How to Choose the Right Laser Engraving Machine for Metal Applications?

Introduction:

In the modern high-paced manufacturing environment, quality and accuracy is success. In the automotive industry, the jewelry industry or the tool making industry, or in the industrial fabrication industry, the selection of the appropriate laser engraving machine for metal work can make a monumental difference in productivity, fineness and reliability.

At Protomont technologies, we recognize that not all businesses are the same, and some will require small-scale marking, and other businesses will be in need of the heavy-duty industrial engraving. This guide is going to make you know what to choose as the best machine, what aspects are important, and why investing in the most appropriate technology guarantees you returns in the long run.

What is a Laser Engraving Machine for Metal?

A laser engraving machine for metal is a machine that utilises focused laser beams in cutting through microscopic layers of a surface to make deep permanent marks. Such machines have the ability to engrave text, barcodes, serial numbers, QR codes, complex designs onto stainless steel, aluminum, copper, brass or titanium with unprecedented precision.

Laser engraving is non-contact in contrast to the traditional engraving. That implies that there will be no wearing of tools, no scratches and no danger of deforming delicate materials hence, it is the most efficient and accurate way of marking metals.

The things to put into consideration when selecting a Laser engraving machine for metal.

1. Type of Laser Technology

Laser engraving machine for metal are applied in three broad categories:

Fiber Laser Engraving Machines: These are good to use on metals because of their high power and speed. Most suitable in industrial and commercial engraving.

CO2 Lasers: The CO2 Lasers work with non-metal material although they can be used to engrave coated or anodized metals.

UV Lasers: Ideal in fine and intricate micro-marking that needs small heat.

The gold standard in most cases of the metal engraving is the fiber laser engraving machine for metal and in the present case of Prototomont Technologies, we can offer high quality fiber laser models that are applicable in various applications.

2. Power and Speed Requirement.

The depth or speed of the engraving can be in accordance with the power output. Machines lie between 20W to 100W and more.

20W-30W: Appropriate in terms of light engraving such as jewelry, labels and serial numbers.

50W-70W: Suitable with the moderate depth of engraving and with speed.

100W+: It is intended to be used in the heavy-duty industry with more pronounced marks.

Depending on the scale and type of metal you are working with, this should be the amount of power to choose.

3. Work Area and Bed Size

Select a machine which fits the size of the components you are working with. Larger industrial parts require a more expansive working space, and you will need a larger area with which to work, and smaller companies such as jewelry or tool graver can afford a smaller tabletop.

4. Software Compatibility

The newest laser engraving machine for metals include the software like EZCAD or LightBurn which enables you to import logos, barcodes or text with ease. Always check for:

• User-friendly interface
• Support of vector files and raster files (e.g. .AI, .SVG, .DXF)
• Channeling of depth and speed of engraving.

5. Cooling and Maintenance

A liquid cooling system is essential in maintaining a standard performance and long life of the machine. Find models with air or water cooling depending on your production set up. Maintenance is also minimal, i.e. cleaning the lens most of the time and maintaining alignment.

6. Budget and ROI

Though a metal laser engraving machine may appear to be a large purchase, it will be recouped very soon with a faster production rate, no consumables and low maintenance. In any case, always evaluate the value of investment (ROI) – in terms of quality, warranty and technical support compare brands.

In Prototmont Technologies, we offer full after sales services, machine training and maintenance services so that your operations do not slack.

Frequently Asked Questions: What You Need to know Before you purchase.

• What are the metals that can be engraved using a laser engraving machine?

            Mostly, stainless steel, aluminum, gold, silver, titanium, brass, copper, and nickel can be engraved. Fiber lasers can be used on nearly all metallic surfaces.

• How is laser engraving and laser marking different?

           Laser engraving cuts a metal surface layer to produce a deep mark whereas laser marking alters the colour of a metal or oxidizes it without removing material.                Engraving is more resistant to industry.

• What is the maximum depth that etch laser engraving machine for metal will engrave?

           It is based on the force and the number of passes. On average, a 50W fiber laser can cut a depth of 0.5mm in a single pass with more powerful approaches                     capable of cutting even deeper.

• Are laser engraving machines high maintenance machines?

          Not at all. The major benefit of laser engraving machines on metal is that the machine does not need much maintenance. Cleaning and calibration should be                  done on a regular basis to assure consistency.

• Is it possible to use various metals in the same machine?

           Yes. In recent times, the engraving machines based on fiber laser have the capability of engraving most types of metals without change of tools – just turn the                 power and focus up and down.

• Is laser engraving safe to the operators?

          Yes, when used correctly. Majority of machines are packaged with protective covers and inbuilt filters to avoid being exposed to laser rays or fumes. Have safety             eyewear always on and safety instructions on the manufacturer.

What is The Reason to Select Prototont Technologies?

In Protomont technologies, we integrate innovation and precision. The variety of our laser engraving machines for metal is aimed at industries of any size such as jewellery makers and hardware manufacturers as well as industrial component manufacturers.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Fast fiber laser devices of better precision.
• Green designs and resilient designs.
• Configurable machine specifications.
• Qualified technical support and training.
• Low cost and fast pay-back.

Prototont Technologies is sure to provide you with the necessary equipment at the right price and size whether it is a compact desktop model or a heavy industrial engraver based on your business requirements.

Conclusion:

It all comes down to the knowledge of your materials, scale and quality needs of production and selecting the appropriate laser engraving machine to use on metal. Purchasing a high-performance machine that is reliable such as the ones provided at Prototont Technologies is assured to provide precision, quickness, and durability.

Are you willing to upscale your production?

Discover all types of laser engraving machines for  metal at Protomont Technologies and request a free consultation now!