4 Types of Laser Engraving Machines

Laser machines today have become an integral part of the everyday life of fabricators. Understanding its basics, difference, and use is essential. Let’s discuss types of laser machines and its importance.

1. Fiber Laser:

Fiber laser marking technology is growing in recent times. It is one of the most useful marking technologies in the laser engraving market. Its power level ranges from 20 to 50 watts. 

They are a perfect solution for depth etching or engraving. Additionally, they provide perfect results even on hard metals or high power systems with small spots.

High beam quality and small spot size with large lenses, allows fiber lasers for small batch marking applications. Make sure to use the correct laser parts like Amada parts or fanuc parts online as they play vital roles.

Applications:

• Color marking:

It creates various shades of colors on a material with speed, power, frequency, and pulse width. The best result on color marking happens on stainless steel and aluminum. 

Another form of color marking is removing color. Here, you can mark and remove color on coated materials to reveal an underlying material of a different color. This technology is useful for fittings, labels, and packaging materials.

• Annealing:

It hardens the metal surfaces using a laser which enables production of various types of colors known as color laser marking. In this process we can achieve different colors like green, red, and yellow.

• Foaming:

Here, the targeted area on the material is lighter than the rest of the part of the material.

• Carbonizing:

Carbonizing destroys the carbon bonds which are useful to create shades of dark marked areas. It happens without affecting the surface of material. It is useful for light plastics and organic materials.

• Night and day marking:

Fiber laser technology is useful to deliver marks that are easy to see in day time and illuminate by night. This can be useful for dashboards, reflectors, number plates, watches health and safety, and door signs.

2. Green Laser:

Green laser marking machines designing is useful to mark reflective materials. They work on very sensitive substances like silicon wafers. It exhibits good work with ease and high precision. It operates in the green near IR visible light spectrum and power range of 5-10 watts.

They are best suitable for soft plastics, PCB boards, integrated circuit chips and for marking of solar cells of various materials.

The advantages of 532 nm wavelength includes great intake across many types of materials. It uses mitigated thermal energy which allows it to mark substances which have high wavelength. Green laser markers also provide very tight spot sizes of 10 µm.

3. UV Laser:

Ultraviolet represents a band of electromagnetic spectrum with wavelengths from 10 nm to 400 nm. They are shorter than those of visible light but longer than x-rays. Long wavelength UV is bad at ionizing radiation, because photons do not have the energy to ionize atoms.

But, they can cause chemical reactions that make substances glow or fluoresce.

As a result, the chemical and biological effects of UV are wider than simple heating. Most applications of UV radiation happen because of its interactions with organic molecules.

Gas lasers, solid state lasers, and diodes are useful to make machines which emit ultraviolet rays. The lasers are available which cover the entire UV range. Since the discovery of the laser machine, it is possible to avail intense ultraviolet light.

Researchers explored the unique properties of this new light and optimized practical applications.

4. CO2 Laser:

CO2 laser marking machines usually have sealed tube laser marking systems. They are galvo-steered beams for marking nonmetal surfaces like wood glass, quartz, and ceramics. 

They can also mark fabrics and other organic materials, operating at wavelengths of 10,600nm.

These machines are useful to produce barcodes, serial numbers, and logos on metals and other surfaces. When laser marking bare metal uses CO2 laser, it uses a special marking agent and is useful to treat the metal before engraving.

Once the laser beam applies the heat from laser bonds the marking agent to the metal, resulting in a high contrast permanent mark.

These machines are fast, affordable, oldest types of engravers, markers. They even mark organic materials like wood, ceramics, and many more. Additionally, you can use CO2 laser machines for Windows and Linux.

Pro tip: Try to use laser engraving machines which have  amada parts or fanuc parts online as they are easy to replace.

Source: https://altparts.mystrikingly.com/blog/4-types-of-laser-engraving-machines

Applications of Laser Engraving Machine is Fabric Industry

 Laser engraving and cutting has a lot of applications in the apparel, fabric, textile, garment, and leather industry.

Here, we are going to discuss the applications of laser engraving/cutting machines in the fabric industry.

1. Fabric Fault Detection:

When we receive a fabric at the garment production unit, you can detect the faults using morphological image processing. It uses laser based optical fourier transform analysis for fault detection. It detects by repeating patterns at regular intervals.

The fabric focuses on a laser and receives diffraction gratings. they are from periodicity of longitudinal and traverse threads in fabric.

It uses a fourier lens /to produce a diffraction pattern of the fabric. Whereas, the second fourier lens has the same focal length, and magnifies and inverts the test sample image. Try to use laser machines which have Trumpf eco nozzle and Prima parts.

A charge coupled device camera captures the image, transfers and stores it in a computer. The computer program compares the images with existing ones and converts them in binary mode.

It reports a fault when the measured parameter deviates from the standard. Remember, the severity of the fault depends on the amount of deviation.

2. Laser Cutting:

The fashion designers are currently adopting laser cutting in garment manufacturing. In synthetic fabrics laser cutting produces well finished edges as the laser melts and fuses the edge. This avoids the problem of fraying produced by conventional knife cutters. Laser cutting increases use for leather due to the precision of cut components. In the jewelry industry laser cutting is useful to produce new and unusual designs. It produces a fusion of apparel design and jewelry style.

In laser cutting it uses lasers to cut the fabric into your desired shapes. A very fine laser focuses on the fabric surface, it increases the temperature, and cutting takes place due to vaporization.

The gas lasers are useful for cutting of fabric. The cutting machine contains a source of laser. A cutting head fits with mirrors and reflects the laser beam to the cutting line. It utilizes a computer to control the entire system and a suitable means for removing the cut parts.

The application of inert gases during cutting prevents the burn and removes debris and smoke. The mechanical cutting devices of a laser beam do not become blunt and need sharpening.

Automatic single laser cutters are faster than automatic many knife cutters. While cutting many plies, knife cutters are faster per garment cut and also cheaper.

The limitation of laser cutting is the number of lays of the fabric which can be useful to cut by the beam. Best result happens with cutting a single or a few layers. But, the accuracy and precision obtains with several plies.

There are chances of the cut edges to fuss together especially in case of synthetics. Often the edges of cut patterns and sewn garment are essential and prevent fraying.

3. Mass Customization:

Mass customization is useful when custom fit garments depend on the body dimensions and individual’s choice. The first thing to mass customize garments is the accurate measurement of a person. Laser scanning technology is one of the major techniques useful for measurement.

Laser scanning technology uses one or many thin and sharp stripe lasers to measure body size. Cameras are useful to get the scene and assist the laser scanner. To avoid the harm of the beam, it uses only eye safe lasers. It uses optical devices like mirrors which can be useful to assist a single laser beam.

Laser scanning unit consists of light sensors and optical systems. Numerous light sensors and optical systems can defer. Trying using laser machines which have Trumpf eco nozzle and Prima parts as they are easy to replace.

Conclusion:

There are many applications of laser engraving in the field of fashion industry. Today most of the people in the fashion industry use laser machines to make sure their designs speak volumes. It completely changed the way we look and fashion today.

Source: https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/applications-of-laser-engraving-machine-is-fabric-industry

Complete Guide to Laser Ablation

 We have heard and read a lot about laser engraving, cutting, and marking. In this article, we are going to discuss laser ablation. Let’s understand what it is, its process, and factors one needs to consider.

What is laser ablation?

It is a process in which using laser beam precision it removes layers of solid metals. The beam will irradiate the surface and expose it to radiation.

What is the process of laser ablation?

The process works by focusing a laser on a substrate and removes material that is on the surface. The amount it removes depends on the intensity, pulse length, and wavelength of the laser and material. The area absorbs the laser and breaks down the chemical bond in that area. While choosing a laser machine try to choose the one which has  Trumpf laser parts or Amada laser parts.

With a low level of laser flux, the material which focuses absorbs the laser energy and changes to a gaseous state. The higher level of laser flux, the material it focuses upon usually converts to plasma. It is possible to undergo the process using pulsed fiber laser and continuous-wave laser. The first method is very common due to the high level of laser intensity.

Laser ablation has many benefits over traditional methods of processes like thin-film removal.

Whereas, another solution has to undergo many processes i.e. costly, time-consuming, inflexible, and has high risks. The process is more efficient, reliable, and cost-effective.

What are the uses of laser ablation?

The ablation process has many usages. The whole process undergoes with least heat useful to transfer the surrounding material. This means the process will have no effect on the parts of the materials which you don’t use. It is great on materials like plastic, metal, ceramic, biological tissues, etc.

This advancement in fiber lasers helps you focus on small specific spots to get the correct results. It also determines the concentration levels of a particular chemical or material on a surface. You can achieve it by generating bright plasma on the surface and then analyzing this to see what is present.

It is a friendly process to determine chemical analysis compared to traditional methods.

You can use this process to deposit a film on a surface and produce things like nanomaterial or superconducting materials. You can also use this for the micro structuring of an object.

Following are some of the major factors you should consider for laser ablation:

1. Wavelength:

Select wavelength using the least absorption depth. It is useful to have high energy deposition with a small volume, this results in a quick and efficient ablation outcome.

2. Pulse Duration:

It is good to use short pulse durations so you can perform at most peak power. Further, you can cut the thermal damage which inflicts on the surrounding area and this reduces due to the precise nature of the process.

3. Pulse Repetition Rate:

The pulse repetition rate needs to be high so that the heat caused due to ablation is proper. This results in a more successful ablation as energy waste will reduce.

4. Beam Quality:

The laser beam needs to have enough quality to perform the process. The quality of the beam determines its brightness, focus ability, and homogeneity. The beam size will also need control so that you don’t ablate in large areas.

5. Application Areas:

Laser ablation is useful because of its precise, accurate, and friendly nature. It uses many different application areas and industries. Its ability to remove thin films has benefits for electronics and semiconductor industries. It is also useful in other industries like medical automotive, etc.

6. Laser parts:

A laser part of any machine plays a vital role. Remember to use the ones which are easy to find and replace when needed. Laser parts are important because they also determine the way laser machines function. Try to use machines which have Trumpf laser parts or Amada laser parts as they are easy to find and replace.

Conclusion:

Laser ablation is also as important as engraving, cutting, and marking. It too has a lot to contribute to the fabrication process and industry. Hence, along with knowledge of other verticals of laser machines, it is important to know about ablation and its uses.

Source: https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/complete-guide-to-laser-ablation

Laser Cutter Safety: 4 Best Practices

 We have witnessed a widespread rise in laser cutting technology over the last few years. The Laser cutting machines enable you to process a wide range of materials and thickness size in a short period of time. Two major factors that are responsible for the popularity of laser-cutting machines are accuracy and affordability.

This growing popularity indicates that more people have started availing benefits of the machine. With new users in the market, it is crucial for them to be aware of the safety issues while working with the machine. The hazards associated with laser cutting include the possibility of fire and the generation of harmful products that can cause damage to eyes and skin. It is also advisable to purchase machines that deliver safe solutions. Most of the machines that are secure have Mitsubishi spare parts or Fanuc spare parts installed in them.

This post discusses 4 best practices while using a laser machine to prevent hazards.

Beware of Unknown Materials

Generally, people believe that they can use the laser machine only for cutting wood or metal. On purchasing one, they realize that they can also use it for a variety of materials like paper, cardboard, glass, fabric, stones, etc. Once you cut materials like wood or fabric using a laser, fumes emerge which gets blown away with the help of the machine’s exhaust fan. However, the deadly fumes from materials like PVC plastic are hard to remove. The heated fumes from such materials have a harmful effect on the human body if inhaled. It is necessary to be aware of the type of materials before even purchasing the material.

Know Your Machine in and Out

Staying aware is the first step to safety. After you purchase a machine, thoroughly read and understand the manual of the machine. Keep yourself informed about how to operate the machine and what are the safety requirements that you and your employees need to follow. Machines that use Mitsubishi spare parts or Fanuc spare parts have safety manuals and safety training. Once you acquaint yourself with that ask the experts for any doubts.

Cleanliness is a Priority

In any machine, cleanliness and safety go hand in hand. If you keep the machine and the surrounding clean, you reduce the risk of possible hazards. Laser machines release the dust particles from the materials that you cut. These leftover materials, dirt and debris are likely to cause a fire. Regularly cleaning the space reduces the risk of accidents.

Stay Alert When the Machine is Working

A major error that a lot of users make is to leave the machine unsupervised when the cutting process is running. This is because if the project is large, it might take more time and nobody can stand in front of it till the end of the process. Sometimes, the high-intensity beam of laser produces high temperatures. This can even cause fire if the power setting is set too high. You can avoid this if you continuously supervise the laser cutting job. If one operator is away, another employee can take care of the work meanwhile.  

Quick tips

• Do not use materials that are highly flammable, explosive or produce toxic byproducts.  
• Do not cut a material that your manufacturer doesn’t approve. 
• Make sure you are wearing your safety glasses to protect yourself from eye burn.
• Do not look directly into the laser beam
• Do not disable the safety features of the system.

Final Remarks

Caution is the parent of safety. Even when you purchase a laser machine, check for safety requirements. There are machines, for instance, those made up of Mitsubishi spare parts or Fanuc spare parts. And safety is one of the most important factors.  After purchasing always be aware and keep in mind these points to prevent any risk.

Stay Safe!

Source: https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/laser-cutter-safety-4-best-practices

How to Reduce Laser Cutting Costs?

Laser cutting is a #1 choice in the manufacturing industry, leather industry, electronic sector, medical sector, etc. as it offers both a cost-effective and high accuracy cutting solution. Laser cutting is a method of piercing material with a laser beam to melt the material for a clean finish. This technology allows you to carry out customized work, and higher volume jobs. And with laser machines that use Amada parts and Trumpf parts, you can maximize your productivity and cater to the needs of the customers in the best possible way.

Laser cutting is effective for your business but there are times you might feel that it is not cost-efficient. However, this is not the case. You can significantly reduce the laser cutting costs in some simple ways.  Discover the ways to reduce laser cutting costs.

1. Create a Prototype

Your finances can go for a toss if you directly start the process of laser cutting for the entire product and do not get the desired results. Because if you dislike the end-product, you will have to make another one and this means investing again.

Creating a prototype simply means creating a mock-up. For those who use laser cutting for the first time might have questions regarding the result they will get. Luckily, there is an easy and cost-effective method available to evaluate the product- creating a prototype. It is possible to digitally make a prototype of your design. You can do this by printing the design considering every aspect like space, and shape onto a paper. This is a cost-effective way to give you a clear idea about how your end-product might look.  It will save you from spending extra if the outcome fails.

2. Grouping and Nesting

Eliminating space in the design helps to reduce cost. There are two ways to do this:

Grouping- is a laser-cutting technique that helps to reduce waste. It is a good way to increase efficiency and reduce cost. This method allows you to put the pieces into clusters which increases the efficiency of the laser work. Moreover, it also reduces the laser head must travel to make the next cut thus giving circular cuts. Now, rounded lines are necessary but expensive. There this method by accommodating circular cuts will save you money. 

Nesting- just like grouping; nesting is a method to reduce waste. This technique by rearranging the pieces you want to cut gives them a common edge which in turn creates less space. By placing complementary lines together, the edge becomes one. So, if the design includes common straight lines, you will have to cut the line only once. This reduces the amount spent on cutting. 

3. Keep a Check on Maintenance

Some people mistake maintenance for repair. Repair means to fix a machine while maintenance is all about checking if the machine is running smoothly. Proper maintenance is necessary to reduce the overall expenses. But it involves some investment and therefore some operators skip maintenance at certain intervals if their machine shows no sign of damage and works as usual. This is a risky decision. Suppose your machine stops working suddenly due to lack of proper maintenance and you have to let go of a good offer on hand because it will take 5 more days to repair the machine. 

To avoid this, closely follow the maintenance guide. Secondly, invest in quality spare parts for better functioning of your machine. For instance, laser machines using Amada parts and Trumpf parts are reliable and of high-quality.

Summing Up

This goes out to show that reducing the extra expense on a laser machine is not as difficult as it seems. Moreover, the choice of materials and spare parts can also decrease the price of laser technology. If you use spare parts from popular brands like Amada parts and Trumpf parts, you will be able to enjoy the extra cash that remains in your pocket.

Source: https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/how-to-reduce-laser-cutting-costs