At first glance, this seems to be a basic problem, but these terms have been interchanged all the time.
If you think about it carefully, this can lead to confusion between the buyer and the device provider, and errors when configuring the right machine for the job.
I have been involved in the laser business since 1986 and am currently working with Trotec, but have previously worked with different types of laser companies that provide standard and custom equipment for various applications.
During that time, I have been working closely with the application technicians responsible for determining the feasibility of the project and specifying the correct process and laser for the work.
This is what I have learned from them over the years.
Laser engraving is the most common term, simply defined, referring to the removal or evaporation of materials during the process of creating marks.
An example in our business is CO2 laser engraving plastic for signage.
This is usually two-
Lay the plastic in a color called \"hat\" and laminate it into a contrast color called \"core.
The engraving process removes the lid and exposes the core to create a logo that looks attractive.
There are also carvings in metal processing.
It is usually used to guarantee persistence, removing materials to create depth.
Usually this is the process of laser retention for 1, 064nm wavelength (Example of YAG)
Because these types of lasers combine well with metal.
When the metal is carved in this way, the laser destroys the machined surface of the object and therefore causes oxidation or rust.
This will be a problem during the feasibility test.
\"Do you want depth?
If so, do you realize that the substrate is oxidized?
According to the answer, the next option may be laser marking.
When the surface of the machined part must be kept intact in metal products, laser marking is usually used for annealing or precipitation marking.
Items such as surgical implants, surgical instruments, or high-precision bearings typically require this marking.
By laser marking, the heat of the laser actually reallocates the carbon in the material to produce a jet black marking that is interrupted only on a micron-level surface.
If done correctly, there will be no oxidation or rust even under salt spray test or high pressure sterilization.
Some plastics, such as ABS and Delrin, can also form a good contrast when processing with 1, 064nm laser.
If you process the same material with a CO2 laser, you will get a engraving without contrast.
This is all a matter of wavelength and how it reacts with pigments in materials or materials.
Laser cutting this can sometimes be confused with laser engraving, but it actually means cutting a piece or cutting the shape directly through the material.
Most laser cutting is done with CO2 lasers because they interact with the material and not the pigment in the material again.
We do a lot of work on acrylic resin, which can be used for signage, retail displays and many other applications.
Pay special attention to smooth cutting and so-called \"Flame polishing edges\" when cutting \".
There are times when high power pulse yag is used for metal cutting, but even with these materials, high power co2 seems to do the best.
In the cutting Field, another technique used is water spray, which also does a good job in metals and stones.
Although cutting does not always mean thick material.
Other common applications include paper cutting, leather slicing, and even gasket cutting.
So, in the end, when you shop for a laser or a company, understanding this basic term will greatly enhance your communication with the supplier, and give him a better chance to meet your needs and expectations.