A laser marking machine is equipment that uses a laser beam to permanently mark the surface of various materials.
On the other hand, laser engraving machine is an advanced equipment that uses laser to carve materials that require complex engraving.
Both laser marking machine and laser engraving machine have the common feature of being laser processed and are typically used in advertising and promotional applications.
However, the laser marking machine is versatile and can also be used in various packaging industries.
The laser engraving machine, on the other hand, is not just limited to advertising industry applications. It can also be used in various decoration and automobile industries.
Today we will discuss the differences between laser marking machine and laser engraving machine.
What is a laser marking machine?
A laser marking machine is a device that uses a laser beam to create permanent marks on various surfaces. This process involves exposing the underlying material through the evaporation of surface material, resulting in intricately detailed patterns, trademarks and words.
Laser marking machines are categorized into four main types: CO 2 laser marking machines, semiconductor laser marking machines, fiber laser marking machines and YAG laser marking machines.
Laser marking machines are primarily used in environments that require high levels of precision. They are applied in the production of electronic components, integrated circuits (ICs), household appliances, mobile communication devices, hardware products, tool accessories, precision instruments, glasses and watches, jewelry, automotive parts, plastic keys, construction materials and tubes PVC. .
Related Reading: Top 10 Laser Marking Machine Manufacturers
Basic principle of laser marking machine
Laser marking is the process of using a laser beam to create permanent marks on various material surfaces.
The marking effect is achieved by evaporating the surface material to expose the underlying layer or by creating a trace through chemical and physical changes to the surface material caused by the energy of the laser beam. Alternatively, laser energy can be used to burn specific areas of the material, resulting in the desired engraved patterns and characters.
What is a laser engraving machine?
A laser engraving machine is an advanced piece of equipment that uses lasers to precisely carve materials. Laser engraving offers greater efficiency, smooth and round surfaces, reduced temperature of non-metallic materials and reduced deformation and internal stress of the carved object.
Laser engraving machines are classified into two types based on the laser source: CO 2 non-metal laser engraving machines and fiber optic metal engraving machines. In China, non-metallic CO 2 laser engraving machines generally use glass laser tubes, while high-end machines use metallic CO 2 RF tubes.
Compared to mechanical engraving machines and other traditional manual engraving methods that use diamond and other extremely hard materials, laser engraving machines use thermal energy from the laser to carve the material. The laser is the core of the machine.
Laser engraving machines have a wider range of applications, higher carving precision and faster carving speed. Laser carving can also produce an exquisite carving effect that is on the same level as manual carving technology.
Due to its many advantages, the application of laser engraving machines has gradually replaced traditional carving equipment and methods and has become the main carving equipment.
The difference between laser marking machine and laser engraving machine
1. The first difference between laser marking machine and laser engraving machine is the different working format.
The working area of a laser marking machine is typically not very large, about the size of a standard table. Although some low-power laser engraving machines also have a small processing format, high-power lasers are mainly used for cutting metal and have a much larger processing format, at least as large as a bed.
2. The second difference between laser marking machine and laser engraving machine is the difference in speed.
The speed of a laser marking machine is much faster than that of a laser engraving machine. For example, in the case of a mineral water manufacturer, the assembly line that lasts one minute can travel a distance of approximately 100 meters.
3. The third difference between laser marking machine and laser engraving machine: different depth.
A laser engraving machine is capable of carving and cutting in larger strokes and with much greater depth than a laser marking machine.
4. The fourth difference between laser marking machine and laser engraving machine: different lasers.
The optical system of a laser engraving machine comprises three reflective lenses and a focusing lens. Typically, a carbon dioxide glass tube laser is used.
The lifespan of a glass tube laser is generally between 2,000 and 10,000 hours. Carbon dioxide glass tube lasers are considered disposable.
Laser marking machines generally use metal tube lasers (for marking nonmetals) and solid-state YAG lasers (for marking metals). These lasers have a useful life of more than five years.
The metal tube of a laser marking machine can be refilled.
5. The fifth difference between laser marking machine and laser engraving machine: different prices.
The cost of a laser marking machine can range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on the materials it is designed to work with.
On the other hand, lower wattage non-metal laser cutting and engraving machines can be much more affordable than laser marking machines.
However, if you need a laser engraving machine to cut thick metal, it can also be very expensive.
Application of laser marking machine and laser engraving machine?
1. Application of laser marking machine:
(1) Laser marking machines are used to mark various hardware accessories and electronic components, including those made of metals, such as automobiles, ships, machinery and equipment. Laser marking can help achieve wear resistance and facilitate marking in industries where friction is a concern.
(2) Laser marking machines are used in various industries, including IT, communication, machine manufacturing, food and medicine, medical equipment, watches and glasses, handmade gifts, precious metal jewelry, leather clothing, packaging and printing , precision hardware, jewelry, electrical appliances, instruments and other metal processing industries.
(3) Laser marking machines can be used with metallic and non-metallic materials, such as polymeric materials, electronic components, wire speed limit, reflective film, plastic buttons, sapphire, glass, ceramic tiles, aluminum plates , signs and non-metallic materials. Cold processed purple laser marking machines are specialized in electronic communication, electrical engineering, instrumentation, precision hardware, watch glasses, jewelry, ceramics and other industries.
(4) Laser marking machines can be used in non-metal processing industries such as clothing, leather, handmade gifts, packaging, advertising, wood, textiles, plastics, signage, electronic communications, watches, glasses, printing, decoration and a lot more. Non-metallic materials such as wood products, fabric, leather, plexiglass, epoxy resin, acrylic and unsaturated resin can be processed with good results.
(5) In the food industry, laser marking is mainly used to create various information marks on the surface of food, such as patterns, two-dimensional codes and more. Laser marking has the advantages of no consumables, accurate and clear printing, higher resolution, low failure rate, and clean and pollution-free marking.
(6) Laser marking machines, also known as laser inkjet printers, are used to mark and identify materials used in food and beverage packaging, wine bottle caps, cigarette box packaging and packaging of medicine boxes/bottles. Regardless of the material, the production date, batch number, two-dimensional code and other clear technologies can be marked on the product using a laser marking machine.
2. Application of laser engraving machine:
(1) Plates, Signs and Marks
The ever-changing construction of urban public facilities, street renovations, modern residential areas, hotels and office buildings have created a high demand for signage and wayfinding systems that meet international standards, of which carved signs, signage and markings account for a portion significant. paper.
Powerful companies also replaced their company signs with carved signs to establish a good corporate image and improve internal management. Making chest plates and departments in the shape of a sculpture has become a fashion trend.
(2) Building Models, Mechanical Models, Vehicle Models and Ship Models
The model is the oldest design tool and modern society has given it a more innovative meaning and wider use. It is no exaggeration to say that the model is an industrial model.
The performance and display of machines, vehicles, ships, architectural designs and the sale of business houses are inseparable from models. The models themselves also have independent competitions, celebrations, collections and other activities and meanings.
The carving machine that makes models more exquisite and faster has become the best helper for all walks of life in creating models.
(3) Arts and Crafts, Gifts and Souvenirs
More and more medals, certificates, souvenirs and advertising materials at conferences and tourist activities are made in woodcarving.
Engravings on pens, leather goods, cutlery, lighters, watches, bottle openers, key chains, trophies, award plaques, imitation crystal ornaments, golf clubs, shotguns, rings and other items can reflect taste and personality. Engraving objects such as bookmarks, dust boxes, pendants, mirror frames, cutlery and other items with interest meets people's emotional exchange needs.
(4) Industrial Processing
The production of building materials in China ranks first in the world and is currently developing rapidly to improve quality and variety.
The engraving machine can quickly and easily produce a large number of exquisite molds for plaster ceilings, ceramic tiles, tiles and other building decoration materials, thus doubling the value of decorative materials processed with this mold.
In developed industrial countries, engraving machines are mainly used to mark parts surfaces, produce instrument panels, and make various indicators, nameplates, job number plates, and production flow charts required for enterprise standardization management. According to foreign research and statistics, in Germany, Switzerland and other developed industrial countries of Western Europe, 2/3 of engraving machines are used as machine tools in factories.
(5) Perspex Process and Processing
Plexiglas is one of the most ideal sculpture materials. It has excellent machinability regardless of which of the five slotting machine processing methods: “cutting”, “milling”, “carving”, “carving” and “drilling” are used. Plexiglass has always been the ideal material for experimental instruments, models, POP advertising ornaments, small ornaments, artistic lamps, handmade gifts, souvenirs, etc.
The close combination of engraving machines and plexiglass, a good tool and a good material, will inevitably produce several excellent products.
