There is a high demand for engraving machines, especially since engraved products are used in various industries. The medical, military, electronics and electrical component, aeronautical and aerospace and mechanical machining industries all use engraved products. The application of engraving technology in many industries is amazing, like https://www.heatsign.com/7-amazing-use-cases-of-marking-technologies-across-industries/ the same is mentioned on this website. When looking for the best engraving machining or processes, fiber laser engraving is one of the names you will find in many places. The technique is unique, efficient and quite versatile, making it one of the most used methods of engraving various materials. However, despite its many benefits, fiber laser engravers cannot cover everyone’s needs. If you are looking to purchase an engraving machine, it is essential to pick one that suits your unique needs. See more at CWRresources.
What is fiber laser engraving?
Fiber lasers engraving machines are widely used in a variety of materials, so they can suit several processing requirements. Unlike other engraving methods that can only work with metals, fiber laser can place precise markings on different materials, including tough metals like iron, steel, brass and aluminum. It can also engrave other materials such as wood, plastic and cardboard. Fiber laser engraving is commonly used for tracking and tracing. It provides an accurate way to create the desired marking on your material. It also supports delicate boards and materials. Some of the merits of fiber laser engraving include:
- Cost-effective – Besides improving your product marking efficiency, fiber laser engravers can help you minimize the manufacturing cost.
- Speed – This technique can engrave and mark materials at an extremely high speed unmatched by any other method.
- User-friendly – Fiber laser engraving technique is easy to master. The engravers are very easy to use for both regular and part marking.
- Supports various materials – You can engrave all sorts of metal and non-metal materials.
- Permanent marks – Fiber lacing creates excellent permanent marks that can be used for tracing and identifying products.
- Durable – Fiber laser engravers offer a longer working life and require no maintenance. They also leave no consumables.
- Automation – You can integrate fiber laser engraving into your production line to enjoy the benefits of marking automation.
Fiber lasing provides permanent markings that can survive the most extreme environments. It is a fast, reliable method of creating marks on a wide variety of materials. As a non-contact technique, fiber laser uses fewer consumables than most processes.
Best material processing for fiber laser engraving
There are three main types of lasers available for manufacturers. These are fiber lasers, CO2 lasers and UV lasers. Each has unique advantages and shortcomings, although lasing is generally the best engraving technique. Fiber lasers are the most recent development in laser marking and rely on a solid-state laser source and require no consumables. Fiber lasing also has a very efficient cooling system. However, there are various other factors to examine before you start using your fiber laser engraver. The lasing technique, for instance, is critical as there are multiple mechanisms of laser marking. These include:
- Laser engraving
This is common in processing metal materials. It involves chipping or removing part of the material to form the marking, so the material’s specular reflection will change. The process also requires optimal speed and frequency to facilitate the evaporation. This can be achieved by using high peak power lasers with short pulses.
- Laser etching
Also known as ablation, laser etching involves removing the outer or lacquer layers (coating) to reveal the base material. It is popular in removing layers caused by oxidation and other metal materials. It does no damage to the base metal and leaves a visible marking on the metal.
- Laser annealing and color change
Laser annealing is all about changing the color of a specific spot through heating. Materials can change color when heated past a given temperature, due to oxidation. Laser color change is also popular in plastic processing, where lasers destroy the carbon on the surface to create dark markings. The technique works better with lasers that have longer pulses and retention.
- Laser foaming
Laser foaming is the opposite of laser engraving. Instead of removing part of the original material, it involves creating a localized height change. The laser beam heats the material to a given temperature that allows its constituents to foam. This creates a textured mark when the material bulges outwards.
Conclusion
- Fiber laser engravers can process various kinds of metal and non-metal materials. It all depends on what you want to achieve. There are several engravers from simple single-beam fiber lasers to complicated automated laser marking units. Engraving machines serve a unique role in the manufacturing industry and can be used with different materials for different reasons ranging from branding to marking and tracing. However, it is worth noting that your outcome is only as good as the tools and services you use. You should purchase or hire high-quality engraving machines and services if you want the best results. When in doubt whether fiber laser engraving is appropriate for your task, you can always research online or find helpful information from retailers and experts in the field, or https://www.heatsign.com/ this website can give you some help.
