All about CNC laser engraving machines. Choosing a laser power for cutting metal depending on the material How to choose a laser engraving machine

Facebook Twitter Linkedin Reddit Word to Clean HTML ConverterWord Editor HTML Undo New page indentation compress encoding option ico option2 option3 option4 option5 option6 option7 option8Clean Powerful larger models of two-phase motors are more suitable for moving heavy machine parts. For example, on the Wattsan 2030 Flat Bed machine, the heavy and massive portal of the machine is driven by two-phase motors. And the lightweight cutting head moves along the X-axis with a fast and precise three-phase stepper motor.

EQUIPMENT: END SENSORS

Sensors on laser machines are either mechanical or inductive. Mechanical ones lose because they have low accuracy and are sensitive to dirt, while working on a laser is dust, and in some cases dirt. The sensor is designed for a certain number of operations. If you save on this, perhaps one day it will not work and the working head will fly into the body with all its might. You will have to change the head, the carriage, the rail guide, especially if you saved on this too.

EQUIPMENT: CHILLER

Usually comes with a pump. Why chiller? In general, this is a topic for a separate issue. In short: the pump drives water, and the chiller also cools it, and for tubes above 80 W, this is highly recommended. Moreover, the choice of model depends not only on the power of the tube, but also on the temperature in the room where the machine is located. The chiller also provides more reliable and uninterrupted operation of the laser tube, since, unlike the popma, it has a sealed circuit, that is, dirt does not get into the water and the water will remain clean longer. We recommend using original S&A industrial chillers.

EQUIPMENT: GARBAGE TRAY

When you cut products on a machine without a honeycomb table, small parts and trimmings will fall down: either into a special pallet, or simply inside the machine. It is much easier to get and shake out the pallet than to collect it all from the machine.

ROOM

It should allow you to put the machine itself, store the material and, if necessary, saw it. If you have conditional 25m2, then if you put a machine 2000x3000 mm, you will simply have nowhere to store the material. If you put 1610 in the same place, then, for example, plexiglass seems to have somewhere to store it, but there is nowhere to cut it. If the room is very small, right next to 1610, then plywood can be stored vertically against the wall and cut on the same 1610 without additional processing. If you take 6090, then the same room will not be enough, no matter how paradoxical it may be. Because the same plywood needs to be not only stored somewhere, but also sawn. And the cut, again, results in additional expenses. You need a parquet floor, you need a person who will saw, or if it is one operator, this is additional time that he will spend, plus there will be a lot of garbage, you need a vacuum cleaner and cleaning. Can one person do it all? That is, it is not a fact that in the end the 6090 will cost less in operation than the 1610. Even in the first month, taking into account all these factors. All this you need to calculate, look at and take into account, but we by no means claim that 1610 is better than 6090 or vice versa. You just need to take into account all the features that are in your particular situation. By the way, in addition to looking at the room purely from an economic point of view, do not forget about the physical ability to simply bring the machine there, ground it, draw it out, and it is desirable to provide at least half a meter of space around it for ease of maintenance. Do not forget about the floors when choosing a room, it is desirable that they be even.

PRICE

The price, of course, first of all, consists of everything that we have listed above, as well as from additional equipment, that is, everything is included here: the body, the tube, the control system and the size of the working field, the ignition unit, power supplies, engines, drivers, are there EMI filters, RCDs, fittings, what kind of hood, rotary device, the presence of a camera and other additional functions. And there are a lot of such parameters. But besides this, the price also depends on which company you will buy the machine from: on the volume of its sales, logistics, and so on. Here the question comes to the fore: “Where to buy and what to look for from supplier companies?”.

WHERE TO BUY?

The market for machine tools is developing very fast now. Essentially, you have several options:

• aliexpress,
• used machine market
• do it yourself,
• branded machines.

There are machines for 100,000, and there are for 300,000. There are for 800,000, and there are for 1,800,000. It's like a car: there is L * d * K * lin * for 500,000 rubles, and there is Skoda * Oct * Via, which costs twice as much. They have the same functionality: moving from point A to point B. Let’s say you need to drive 200,000 km, and both will fulfill their function, it’s just that L * da K * lina has a much higher probability that somewhere along a third point will appear along the way, maybe not even one: it will be necessary to repair the engine, change the gearbox or something else. It's the same on the machines: you can take the conditional L * du K * lin in the world of machines and hope that it will not break. But then you need to be aware that when you take an order on such a machine, there is a big risk of losing the order, and making yourself additional problems with repairs and searching for components that are difficult to find if they are from some Noname. That is, if you need HIWIN or PMI guides, everyone knows that they are easy to find, because it is a brand and its components are always available. And if you saved money and took the Chinese Noname, and it broke down, you look at its model, and there “ao05559v32230” and try to find it on the Internet. What are the advantages of aliexpress, the used market and DIY, that is, home-made machines? Mostly at a low price. But the disadvantages are that they, as a rule: do not have any support and service and there is a high risk of breakage. That is, in the end, such a purchase may turn out to be even more expensive than a normal branded machine. If you are inclined to buy a machine from an authorized dealer, you find several companies and already choose from them based on their expertise and reliability. If the company is not reliable, then there is no point in discussing the configuration and choosing a machine.

How to evaluate the reliability of a company?

First of all, it should be possible to go to the warehouse and test the machines in practice on those materials and layouts that you want to use in your production. In general, if the company, in principle, has a warehouse, this is already a plus. If there are machines and components available, this is another point in favor of the fact that the company is serious. So she has regular sales and a good reputation. It's a good idea to visit the clients of this company, if possible. Talk, ask how the machines showed themselves in work, how the company proved itself in the process of cooperation. It is also worth paying attention to whether it has a warranty and service? You definitely need to talk with managers to understand how much they generally understand the topic, are they competent in advising you and do you need to listen to them at all? Well, of course, look at the configuration of the proposed machines, what components the company uses. Whether she is the official representative of the brand or just resells Chinese consumer goods. For example, Wattsan is not only a brand, it is a specific factory that values ​​its name and reputation, and under this brand, official dealers (listed on the brand’s website) always sell machines only from this factory. In addition to all of the above, you can ask a couple of additional questions: What are the qualifications of the service department, if any? Is there a commissioning of the machine and training of your employees to work on it? How long does it take to set up a machine? How is the seller's logistics set up? What are the delivery times and costs? What is the service life of the machine when fully loaded? Also specify the price and delivery time of consumables, sooner or later you will still need them.

Conclusion

We hope this review was helpful to you. Yes, it is huge, we tried to take into account a large number of opinions and advice from experts and engineers, but even so, far from everything fit. Buy quality machines, surround yourself with beautiful and functional things, become experts and professionals in what you do. Laserkat, with you for a long time!

Laser engraver ( CNC laser engraving machine ) - unique and multifunctional equipment, its main tasks are cut and engraving (marking) material. The uniqueness of this equipment lies in the variety of processed materials - glass, acrylic, wood, plastic, veneer, fabric, leather, rubber, cardboard, artificial stone and much more.

Laser engraving machines appeared about 25 years ago and immediately became widespread, quickly going beyond its main field of application - woodworking. Powerful and exact, safe and high speed equipment will be indispensable in any production.

What is CNC?

CNC- computer numerical control- in other words, this type of equipment has software installed that simplifies the process of working on it. The task of the operator is to select a pattern for engraving, set its dimensions and specify the material for work - then the machine will start engraving according to the specified parameters.

Why laser?

Not just an expression "laser" came to mean something powerful and precise. Laser - the energy of the light flux, a living example of the accuracy of radiation.

The combination of laser, optics, computer and automated control in one machine guarantees a high processing result, and increases the efficiency of production, relative to the use of mechanical technology.

Here are some reasons why you should choose laser engraver:

• Possibility to use material of any hardness.
• Maximum precision in cutting and engraving.
• The closed case provides full safety of the operator.
• Modern and clear interface.
• Virtually waste-free production.

How to choose the right laser engraving machine?

There are several configuration options, depending on the task, indicators such as: working surface area, laser power and laser tube.

Therefore, do not rush to choose laser engraving machines, our company will help to take into account all the nuances when choosing equipment and choose the right equipment, based on the needs of your production for maximum efficiency and the desired result.

The price of laser equipment depends on the technical characteristics, power and performance. Therefore, absolutely everyone can buy a laser machine, both a large production site and an amateur for a hobby.

How is laser engraving applied?

In laser equipment, the light from the emitter passes through the lens and becomes finally focused. The generated laser beam has a high energy content, which can penetrate any material. Due to the high temperature, the laser beam evaporates the material at the point of contact, leaving a cavity of the size and depth you need on the surface.

In order for the laser not to burn through the engraved material, it is necessary to choose its power correctly. Laser engraving is clearly visible on the surface and does not deform over time.

What is a CNC laser engraving machine made of?

	Coordinate table The coordinate table of the laser machine is designed for precise positioning of the focusing element relative to the product. For precise and smooth movement of moving elements, guides are installed on the frame. The durability of the laser engraving machine and the load on the driving part of the structure depend on their quality. Both toothed belts and ball screws can act as a drive that transmits force from motors to moving parts. The portal moves along rail guides due to a belt drive driven by a microstepping motor. A carriage with a focusing system moves along the portal, which is driven by a belt drive from a microstepping motor mounted on the right side of the portal.
	flying optics To get laser radiation to a given point, a system of mirrors is installed on the moving parts of the coordinate table. To prevent the beam energy from being scattered, the mirror is made of a special material and polished with high precision, or coated with a composition that reduces scattering. After the first, fixed mirror has reflected the beam, it hits the second, movable mirror, reflecting the beam, it again changes its trajectory at a right angle, directing the laser beam to the third mirror, which reflects it into the focusing element - the lens. Depending on the power of the radiating element, the diameter of the beam at the exit from it can reach ten millimeters. The lens focuses the beam energy into a spot with a diameter of only two tenths of a millimeter. All the energy emitted by the laser tube ends up in this tiny speck.
	Desktop It is lifting (in the standard configuration of the machine it is lifted manually, in others it is automated), windows are located in front and behind the machine for pulling material (through table) - please note that not all machines have a through table. Desktop types: Aluminum slats are the preferred table for laser cutting and engraving. Material can be placed on fewer lamellas, which will reduce material contact on the back and minimize marks that will bounce off the sipes. The slats, unlike the honeycomb table, leave marks on the back of the material much smaller.
	honeycomb table used for cutting small items, woven and other materials. (supplied as an option)
	needle table used as an additional equipment as a reference (contact) surface for through cutting of sheet materials. It consists of a base and thin pointed metal rods (needles) protruding from it. (supplied as an option)
	Laser tube (lamp) The laser tube is a glass bulb with 3 internal cavities. The inner and outer cavity are filled with a mixture of CO2-N2-He gases, the middle cavity is designed to cool the laser tube with water. On the edges of the inner cavity there are electrodes (Anode and Cathode), to which an electric current is supplied from a high voltage unit. When current is applied, laser radiation occurs.
	High voltage block (Pumping block). This is the power supply of the laser tube, which creates a high voltage charge, which allows the laser tube to generate a laser beam. Allows the ignition mechanism to operate. It raises the voltage until the discharge begins (that is, until the current flows from the cathode to the anode). The main characteristics of the current transmitted from the high voltage unit to the laser tube are voltage and current. Voltage (kV) is the work of transferring electrical charge from the cathode to the anode. Different laser tubes have different required ignition voltage. The laser tubes have the characteristic "Ignition voltage" and "Operating voltage". “Ignition voltage” is the work that allows you to “connect” the cathode and anode of the laser tube so that current flows from the cathode to the anode. Once a connection has been established, the voltage is reduced and the laser tube operates at a reduced voltage called "Operating Voltage". Current (mA) is the amount of charge transferred in 1 unit of time. Increasing the current increases the amount of charge carried through the laser tube.
	Air compressor Comes with any laser machine. Provides ventilation for the cut. To obtain a cut surface with a minimum of burn marks.
	Extraction system The standard configuration of the machine includes an exhaust fan, air pump, corrugated sleeves. The corrugated sleeve is connected to a common hood to eliminate smoke or goes out the window.
	Cooling system Water cooling system. The machine is equipped with a water cooling system as standard. The cooling process of the laser lamp is very important, because it protects the lamp from overheating and from rapid failure. Water circulates and removes heat. Water circulation is provided by a submersible pump, which is included in the delivery set of the machine. It should be noted that next to the machine there should always be a container with distilled water (volume not less than 15 liters), into which the pump is immersed, connected with a hose to the laser tube.
	There is an additional cooling system - Chiller. It prolongs the life of the laser engraving machine.
	Laser machine software and controller. The control system of a laser machine is its brain. It is she who processes the file loaded into her memory, controlling the engines, laser and peripheral devices.
	An additional option in the form of a rotary device. A rotary device is a special mechanism installed on a CNC laser machine, which is designed to rotate workpieces at various angles during processing. The rotary device replaces the turning unit and consists of a cylindrical movable clamp fixed on the frame of the laser machine, and an emphasis - centralizer (tailstock) moving on a slide. The rotary axis is driven by a stepper motor.

Examples of the operation of a laser engraving machine:

Engraving		cutting

What materials can be processed and cut by CNC laser engraving machine?

Laser engraving is an exciting process. Some perceive it as an interesting hobby, others see it as an opportunity for self-realization, and for others it is a profitable niche for making money. Drawing drawings on the surface is carried out contactlessly, using a laser. Its beam easily handles hard surfaces. In this case, the image is resistant to erasure.

AliExpress has complex CNC engravers and mini versions of machines for home use. Inexpensive installations are usually connected to a computer. They are not suitable for PVC and bare metals. But with wood, glass and cardboard, they do an excellent job. For metal surfaces, you will need engravers with a solid state laser. In the rating you will find all the listed options.

The Best All-Purpose Laser Engravers

The category includes engravers that use laser diode technology. They are suitable for painting on the surface of wood, plastic, paper, cardboard, leather, glass, rubber and aluminum using chemical etching. However, when choosing a laser engraver on Aliexpress, you need to understand that the quality of its work will largely depend on the level of technical preparedness of the user. Machines may come unassembled. Yes and with oft often have to be “filed” or completely replaced.

Conclusion: if you need a laser engraver that you can take out of the box and start burning right away, then Chinese equipment is not the best choice. But if you are ready to make some efforts to fine-tune the machine from the Middle Kingdom to the mind, and at the same time save a lot of money - welcome to AliExpress!

4 MOSKI-MSQ Laser AS-5

The optimum ratio of price and quality
Price on Aliexpress: from 23,900.09 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.7

An engraver with a laser powerful enough to work on wood, metal alloys, acrylic, cardboard and other materials. It has good speed and better build quality. The machine is installed easily. Even a beginner will cope with the task. The frame is strong, aluminum and metal parts are of high quality. Some of the plastic elements are 3D printed. Working area - 14x20 cm. The seller from Aliexpress sends the software on a USB flash drive. There are no problems with him.

Of the minuses in the reviews, they mention the absence of a mechanism for fixing the workpiece on the platform, but this drawback is easily eliminated. There are questions about the stability of the equipment. The issue is solved by connecting the fan to an independent power source. In this case, the laser engraver starts to work at full capacity. In general, the model is the best relatively inexpensive version of a laser engraver for universal use.

3 WOLIKE Mini 3000mW

Best for woodwork
Price on Aliexpress: from 10,463.83 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.7

This laser engraver creates the most detailed pictures. Moreover, not only contour drawings are good for him, but also photos with various tonal transitions. It is intended for woodworking. Handles soft and hard rocks easily. For plywood, you need to select settings. Metal is not suitable as a basis for engraving. The working field is relatively large - 50x65 cm. Such dimensions are sufficient for the implementation of most projects. The model works in two modes - as an engraver and as a CNC milling cutter.

After assembling the machine, you need to install programs and drivers. Equipment control and all process settings are carried out only through the software. The user can change the power and speed of the laser. The set is complete. The Aliexpress seller even sends eye protection goggles. Of the shortcomings mentioned in the reviews, most often there are complaints about the cooling system - it is not thought out here. An additional fan installation solves this issue.

2 FEUNGSAKE 4050

Better work area adjustment
Price on Aliexpress: from 10,738.39 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8

PU-device with an expandable working area. The maximum area increases to 100x100 cm. With Aliexpress, the machine is supplied in several modifications. The most inexpensive models have a laser beam power of 500 mW, engraving machines with a power of 1,600–5,500 mW and 15 W will cost more. The seller sends the instruction and software by e-mail or puts it in the parcel along with the machine, having previously written it to a USB flash drive.

Among the shortcomings, buyers note the insufficient rigidity of the frame ribs. The profile from which they are made, in reality looks more flimsy than in the photo. The rest of the reviews about this lot are positive. Users note that they are satisfied with the purchase.

1 MOSKI-MSQ CNC-2418

Most beginner friendly
Price on Aliexpress: from 6,905.74 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9

The miniature CNC machine CNC-2418 comes from China, like most of its "brothers", disassembled. The buyer receives a set of parts and detailed assembly instructions - a kind of constructor. Software and drivers are included, only they are on the disk. The seller from Aliexpress did not guess to write the software on the USB flash drive. But the good news is that this laser engraver works great with standard NC codes. For beginners, this is a serious plus, because you can use templates from the ArtCam program.

Please note that this model is mainly used for wood engraving. Suitable also for work on acrylic, plastic, leather, linoleum. All kinds of metals are too tough for her. The working area is small - 24cmx30cm. The laser power can be selected from 3 options (500 mW, 2500 mW, 5500 mW). Given the cost of the equipment, we can confidently say that this is one of the best laser engravers to start with.

The best mini laser engravers

The section presents inexpensive and compact "probes" of serious engraving machines. For 50-100 dollars on Aliexpress you can buy a mini-engraver with good functionality. These models use an inexpensive laser module that, in most cases, cannot operate for more than a few hours a day. For commercial use, this option is not suitable.

These engravers do not have rotating mechanisms, there is no vacuum table, so when working with uneven surfaces, you have to pervert with clamps. Save the Chinese and the cooling system. And this leads to premature failure of the mechanism. Electronics is the cheapest here, you can't expect much from it. Conclusion: inexpensive laser engravers should be used carefully, avoid overheating. But they give room for a flight of thought about the improvement of equipment.

3KKMOON Engraving Machine

Automatic laser power adjustment
Price on Aliexpress: from 7,370.92 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.6

This laser engraver is not fast. It would be naive to believe that an inexpensive CNC machine will engrave like a meteor. Its advantages are affordable price and ease of management. There is no need for complex settings to adjust the laser power. It is enough to select the type of material, and the program itself will determine which laser beam can handle it.

Before starting work, it is necessary to free the moving parts of the machine from the foam and other transport fasteners. Then they check the fastening of the laser head with a complete key (after all, the screws could loosen on the road). And after installing the software, the laser engraver is ready to work. The heat sink of this model is not bad, but it cannot work around the clock. After half an hour of work, you need a rest. The machine has a protective wall, but still, during the operation of the laser, the eyes must be protected with glasses.

2 Meterk DK-BL

Good working accuracy
Price on Aliexpress: from 7,553.95 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8

Desktop engraving machine with Bluetooth technology and USB cable connection. You can control the laser engraver via a smartphone or tablet on the Android OS (via Bluetooth), as well as via a PC (USB connection). This is a mini hobby machine. Do not use it for more than half an hour without a break. Otherwise, the laser head will overheat. It can be used for drawing on wooden, plastic, bamboo, rubber, leather surfaces. Not suitable for metal and acrylic.

Buyers of the Aliexpress trading platform in the reviews praise its packaging and readiness to work immediately after receipt. Just install the driver. There are complaints about the operation of the laser beam adjustment ring. But overall, this compact engraver is the best tool for learning the principles of laser engraving and for creativity.

1 Neje 1000 MW

Optimal price and stable performance
Price on Aliexpress: from 4,393.83 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9

If you have an irresistible desire to practice decorating things with laser engraving, but you are not ready to spend all your free money on this hobby, take a closer look at this budget laser engraver model with the best features for this price category. This practical machine is great for DIY engraving. It has a strong frame, a good laser head, high print speed and support for several types of materials: wood, bamboo, plastic, leather, cardboard.

The kit comes with a user manual and software on a USB flash drive. Working area - 38x38 mm, laser power - 1000 MW. The engraver works flawlessly. With care, it will last a long time. This is the best model for home use.

The best professional laser machines

Professional laser machines are used for engraving, marking and cutting various materials. These can be both gas models and solid-state laser engravers. The first type of equipment will be cheaper. But its scope is wood engraving and other non-metal materials. If metal processing is required, then a fiber laser is needed. With enough power, it can not only engrave metal surfaces, but also cut metal.

3 Hauser HCZ 6090

The most versatile machine
Price on Aliexpress: from 126,954.79 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.6

This gas engraving machine is designed for professional use, but can also be useful for hobby use. The equipment provides high quality of work. It is available for processing a wide range of materials. Engraves and cuts wood, plastic, leather, ceramics, stones. A big plus of this lot is that the machine comes assembled with Aliexpress. It's ready to go almost out of the box. This is a fast and reliable technique that fully pays for its cost.

The size of the working field is 90x60 cm. The laser power is adjustable from 60 to 130 watts. The cooling system works flawlessly. The maximum cutting thickness is 20 mm. There are no wearing parts in this model, which has a positive effect on the life of the engraver. Maintainability is high. Such a machine is an excellent solution for business projects related to engraving.

2Lcspr 4040 50W

High operating speed
Price on Aliexpress: from 50,793.20 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.7

One of the fastest laser engravers in its class. The model is suitable for applying a tonal pattern on various materials - glass, wood, ceramics, leather, PVC, plastic. This model cannot be used for metal work. From the point of view of the range of work performed, this is a universal machine. It can do both surface marking and volumetric engraving. The unit is suitable for intensive use and for mass production.

The working area is medium in size - 40x40 cm. The base of the engraver is equipped with a convenient mobile mechanism, so the machine is easy to move around the workshop. The package bundle is not the richest, but everything you need for work comes in the package with Aliexpress. With a high quality of engraving, the machine can boast of an affordable price. Plus, the seller promises technical support to buyers.

1 Hauser HCZ 30W

Best fiber laser
Price on Aliexpress: from 188,680.11 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8

This machine differs from inexpensive gas laser engravers by the principle of operation. It is a solid-state model with stable power. The beam intensity here is one of the highest among state employees, and it does not fall during long-term operation of the equipment. This laser engraver is the best for metal work. It also processes plastic, coated metal surfaces. The price on Aliexpress for a machine of this type is very attractive.

The equipment is universal - suitable for engraving and cutting metal. It provides high accuracy and good speed. The manufacturer uses the best quality components. The assembly is reliable. The seller with Aliexpress also assumes customs obligations, which means that the buyer does not have to make additional payments.

This is one of the most modern technologies used not only in production, but also in small workshops. This method, with the correct selection of the type of equipment, is suitable for almost all metals, it allows you to do ordinary and artistic (curly) cutting. To achieve good results, it is necessary to navigate the technologies and principles of operation of this equipment.

Laser power for cutting metal blanks of various thicknesses

Cutting with a laser beam is thermal, which makes it possible to achieve accuracy that almost completely eliminates the need for further processing. To increase efficiency, various gases are used: oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, hydrogen, helium, argon. The choice depends on the type of material, the thickness of the workpiece, plans for subsequent processing. If very high temperatures are required for cutting, oxygen is used. Only argon is suitable for working with zirconium or titanium.

Any laser equipment consists of:

• a mechanism (system) that provides energy supply;
• a body that generates a beam (solid, fiber, in the form of a mixture of gases);
• mirrors (resonator).

Solid-state laser equipment contains a diode and a rod made of ruby, neodymium, or garnet. In fiber lasers, the element that generates the beam (sometimes the resonator) is an optical fiber. Gas equipment uses gases or their mixtures. Power and scope completely depend on the type of equipment:

• solid (for brass, copper, aluminum and alloys from it) - 1-6 kW;

• gas - up to 20 kW;

• CO 2 lasers (for any thin metal blanks) - 600-8000 kW;
• gas-dynamic - from 150 kW.

For cutting metal, the laser power is 450-500 W (except for non-ferrous metals, which require from 1 kW). This method is most effective when the thickness of the workpieces, the thickness of which does not exceed 6 mm. At 20-40 mm, laser equipment is rarely used. For thick metal, laser cutting (from 40 mm) is almost never found.

Dependence of power on the thickness of the workpiece

Type of metal	Workpiece thickness (mm)	Power, W)
Steel (alloyed, carbon)
Stainless steel
aluminum alloys

For the processing of alloyed and carbon steel, oxygen is used as an auxiliary element, for stainless steel - nitrogen with a pressure of up to 20 atmospheres. Non-ferrous metals and aluminum are characterized by high thermal conductivity and low absorption of the laser beam. For cutting these materials, a solid-state laser operating in pulsed mode is used.

Important! For cutting metal with a thickness of 1mm, the choice of laser power depends on the type of material. For steel, 100 watts is enough, for titanium, 600 watts are needed.

Laser Diode for Metal Cutting

The metal cutting laser diode is a semiconductor laser designed according to the principle of a p-n homostructural diode. The semiconductor is a plate, the top layer of which creates the n-region (negative), the bottom - the p-region (positive). The p-n junction is relatively large and flat. The ends on the sides serve as resonators. A photon that moves perpendicularly is reflected from the ends several times, only then it can exit.

In the process of passing along the ends, new photons are created, the radiation is amplified, and beam generation begins. At the time of exit, it strongly diverges, therefore it is collected by lenses. Laser diodes for metal cutting with high power (10 micrometers) additionally emit carbon dioxide (CO 2).

Important! Equipment of this type is characterized by increased productivity, relatively low cost.

CO 2 laser (carbon dioxide) for metal cutting

Carbon dioxide lasers have characteristics that make them ideal for industrial cutting. The first is long infrared waves, ideal for heating. The second is high efficiency (from 30%). The use of carbon dioxide makes the cut smoother (compared to fiberglass equipment). The scope of application is expanding, investments quickly pay off.

The disadvantage of CO 2 laser for cutting metal is the need for optical mirrors equipped with sapphire elements and gold. In addition, this kind of equipment requires a high electrical discharge during the beamforming step. For cutting metal (stainless steel, aluminium) 2 mm thick, 160 W power is sufficient if this type of laser is used. With an increase in power up to 200 W, it is possible to cut sheets with a thickness of 3 mm.

The active medium consists of a mixture of carbon dioxide, helium, neon. Depending on what laser power is needed for metal cutting, xenon or hydrogen can be added. The proportions also change, based on the requirements for the properties of the beam, but the volume of CO 2 does not exceed 20%. This type of equipment is available on the market with a power of 1 kW, 3-5 kW and 10 kW.

Metal Cutting Laser Wavelength

The absorption of a laser beam by a material is significantly affected by the qualities of the wave: length and spectrum. The wavelength of a metal cutting laser depends entirely on the type of material. If we consider a fiber laser, then one of its nodes creates a beam with a wave of 1 micron (millimicron). If a longer beam is required, a combiner is used to combine the beams of several modules. The indicators of solid models differ little - the wavelength is also 1 μm. These types of lasers are ideal for cutting almost all types of metals (even noble ones). For cutting metal (stainless steel) 20 mm fiber laser power - from 2 kW.

In carbon dioxide lasers, the wavelength reaches 10.6 microns, which creates a higher density on the treated surface. This type of equipment is used for cutting glass, wood, fiberglass, demonstrating high cutting quality even with large thickness.

When choosing equipment, it is not enough to study the technical characteristics: the type of emitter, power, wavelength, accuracy and quality of the cut. It is important to accurately determine the requirements of a particular production. The laser power for cutting metal (for example, stainless steel) with a thickness of 3 mm cannot be lower than 500 W. Otherwise, productivity will decrease, the material will overheat. At first glance, a CO 2 laser of the required power may be suitable. But in this case, it is necessary to take into account the wavelength, which is not quite suitable for metal blanks.

Advice! In order not to be mistaken, before buying, you need to accurately calculate everything or consult with a qualified specialist.

In Russia, you can buy laser machines from different manufacturers - from China, South Korea, the USA, and Europe, namely Germany and Austria. Russian manufacturers have occupied the market mainly of fiber marking stations or, in other words, galvo systems for metal and plastic processing.

In order to choose reliable equipment and suitable for your tasks, you should consider the following aspects:

• Machine build quality: What material is the emitter made of, what is the X-axis guide made of, is there any technology to preserve the service life of the machine, what is the duration of the warranty from the manufacturer.

• Processing speed. Speed ​​directly affects productivity and, accordingly, the cost of the finished product. Therefore, we advise you to specify when buying a laser machine how long cutting or engraving will take for your tasks.
• Ease of laser control

Machine build quality

Let's start with laser emitters, since this is the most basic part of laser machines. The quality of processing depends on them.

There are different types of emitters, or in other words, tubes, but gas CO2 is mainly used (for processing paper, wood, fabric, glass, etc.) and fiber (for cutting and marking plastics and metal).

Particular attention should be paid to what material the gas emitters are made of. Since the gas is a volatile substance, the worse the workmanship of the emitter, the lower the quality of laser engraving and cutting, the slower the work process and the higher the cost of buying new tubes.

There are glass emitters (mainly in Chinese-made machines), metal emitters (produced by Synrad, USA) or ceramic emitters (Iradion, USA).

The difference is not only in price: glass ones are the cheapest, metal and ceramic ones are more expensive. But the most important thing is the difference in the resource of work and processing power. A glass tube has about 1.5-2 thousand hours. Due to high-voltage heating, the emitter is deformed during operation and the gas escapes through microcracks in the housing. Power and processing speed drops sharply. The gas mixture comes out even when the machine is turned off. Therefore, the indicated number of hours is the duration of the existence of the emitter after the first start of the machine. Glass emitters will have to be bought several times a year, the cost of a one-time purchase is about 10,000 -40,000 rubles, depending on the power. These are already expenses of 50 - 200 thousand rubles a year!

In terms of power, it should be noted that glass emitters low energy density of laser radiation. Deformation of the tube during the operation of the machine leads to a “trembling” of the beam on the product. The laser becomes non-concentrated, the radiation occurs with periodic power peaks (multimode). The result is poor-quality cutting with charred edges. At the same time, the speed is also sharply reduced. Therefore, the declared power of the glass emitter differs from the real one in operation - the laser cuts and engraves more and more slowly with each turn on of the machine.

Metal emitters are made with a hermetic case. The service life of a metal emitter is about 45-50 thousand hours. The radiation of these emitters, as well as ceramic ones, is monomode, concentrated - a layer of material is evaporated only under the laser, without affecting neighboring layers (cutting and engraving are obtained without charring and deformation). As you can see, the quality of processing with metal emitters is much higher than with glass emitters.

Ceramic emitters made with electrodes outside, not inside the case. This reduces the presence of process seams through which gas escapes. Another important advantage is that the walls of ceramic radiators are thicker, so pumping more gas mixture into the tube, which increases the service life of such radiators by about two times than even for metal ones. Namely - 90,000 hours, about 10 years of operation of the machine.

Metal and ceramic emitters are refilled with gas, while the quality of the radiation remains the same. Glass need to buy new.

When using Trotec laser machines with a gas emitter in a metal case, the resource is about 45,000 hours) You need to refuel the gas mixture about once every 5 years, with an emitter in a ceramic case (resource is about 90,000 hours) - once every 10 years. The cost of such a procedure is about 50,000 rubles.

If your Trotec equipment has a solid-state fiber emitter (for metals and plastics), its service life will be more than 10 years.

Before buying a laser machine, find out what materials the components are made of. Namely, the X-axis guide. The Austrian lasers are made of stainless steel, which affects the long service life of the machine. It is worse if the machine has an aluminum guide that bends over time - this reduces the quality of processing.

The reliability of the equipment depends on how well thought out and competently made the working area. Some materials, such as wood, plastic, etc., leave dust or soot when processed. If the moving parts of the machine are exposed, then you will have to clean the equipment after each job - this is time consuming and bad for the machine itself, which eventually becomes clogged and has to be repaired.

It is much better if the undercarriage of the laser machine is closed, as with Trotec lasers. The manufacturer has developed a special InPack technology to protect the drive and electronic boards from burning and dust. Therefore, the components of Austrian laser machines hardly wear out, the quality of laser cutting and engraving remains the same even after 10 years of operation.

And the last important point from the topic of equipment quality - a manufacturer's warranty. Lasers made in China and the USA usually have a warranty of up to 1 year, for Austrian ones - from 2 to 4 years + a 2-year warranty for emitters.

Processing speed

The speed of a laser machine is not just convenience, it is your company's money: higher speed - higher productivity and, accordingly, more income for a certain time. When choosing equipment, specify which drive is installed:

If microstepping, then the speed is lower and there is a limitation in the discreteness of the stroke (you cannot cut or engrave small print or images).

If the servo drive is like Trotec lasers, then the machine will run much faster (Trotec has the highest speed among other lasers on the market from 1.8 to 3.55 m/s). At the same time, it is possible to process text and images of any size with an accuracy of +/- 5 micrometers.

Ease of laser control

The program for a laser machine should be convenient and understandable for work. The convenience lies in the fact that, firstly, you can use a graphic editor familiar to you with a laser program, and secondly, the software interface should be in Russian and the program should help you work with the laser: it is desirable that there are different options for automatic selection of parameters for processing different materials (with Trotec it is called a library of parameters), for testing the system (fault diagnosis), remote control, estimation of the time for processing a batch and an important option for printing - cutting path correction during work (TrotecJobVision software with a video camera). A convenient laser program is also not a whim, it is again the company's money, since the operator will not spend time preparing templates for work and setting up the machine.

If you need advice on the selection of equipment for your center, we will be happy to help you.