Common Mistakes in Setting Laser Engravers

The power setting for a laser marking machine directly affects the processing results and the lifespan of the equipment. Common mistakes include blindly pursuing high power, ignoring the effects of parameter coordination, and relying on generic parameter tables.The proper method is to adjust the power according to the characteristics of the materials, and optimize the speed and frequency.In daily use you should avoid overloading the device, and through experimentation you can accumulate personalized settings that will increase efficiency and extend the device's service life.

Why is it that the more powerful the better?

Many people think that the higher the power of the laser marking machine, the faster the processing speed, and the better the effect.In fact, this is not the case. Raising the power blindly can cause material to burn, edges to become blurred, and even shorten the life of the equipment.For instance, when carving plastic or leather, a high-power laser is more likely to burn through the surface.In most cases, the power needs to be adjusted flexibly based on the thickness and hardness of the material, as well as the precision of the marking required.

The principle of matching materials with power.

Metal requires more power, while non-metallic materials such as wood and acrylic require less.If the material is highly reflective (such as stainless steel), the power can be lowered and the frequency increased to avoid damage to the laser head.

Overlooking the synergistic effects of the parameters.

Power is only one of the factors which affects results, and many people ignore the way it interacts with speed, frequency and filling distance.For example, if you raise the power but the speed is too slow, this can cause heat to build up and make the material deform.I suggest that everyone first fix other parameters and adjust the power separately for testing purposes. After finding a balance point, one can then make fine adjustments to the overall combination.

The long-term danger of overloading.

Some users, in order to meet a deadline, keep their equipment running at maximum power for long periods of time.Not only does this waste energy, it speeds up the aging process of the laser.In daily use, it is recommended to leave a 10-20 % power reserve, so that you can ensure stability and cope with unexpected demands for high precision.

How can you avoid the "experience trap"?

The "universal parameter table" that circulates on the Internet is not applicable to all situations.For example, aluminum and steel have very different light absorption characteristics, and using the same parameters for both may produce unsatisfactory results.The best way is to first do small-scale trials, recording the various parameters for different materials, and gradually building up your own database.