Laser cutting and engraving machine: description, characteristics, principle of operation

For the cutting and engraving of metal in modern enterprises often used machines of a special kind - laser. This type of equipment in comparison with the traditional has a number of undeniable advantages. These machines are mainly used for processing small batches of blanks. In this case, cutting and engraving can be made on products made from a wide variety of materials: plastic, plexiglass, fabric, etc. But most often this type of equipment is used for processing blanks from wood and metal.

Principle of operation

The construction of such equipment as a laser cutting and engraving machine is not particularly complicated. The principle of its work is relatively simple. Preliminary, a drawing is developed for cutting or engraving the workpiece. Then the product is fixed on the table of the machine. Cutting or engraving is done using a special laser head. The mechanical contact of the cutting tool and the product does not occur. The cutting is done by a beam heated to very high temperature. In the place of cutting, the metal simply melts. At the same time, it is removed by a gas jet.

Types of laser heads

On modern machines of this type, different working tools can be used. Laser cutting is done by the heads:

• Solid state. They are made on the basis of an alumium garnet. Heating is performed using high-voltage discharge lamps. The generation mode in this case can be either pulsed or constant.

• With diode pumping. This is a relatively new type of lasers. The discharge lamps in them are replaced by powerful LEDs. Such lasers are quite expensive, but also more convenient to use, and also safe. The fact is that in this equipment there are no elements that are under high voltage.

• CO2 lasers. This type of equipment today is considered the most perfect. With its use, it is possible to cut not only steel and wood, but also, for example, aluminum, which has a high reflective capacity.

Machine table and additional options

This element in modern laser equipment usually has a through design. Such tables are convenient because on machines, supplemented by them, it is possible to process workpieces of absolutely any length.

If desired, a modern laser machine for cutting and engraving can be supplemented with various kinds of elements, greatly increasing its functionality. For example, such nodes as the lifting table, which allows to increase the height along the Z axis, rotary devices intended for engraving of cylindrical parts, honeycomb surfaces for processing blanks of very small dimensions, etc., are very popular.

CNC

Like any other production equipment, such machines can be automated using a numerical control system. Quite a high cost - this is what usually distinguishes such a laser machine. CNC, however, makes this type of equipment much more productive and convenient to use. Any mistakes in engraving and cutting on such a machine is simply impossible. After all, they are managed through a special, specially designed for this particular type of software procurement. The only case when problems can arise when using such a machine are errors in the development of drawings.

The convenience of using this type of equipment is that there is no manual work on it. The operator of the laser machine only monitors the quality of the workpieces leaving the cutter and the continuity of its work. Usually, such equipment is also supplemented by remote control.

Benefits of using

The advantages of such equipment as a laser machine for cutting and engraving, there are many. These include, first of all, that:

• Due to the absence of mechanical contact, the possibility of crushing the workpiece or the appearance of any scratches on it is excluded.

• Cutting and engraving on such equipment can be made with the highest degree of accuracy.

• Cutting during cutting of blanks is very clean. Therefore, the ends of the resulting products do not require additional processing.

• Engraving or cutting details on such machines can have absolutely any degree of complexity. Even very small elements of patterns and inscriptions on such machines go out neat and look great.

Among other things, the use of modern laser machines makes it possible to economize on the material. After all, there is almost no waste when processing blanks on such machines. Also, laser machines are valued for their small size and light weight. Install such equipment in the shop without the use of a foundation.

Main applications

Most often, such equipment as a laser cutting machine of metal or any other materials, use various kinds of companies engaged in the production of promotional products. On such equipment it is very convenient to make all kinds of stamps, seals, souvenirs, posters of complex design, etc. In addition, the laser machines make patterns for the textile industry and beautiful interior elements from different materials. The equipment of this variety is also used in the following spheres:

• Building;

• Aircraft building;

• Light industry;

• Machine-building;

• Shipbuilding.

Specifications

The parameters of laser machines, depending on the scope of use and design, can be different. Below for an example we present to your attention the table with characteristics of model RJ 1390, intended for work with wooden preparations. This is a very convenient and powerful laser machine. The CNC in it is also provided.

As you can see, this is actually a good laser machine for wood. With its use, you can make products of almost any complexity, and quite quickly.

Features of machine tools for metal

For engraving and cutting of blanks from this material, modern powerful models with a CO2 tool are usually used. The laser cutting machine can be used for working with ordinary steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper, etc. The laser beam power of such units is very large. In the modern market there is equipment of this type, designed for cutting sheets up to two centimeters thick.

For each type of metal, we develop our own cutting or engraving technology. Thus, machines designed for cutting stainless steel are usually supplemented with units responsible for treating the part with nitric acid. This substance protects the metal from oxidation and ignition due to high temperature. For copper, since this metal is very hard, machines with very powerful working tools are used. Laser cutting on such equipment is usually carried out at very low speeds. For working with copper, machine tools are used mainly with solid heads.

The easiest way is to process steel and brass on laser equipment. In this case, no additional devices are required, and the adjustment is made elementary.

The price of equipment

How much can a modern laser machine cost? The price of equipment of this type depends on many factors. Small models are in the range of 90-100 thousand rubles. For a more powerful machine, equipped with various additional devices, you will have to pay from 200 to 500 thousand rubles.

Thus, a modern laser machine for cutting and engraving - reliable, productive and high-quality equipment. Use it is advisable mainly in small and medium shops. Perhaps the cost of buying such a machine will be serious. However, equipment of this type will pay for themselves due to high speed of work and saving on material very quickly.