A Guide to Selecting a Laser Engraver

When selecting an AI laser marker, the key parameters that directly affect performance are power, precision, compatibility, speed, and after-sales service.Based on the actual needs of users, this article explains how to select the proper equipment based on the type of material, production efficiency, and budget, helping you avoid traps in the selection process and find a cost-effective industrial marking solution.

Why would these factors influence your choice?

Buying a laser engraver is like choosing a mobile phone--the specifications are all similar, but the performance differs widely.In particular, in the industrial sector, selecting the wrong machine could directly affect production efficiency.Today we're not going to talk about the abstract, but rather five concrete indicators that you can use to judge a school.

Power: The key to the depth of the mark.

The power of the laser is like the engine of a car. The more powerful the engine, the harder the material it can process.But don't just go for the most expensive model, you have to consider your actual needs.

For metal processing, high-power lasers are selected.

For hard materials like stainless steel and aluminum alloy, 50 watts or more is recommended.In the past, a client bought a 30-watt machine to save money, but ended up with a laser mark that looked like a scratch. The rework rate doubled.

The leather is of medium to low quality.

20 to 30 watts is enough for plastic or leather work.But if the power is too high, the material can be burned, especially thin plastic pieces, which can be easily "burned through.

Precision: Determines the fineness of the image.

Two parameters are important in evaluating accuracy: the minimum line width and the repeatability of the positioning.

Precision parts must be within a tolerance of 0.01 mm.

For marking on parts of medical instruments or electronic components, the ± 0.01mm precision equipment is the best.I once saw a clockmaker using a machine with a precision of 0.05 millimeters to engrave serial numbers, but when the numbers were examined under a microscope they were just a blur.

The requirements for conventional signs are more relaxed.

If the marking is for the basic purpose of printing the date and batch number on a package, a precision of 0.05 millimeters is enough, because the naked eye wouldn't be able to tell the difference.

Software compatibility: Don't let the system hold you back.

Many buyers ignore this hidden parameter, then find out that their new system doesn't mesh with the one they already have.

Support for file formats must be comprehensive.

Choose equipment that supports the most common formats, such as DXF, PLT, and AI.One printing factory bought a machine that only supported the BMP format. Every time a file was transferred, it took half an hour, and production efficiency was directly affected.

It's important that the operating system matches the computer.

Are your workshops still using Windows 7? Remember to confirm compatibility with the equipment software.Some clients have had to upgrade the computer systems in their entire factories after encountering new equipment that only supports Win 10.

The speed of the marking process: Time is money.

Two factors must be considered:

In mass production, the speed of continuous operation is the key.

We suggest that factories such as car parts factories, which need to operate 24 hours a day, use machines with a speed of at least 7000 mm / s.If the speed is not fast enough, the amount produced at night could be cut in half.

A complex pattern of start and stop.

When making fine patterns or curved lines, the acceleration parameters are especially important.For example, a store that made jewelry engravings had a problem with the machine taking too long to start and stop. The machine would leave rough edges on the engravings.

After-sales service: Don't forget the hidden costs.

Don't be tempted by the low price tag. The laser head is a critical component that can be expensive to repair.

The warranty should be specific about the parts covered.

Reliable manufacturers will state that they guarantee the laser for two years and the galvanometer for one.One buyer discovered that while the whole machine was guaranteed for a year, the laser itself only had a three-month guarantee. Sure enough, the laser tube broke down in the fourth month.

On-site service is more effective than telephone guidance.

For round-the-clock production lines, it is especially important to choose a brand that can provide a two-hour response and 24-hour on-site service.The last time a food factory's machine broke down in the middle of the night, the customer service hotline spent three hours trying to repair it, but they couldn't do it, and the next day's shipment was delayed.

Finally, it is a good idea to bring along some of your own material to test out the machine.No matter how impressive the specifications, it's more reassuring to see the machine marking your own products.