A Brief Comparison Between Fiber Laser and CO2 Laser

Although both Fiber laser and CO2 laser can be used to process metals, they do have differences in many aspects. And honestly speaking, fiber laser is superior to CO2 laser with the development of laser technologies. The following section will give you a brief comparison between these two laser technologies.

Firstly, in terms of basic structures, fiber laser beam is working mainly by mean of diodes and fiber cables, which rather differs from CO2 laser requiring CO2 gas. Also the fiber laser is more compact than CO2 laser. All diodes and fiber cables can be integrated to a less space, so a fiber laser machine usually is smaller in size and save you much work space.

In addition, what makes the fiber laser stand out is its energy-saving performance. An obvious contrast can prove it’s more energy efficient than CO2 laser. When processing a project, the energy efficiency of a fiber laser can be expected at 25% - 30%, while the energy efficiency of a CO2 laser cutting machine can only be 8% - 10%. From these data, you can easily find that a fiber laser machine will save you far more energy and money than a CO2 laser machine.

Last but not least, maintenance is also a vital factor that cannot be ignored in comparison of fiber laser and CO2 laser. In general, a CO2 laser machine needs regular or annual maintenance for accessories replacement or something else, which can cost you more than ten dollars in a year. However, if you have a fiber laser machine, there is no need to replace its devices or maintain it frequently. With time going by, it’s hard to calculate how much you will pay for a CO2 laser machine, but you will get more returns from a fiber laser machine.

These comparisons of course aims not to deny the advantages of CO2 laser system. Here we just provide you a good understanding about fiber laser system that is soaring in modern laser industry and has won a global popularity from laser businessmen. And if you have any questions about these two technologies, please feel free to contact us and we will offer you better laser solutions in detail.

Article Source: http://www.morntech.com/blog/comparison-between-fiber-laser-and-co2-laser/

What Should be Considered Before Purchasing a Laser Engraving Machine?

Starting a laser engraving business is not easy as it is seemed to be, especially if your are a novice or an amateur in laser engraving field. From choosing a suitable laser engraving machine and installing environment to market potential, there are too many details requiring your meticulous consideration. This post intends to answer 6 frequently asked questions you may also need to know to start your laser engraving business.

1.Should I buy a laser engraving machine from those reputable big brands?

For this question, a hard fast rule goes that do not let big brands blind your eyes and what the most best for you may be a common brand. Chances are likely that when you figure out a purchasing plan for a laser engraving machine, you will firstly search on the internet for some industry information and those big brands are easy to come into your sight, and even your friends may recommend them to you. Yes, we cannot deny those big brands have pretty good promotion and their machines do well but with an expensive cost. If you are budget-minded, please spend more time searching a more affordable laser engraving machine which never stands for a toy and can cater to your need similarly.

2.What installing environment should I prepare for a laser engraving machine?

Firstly, you should specify a workplace where no safety hazards exists and is convenient for long term production. Secondly, measuring the three-dimensional space of this workplace and recording the data for reference when buying a laser engraver. Lastly, if your current workplace is not enough for engraving larger items, then you can renovate it by consulting the suppliers before buying the machine.

3.Is a laser engraving machine easy to learn and utilize?

If you have accumulated experience from years of effort in laser field, you will have no difficulty learning and utilizing a new laser engraver. But if you are a novice, you can learn some relative information from the internet or manufacturers of laser engraving machines. You will eventually find a laser engraver works just like a printer connected to a computer. And the graphic software installed in the computer is also simple to understand.

4.What materials can I engrave with a laser engraving machine?

This question might be the simplest one, for laser engraving machines are so versatile that can engrave various kinds of materials with high precision and efficiency. What you should do is to make sure what projects you want to produce, and then consult with your supplier how to engrave them satisfyingly.

5.What training should I need to operate a laser engraving machine?

Training regarding to how to operate a laser engraving machine can be divided into two major aspects. The first fundamental one is to get familiar with the machine you have bought, involving the structure, work principles and correct operation of the machine. Another training refers to safety rules which are more essential than the former one. You must be trained to keep all safety rules and rescue plans in mind to prevent accidents and injuries. Safety ranks first in all your work.

6.Will I make money from laser engraving business?

As for this question, the answer is “it’s all up to you”. Success and failure both exist in laser engraving industry. An accurate marketing positioning, high-quality products, on-time delivery, competitive prices and so on can all account for your laser engraving business. Once you have bought a laser engraving machine, lots of investigations and preparations also have to be implemented in a business-sensitive way. And you will reap from what you do.

All in all, you should really sit down considering every detail concerning building a laser engraving business. For further information, we are willing to provide help for your laser engraving confusions.

Article Source: http://www.morntech.com/blog/purchasing-a-laser-engraving-machine/

What are the Advantages of Laser Engraving System?

Being introduced in the earlier 1990s, laser engraving machines are one of biggest innovation in modern production industries. Traditional engraving methods failed to produce high-precision projects with little cost and energy consumption. Thanks to the utilization of laser, the laser engraving machines manged to produce prefect crafts with high resolution and precision.

Past decades have proved laser engraving machines work well and was easier to operate than what had been deemed before. Laser engraving machines gave a so big surprise to manufacturers that it was extensively welcomed by various industries. It was easier to operate than the traditional tools, for you just need to press several buttons to engrave objects. And you can engrave whatever patterns or images input to the computer, and then just let the laser engraver does all things.

And with the increasing successful application in different fields, laser technology has also been adopted in laser marking and etching. Here the following section mainly talks about 5 major advantages of laser engraving machines.

1.User-friendly and environment-friendly

No toxic substances or chemicals are used or produced during laser engraving process. This has led the laser engraving machines to win a good popularity from all over the world.

2.Minimal sound

Maybe you have been tormented by noises produced by machines. And you will get relieved from machinery noises with the laser engraving machines which only produce minimal sound.

3.Cleaner

As long as operate in an appropriate and rightly, almost no dust will be produced during laser engraving process, which will save you much time spending cleaning the machine or workshop.

4.Suitable for uneven materials

As has mentioned above, it is the laser beam that really interact with the materials, so regarding those uneven material surface, laser engraving machine can also work well.

5.Less cost

Clean and environment-friendly engraving process means less time and money will be invested to clean up and maintain the machine during and after engraving work. Also with more money and resources being put into the development of laser engraving industries, its productivity will be strengthened and energy consumption will be decreased accordingly.

All these advantages are based on proper operation on the laser engraving machines. And for more information about laser engraving machines, please refer to other articles posted in this blog.

Article Source: http://www.morntech.com/blog/advantages-of-laser-engraving-system/

What are the Differences of Laser Engraving, Laser Marking and Laser Etching?

For most amateurs, laser engraving, laser marking and laser etching may work in the same way and produce similar products. And indeed these three technologies can be used interchangeably in some circumstances, but they do have their own characteristics and usages respectively. This article will give an explanation on the main differences among them.

1. Laser Engraving

Based on computer numerical control (CNC) technology, laser engraving works in a way that the laser beam removes the surface of the materials selectively as per the patterns output from the computer. And then an image or pattern will be appeared on the surface of materials. It differs from laser marking and etching in 5 ways:

• According to the material surface and how much you remove, laser engraving can be divided into etching, laser ablation and deep laser engraving.
• This can engrave a wide range of materials, such as plastic, leather, metal, glass, etc.
• Best for personalization and customization.
• This is the fastest laser marking way.
• Do not touch the surface of materials during engraving process.

2. Laser Marking

As one of the most widely used application fields of laser technology, laser marking is mainly used in advertisement industries, construction industries and signage production industries. It’s a process where laser beam works on the surface of a material, changing its appearance subtly and permanently. From millimeter level to micron size, laser marking can process various characters, symbols and patterns, which plays a meaningful role in anti-fake systems. It differs from laser engraving and laser etching in the following 4 ways:

• It consists of annealing, carbon migration, foaming and coloration.
• It’s less common than laser engraving or etching.
• It’s usually used in medical device industry.
• It’s ideal for marking logos, bar codes, UID codes and other identification objects.

3. Laser Etching

As a subset of laser engraving, laser etching is a process that the heat produced by laser beam melts the surface of materials. This heat has a pretty high temperature which causes the materials to raise a mark, with the depth being no more than 0.001”. It differs from laser engraving and marking in the following ways:

• It changes the reflectivity of the materials and enhances contrasts between marked areas and unmarked areas.
• Less productive than laser engraving and marking and not suitable for mass production.

Even though these three types of laser technology all have their advantages and disadvantages in processing materials, they are indispensable and contributory to modern industries and society.

For more details for laser engraving, laser marking and laser etching, please feel free to contact us and we will provide you professional laser advice via our experts team and the industry partners.

Article Source: http://www.morntech.com/blog/differences-of-laser-engraving-laser-marking-and-laser-etching/

How to Achieve Business Success with a Laser Engraver

Laser engraving objects and crafts have pervaded in people’s daily lives. This article aims not to give an elaborate description on this, but to steer you how to make profits from laser engravers. If being utilized in an innovative way, the laser engraver will be a treasure trove for you. Otherwise, it is and will always be a cold machine without feelings, running day after day.

The laser engravers sold by many companies do have various models and applications to cater to different production needs. Some considerate suppliers may also talk to you with a river of words about how well their engravers work or how to operate them rightly. But they seem to forget one thing that how to use the laser engraver is completely depends on “you”! It’s really a pity that there are quite a few purchasers who are convinced by the blueprint drawn by laser engraver salesmen. Apart from selling machines, these salesmen are also good at promising you “pie in the sky”. What a disservice it is!

Here we would like to share some laser engraving experience with you based on our years of industrial accumulation and practice, no matter which supplier you buy your laser engraver from. This sharing, of course, is always built on a good investigation about your purchasing background, purpose, work environment and potential market in advance.

Hard rules do exist in laser engraving industry. These rules can also be golden rules whether you are a novice in laser engraving industry or a senior who plans to upgrade your laser engraver. Let’s now have a look at these 3 rules below.

1.Service

Without any doubt, service is always the NO. 1 rule regarding buying a laser engraver. You may ask why not the brands or quality of the laser engraver rank first? But here is a question for you - can well-known brands or high quality machines guarantee the service you want before and after buying? Absolutely not. The responsible persistent service and post-sale technological support are the step-stones toward your laser engraving success, regardless a cheaper machine or an expensive one you bought.

2.Size

Here 2 types of size matter. The first one is the watt range of a laser engraver. Generally speaking, if you are a novice starting your engraving business without much experience, then a 25-30 watts at least laser engraver may be suitable for you. As an additional device, an air assist is also recommended to help you get deeper and cleaner engraving and cutting results. You can compare the engraving results with and without the air assist. And as for senior people, you could choose proper watt range for your laser engraver.

Another size is the size of engraving bed, which is decided by your engraving requirement and budget. Usually the bigger, the better and more expensive. If you just intend to engrave small-size materials, a 12” X 24” engraving bed will be a wise choice to you. And if you also want to engrave some bigger size materials occasionally, a flexible laser engraving machine which can offer a front or rear door capability for larger materials can meet your need.

3.Market

Those fails to achieve success from laser engraving industry are likely to overlook the laser engraving market. Thus an overall and profound research on the market is an essential step on your way of developing laser engraving business. If you have a clear idea about the market, then don’t stay with the status quo. You may work well in the current engraving market and feel satisfied about your profit made from your laser engraving business. But you have to know this is not a business success which comes from continuous innovation and practices, rather than just following the rules of market and being controlled by market demands. To help you improve your laser engraving business, 2 simple standards are sketched as followings.

1) Quality

Both material quality and workmanship quality are of great importance to engraving business. Don’t take your customer’s expectations as your only engraving quality standard. You can try spending extra ten or more minutes to engrave a project and check out what result it will be. And you might surprise your customers in these ten more minutes!

2) On-Time Delivery

In any business including engraving, delivery delay equals to the termination of future cooperation. Don’t run your engraving business by a fluke, even though your engraving results are perfect enough. A well-organized engraving schedule will bring good to you in the long term.

To conclude, we strongly encourage you to develop your laser engraving business via providing decent service, striving for innovation, diving into market and guarantee engraving quality. Stick to these guidelines and you will finally succeed in the laser engraving field.

Article Source: http://www.morntech.com/blog/achieve-business-success-with-a-laser-engraver/

5 CNC Cutting Technologies of Precision Machining

Modern manufacturing factories have invested an increasing amount of money in their favorite computer numerical control (CNC) technology. CNC technology not only updated the modes of production of traditional industries into a very fast and high quality, but also relieved a mass of labors from repetitive and heavy work.

Manufacturers who have a special request for precision are sparing their effort to invest both lots of money and energy to develop CNC technology. As a main application branch of CNC, laser cutting technologies skyrocket in these decades. So this article intends to talk about 5 cutting technologies respectively.

1. Laser Cutting

Being widely used in advertising industries and architectural models for mini acrylic character cutting, light box, logo production, plastic and wood models and more, laser cutting is suitable for cutting paper, cooper, wood, aluminum and so forth. The most commonly used laser cutting machine is called carbon dioxide (CO2) laser.

2. Oxy-Fuel Cutting

Oxy-fuel cutting works best when cutting thinner metals. Compared with laser cutting and plasma cutting, this method is more affordable for you if your production involves cutting thin or medium metals or other materials.

3. Electric Discharge Machining (EDM)

EDM technique is to some extent the most powerful cutting method among these 5 cutting technologies, because it can cut almost any material that is even harder than steel. EDM is a one kind cutting technique, for the cutting objects and the electrode never touch each other.

4. Plasma Cutting

Plasma cutting utilizes the heat produced by high-temperature plasma arc to melt and vaporize the cutting edges of the materials. This method cuts pretty fast especially regarding to thinner metal sheets or plates.

5. Water Jet Machining

Water jet machining can be controlled by computer automatically and it can cut any material except for tempered glass. This technique requires to use a mount of high-pressure and fast-speed water to cut two-dimensional materials. One of the most favorable advantages of this is that the chippings produced from cutting materials can be flowed away by water, increasing work efficiency markedly.

More advancements in cutting technologies will be created continuously with more effort spent in the field. These techniques will contribute more to people’s production and lives.

Article Source: http://www.morntech.com/blog/cnc-cutting-technologies/

6 Tips for Laser Engraving Wood

Wood in nature has pretty distinct fate. Some poor wood is simply used as fuels, disappearing quickly without any trace. And some are transformed to various furniture or tools, offering convenience to people’s lives. Yet there is some other wood that can be favored and treasured by people. This kind of wood is never pure wood but is engraved by laser machine as art works or crafts.

Laser engraving technology digs out the potential value in wood. A rough and even messy wood is not worth a cent before it was engraved. However, the laser engraving technology is not that easy as we speak it. Why? This article here intends to give you some explanations via 6 tips about how to laser engrave wood.

1. Low-tack masking tape

Before engraving wood, cover the surface of the wood with low-tack masking tape. In this case, the surface of the wood won’t be dotted with brown or gray stains caused by smoke. Once the job is finished, take out the tape and you will find it’s cleaner than usual. This method can be time consuming if you are processing some very detailed projects. Then a paint scraper can be utilized to speed things up.

2. Denatured alcohol

After engraving work, prepare a bottle of denatured alcohol and a white piece of cloth to clean burn marks. Here 2 things should be heeded - you must spray the alcohol evenly to protect engraving results and you should use an uncolored piece of cloth (like white one) to wipe the burn marks without being stained by the dye.

3. Burn at 1200 DPI

A higher engraving resolution can be achieved by increasing more dots per inch (DPI). More DPI usually means more times the laser will fire. Therefore the wood can be burned darker and accordingly twice time may be taken to engrave if adopting this method. So you should make a balance between engraving resolution and time spending.

4. Back out your focus .2"

Do not set the focus of your laser automatically and set it as manually instead. You can use a digital caliper and drop your laser bed .2", which can produce less mess and smoke. In this way, not only the engraved wood surface is more cleaner than ever before, but also you will spend less time cleaning the wood surface. This method is particularly recommended when engraving pretty detailed projects.

5. Use real hardwood for large engraving

Our past engraving experiences told us that plywood does not work well as we had imagined. Then we chose hard wood for large engraving for 3 reasons. Firstly, the grain on the wood surface runs in a consistent direction, beautiful and brilliant. The second is that hardwood is heavier than plywood and a higher engraving quality can be ensured. And the last one is that the hardwood surface can be totally controlled.

6. Do some experiments on wood engraving

Although we didn’t process plywood well compared to hardwood, we do think that you are likely to engrave plywood perfectly with skilled craftsmanship and advanced engravers. It’s recommended to do more engraving experiments on different kinds of wood, from which you may figure out better laser solutions.

Laser engraving wood is a common technology in laser engraving industry, but further exploring the huge value in wood is the permanent mission of laser engraving technologies and machines. Thus we still have a long way to go to enhance laser technologies and craftsmanship.

Article Source: http://www.morntech.com/blog/laser-engraving-wood/