark glass.I suggest doing a small-scale test first to find the critical value that will allow for a clear imprint without damaging the surface.

Adjust frequency and pulse.

High frequency and short pulses are better for fine patterns, while low frequency and long pulses are more suitable for large areas.Switch between modes according to the complexity of the pattern, rather than sticking to the default settings.

The surface treatment is done well.

Glass surfaces are easily scratched or damaged by heat when in direct contact with a laser beam, so protective measures must be taken.

Apply a temporary protective film.

The transparent protective coating applied to the surface before laser engraving not only reduces the interference of reflected light, it also prevents the debris from scratching the surrounding area.

Using an assisting coating.

Lighter colored glass can be sprayed with water or a special light-absorbing agent to increase its laser absorption rate, so that the parameters do not have to be set too high to achieve results.

Clean the lenses regularly.

Any dust on the lens will affect the precision of the laser's focus, and indirectly cause the glass to become too hot in a particular spot.

Gently wipe without leaving a trace.

Dip a lint-free cotton swab in the cleaning solution and gently wipe the lens from the center outward in a spiral motion. Never rub with a paper tissue.

Check for lens aging.

Check the lenses once a month with a bright flashlight, and if you see any white haze, contact the manufacturer to have them replaced.

Control of temperature and humidity is essential.

The workshop is too dry, static electricity attracts dust; but if it's too humid, the glass surface will fog up.

The humidity should be kept at 40-60 %.

It is much more reliable to put a thermometer next to the equipment and to use a humidifier or dehumidifier as needed rather than manually spraying water.

Avoid sudden temperature changes.

The raw glass is first left to stand for two hours in the workshop before being worked on. The glass is especially likely to crack when it is subjected to alternating hot and cold.

Don't be lazy about the materials.

If the glass is moved even slightly during the engraving process, the pattern will be misaligned, which can even cause the machine to malfunction.

The vacuum table is the most stable.

Flat glass is best held with suction cups, which are far more secure than ordinary clamps.

The cushioning is then placed in the package.

Curved or irregularly shaped pieces are supported by silicon pads which not only prevent slippage, but also cushion shocks.

Coping with emergency situations.

If you encounter an unexpected problem, don't panic; follow the steps and you'll save a lot of time.

What about when the work was suddenly interrupted?

First, the machine is stopped and the lens is checked to make sure nothing is obstructing it. Then the machine is refocused and carving continues. If the two parts overlap by 0.1 millimeters, the seam will be invisible.

If a crack is discovered, the process is stopped immediately.

If a faint clicking sound is heard, the operation is stopped immediately, and the glass is moved to a safe area for inspection, to prevent the glass from shattering.

Make a habit of daily self-examination.

Many problems are the result of small oversights that accumulate over time. Spending 10 minutes a day can avoid a lot of trouble.

The first step is to test the machine and make adjustments.

It is much safer to first cut a cross on a scrap of wood to check the focus before beginning work.

Before leaving work, clean up the table.

Broken glass must be quickly cleaned up, especially in the areas of the guide rails and bearings, where it can easily damage the equipment.