How Does Laser Engraving Work
Date:2015-09-23 Author:Smart Hits
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Laser engraving is a highly effective technique used for creating artworks, and it also has industrial
applications. Explanation on how laser engraving works and information about its different
applications, form the core of this article.
The technique of laser engraving allows for etching out designs, shapes, etc., on a variety of surfaces.
Metals, plastic, wood, and even jewelry can be engraved with laser beams. The excimer laser is
commonly used for the purpose of engraving. The technology of laser engraving was first used in
the 1970s. Today, the Nd:YAG laser is commonly used to engrave metal surfaces. In case of other
surfaces like wood, plastic, rubber, etc., a CO2 laser is of common usage. The laser engraving
system and engraving services have been used for creating artworks and also in industrial applications.
Laser Engraving Technology
The different components of a laser machine which carry out the task of engraving are a controller,
laser beam, and a suitable surface. There are two types of laser machines, one in which the laser
optics move over the surface and the second in which the surface itself moves while the laser optics
remain stationary. The movement of either the laser or the surface in these machines takes place along
the X and Y axes. Some of the laser machines have both the laser beam and surface moving along the
X and Y axes, respectively.
Movement of laser optics is programmed by a controller. It is possible to control the speed of the
laser beam's movement, intensity, direction, etc. with the help of a controller. The pattern or design
of engraving can therefore be programmed into the machine. The trace of the pattern to be drawn
is programmed in such a manner that it doesn't overlap. Therefore, the engraving doesn't take place
twice on the same path;
a crisscross pattern is thus avoided.
Laser Ablation
Ablation is the process in which a particular surface is eroded by chipping, vaporization, etc. This is
not a type of burning which corrodes a surface. The laser ablation process causes the material being
engraved to actually vaporize. This vaporization takes place as a result of the action of high intensity
energy pulse. The amount of heat produced during the process of engraving is minimal. The laser pulse
is very short and causes instantaneous evaporation of the surface being engraved. It is the reason why
very less heat is produced. Finally, a finishing material is applied to the engraved surface. It prevents
the surface of metal from getting corroded and keeps it intact.
Sub-surface Laser Engraving
In this form of laser engraving, the work of engraving is done at the base of a solid material.
The material used for such kind of laser engraving is generally glass. The cost of operation of sub-surface laser engraving is much greater than the normal process of engraving. The high cost is
attributed to expensive cooling process. Nowadays, sub-surface laser engraving is used in the
creation of 3D images,mostly in crystals.
Applications of Laser Engraving
Laser engraving is mainly used to create artworks. In most cases, wood is the material being used
for this purpose. It is difficult to engrave wooden surfaces due to the inconsistencies present on the
surface. A type of wood that contains a high amount of resin is considered ideal for resin engraving.
The other qualities needed for engraving are a light color and a surface that is not coarse.
Laser engraving technology is used not only for creating artworks, but also has industrial applications.
This technology was used in industrial applications since the 1970s. The CO2 laser was first
introduced in this period. The earlier methods of using chemicals and photography for creating a
print-ready surface, were replaced with laser engraving.
Using a laser engraving technique is highly advantageous, since it proves to be efficient and
doesn't cause any wear and tear of the tools used for engraving. Moreover, the surface used for
engraving also is least affected. Overall, the technique of laser engraving is effective for
decorating a variety of materials and surfaces.