What’s the Difference Between Laser Engraving, Laser Marking and Laser Cutting?

At first glance , this may seem like a common problem, but the terms are interchanged frequently. If you take the time to think about it the issue, it could create confusion for both the purchaser and equipment provider sides which can lead to mistakes and mishaps when configuring the proper equipment for the task.

I’ve been in the field of lasers since 1986, currently working with Trotec however, I’ve previously worked with various laser companies that offer both custom and standard equipment for a range of uses. Through the years, I’ve always had a close relationship with Applications Technicians, who are charged with determining the viability of a particular project and determining the right process and laser that is appropriate for the job. This is the lessons I have learned from them over time.

Laser Engraving

The most commonly used word and, as it is simple to define is that, in the process of making the design, the material is either removed or vaporized in the process. A good example of this is the CO2 laser engraving plastic for signs. It’s typically two-ply with one color, called”cap”, or “cap” laminated to a opposite color called”core “core”. The engraving process takes off from the cap, and then exposes it for an attractive sign with an appealing look. Also, engraving is used during the process of processing metals. Typically, to ensure permanence by removing material to make depth. This is usually reserved for lasers with a wavelength of 1,064nm (YAG for instance) because these types of lasers work well with metals. When engraving metals in this manner, the laser breaks the surface that is machined on the object, and corrosion or oxidation could occur because of it. This is a concern to ask during the feasibility test. “Do you need depth? If yes, do you recognize it is possible that base material might become oxidized? Based on the answer, the second option could be laser marking.

Laser Marking

The precipitation or annealing marking process is typically used for processing metal parts that have a surface. piece must remain intact. For instance, surgical implants and surgical instruments, as well as high precision bearings need this kind of marking. Laser marking uses the laser’s heat actually distributes carbon throughout the material and creates an ink mark that is jet black with just a micron-sized surface disturbance. If it is done properly, there is no oxidation or corrosion even in autoclaving or salt spray. Certain plastics, like ABS and Delrin offer beautiful contrast when processed using the 1,064nm laser. If you were to process the same material using CO2 laser, you’d receive an engraved mark without contrast. It’s dependent on the wavelength and the way it reacts to the material or the pigment contained in the materialfiber laser marking machine factory.

Laser Cutting

It is often mistaken for laser engraving but it really refers to completely cutting or sectioning shapes directly into the material. The majority of laser cutting is done using CO2 lasers since they work with the material, not the pigment contained within the material. We frequently work with acrylics that are suitable for use in signs, retail displays, as well as other purposes. When cutting, particular care is paid to smooth cuts as well as what’s known as “flame polished edges”. There are instances when high-powered pulse YAGs are utilized to cut metal, but even using these materials, CO2’s that are high-powered are the most effective at doing the job. In the world of cutting another technique that is employed is water jetting that can be very effective on stones and metal. Cutting is not always a sign of the use of heavy materials however. Some other common applications include cutting with paper, leather sectioning as well as things like gasket cutting.

Therefore knowing this fundamental terms when you’re looking for a laser, or a firm to partner with will enhance your relationship with the vendor and increase the chances of meeting your requirements and expectations.