What you need to know before buying a laser engraver
A laser engraver is a piece of equipment that helps to engrave a logo, name, pattern or other design through the means of a laser. The engraving can be imprinted onto certain types of materials like metal, plastics and other strong, resistant surfaces. So what do you need to know about laser engravers before buying one? We have a quick look at some characteristics you must look out for and some models.
What will you be primarily cutting or engraving?
If you are primarily engraving materials of a large surface area that doesn’t need a lot of precision, then you could go for a laser with less wattage. However, if your work is in jewelry, and requires precise and elaborate engravings, then you will need a laser cutter with a higher wattage to accommodate this work. You should not cut anything of PVC as this will release harmful chlorine gases. Metals can be cut if a special marking paste is applied.
How big should your machine be?
Will you want to be engraving more than one material at one time? i.e. wood engravings on a mass scale? Then a bigger machine will be needed. However if your work is more time-consuming and requires detailed work to be completed, a smaller machine is needed.
How will you extract the fumes from the machine?
This question also determines where you will keep the machine, whether it’s in your office, warehouse or garage. The room needs to be well ventilated, regardless of what you believe. You should also look for machines than have a safety feature like an auto-shutdown switch in the event of an emergency. Your supplier should be able to help you decide and facilitate a ventilation system.
How much can I afford?
If the machine is going to be used for commercial uses, i.e. you will use it to engrave goods to sell, then you might be able to list it as an expense. If it’s purely for recreational use, make sure you have enough money to purchase it. You could also purchase it on a credit card. Other stores may offer a long-term payment solution (i.e. $50 payment per month, for a 12 month payment), which could help make the payment more affordable.
How do I use it?
Once you’ve bought your desired laser engraver, you can then begin using it. Follow the manual guide and other learning literature to ensure you are using it safely and to its maximum potential. Technology Supplies offer training courses so you can get to grips with your laser cutter.
Conclusion
There are several considerations you need to know before buying a laser engraver. You need to know what you’ll be cutting, where you’ll be engraving, how many items you want to engrave and your budget. Once you have figured all of those parameters, you can then begin choosing the right model for your needs and begin using it.
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When utilizing the laser-cutting method for plastic, the fumes that the plastic produces whilst melting are often quite toxic. This essentially means that the machine will need to be placed in a well-ventilated surrounding, which may take up plenty of your time and money to create and place.
The next question that must be emerging in the minds of the majority of the readers at this moment is regarding the material types that can be cut using laser cutters. These devices are meant primarily for cutting through materials such as stainless steel and carbon steel. These machines find it difficult to cut through copper and aluminum alloys as those materials possess the ability of reflecting light and thus end up reflecting the laser beam.
Laser cutters have become very important and useful in today’s competitive manufacturing marketplace. These use similar techniques as used by flat laser cutters. There are various benefits of advanced laser cutters in comparison to traditional tube cutters. The major advantage of these hi-tech laser cutters is that these actually save a person’s money in manufacturing and of course, his precious time.