Recommendations for selecting laser processing equipment

Laser processing equipment plays a vital role in modern industrial manufacturing. When discussing laser processing, most people might first think of laser engraving, which uses laser beams to carve workpieces. However, this is just one application of laser processing. In fact, laser technology is also frequently used in manufacturing for metal cutting, welding, marking, engraving, and other operations, each requiring different types of laser equipment. Based on our years of experience with automated laser equipment, we will offer some advice on equipment selection and dedicate some space to explaining the principles of laser processing and the applications of various laser devices.

Basic principles of laser processing

A laser (called "elasto" in Singapore and "laser" in mainland China) is a high-power, high-energy, and high-heat beam of light. "Laser" is short for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation, meaning it consists of monochromatic (single wavelength), directional (polarized), and aligned (amplitude) radiation. By focusing the beam on a single point and amplifying its energy, this high-density beam can melt, evaporate, and thermally affect objects within its focal length through burning; the laser spot is called a "laser spot" in the industry. Using this method, we can cut objects, weld metals, or engrave marks on object surfaces. Based on the different ways the beam is induced, current mainstream laser technologies are divided into four main categories: fiber UV, CO2, and YAG lasers (gradually decreasing in popularity). Besides these four categories, there are other laser technologies that use different media to generate beams of different wavelengths and powers. Laser processing equipment built using different technologies has different applications and fields. Next, we will introduce laser equipment and the key points when selecting it.

Laser Engraving

Laser engraving, also known as laser marking, is the most commercially viable laser technology today. Its applications extend beyond industrial processing to include a wide range of everyday uses, such as in home appliances, food, and sporting goods. Currently, a considerable number of desktop laser engraving machines are available on the market, used by individual workshops and processing businesses, and are quite popular.Laser engraving machines do not require very high power; the choice depends on the material of the workpiece, its absorption rate, and the depth of engraving. Processable materials include metals, hardware, hard plastics, wood, ceramics, carbon fiber, PCBs, etc., making its applications very broad. Besides engraving, these machines are also commonly used for rust removal and semiconductor manufacturing processes. Clickhere for more information about the machine.

Laser Welding

Laser welding utilizes a laser beam to rapidly heat metal surfaces, melting them and joining different workpieces together. The biggest advantages of laser welding are ease of operation, smooth and aesthetically pleasing welds, minimal heat effect, minimal weld spatter and deformation, and effective control over the degree of melting on the weld surface. Generally, laser welding technology is commonly used in industries such as automotive, railway, electrical equipment, and mold repair. When selecting a laser welding machine, it is recommended to choose one based on the material being processed, its thickness, and the desired weld penetration. In the welding industry, there is often a shortage of skilled welders, leading to a gradual shift from traditional welding to laser welding due to its ease of operation and short training time . Click here for more information about the machine.

Laser Cutting Machine

Laser cutting machines use laser beams to cut workpieces. Compared to metal tools, lasers offer the advantage of achieving precision cutting more easily. They require no lubrication, produce no cutting debris, and eliminate tool wear, making them ideal for processing high-hardness metal workpieces. fiber cutting machines and fiber tube cutting machines effectively utilize CNC technology to achieve automated precision cutting, suitable for manufacturing engineering machinery and processing sheet metal and tubing in various fields. Click here to learn more about the machines.

Recommendations for selecting laser processing equipment

When choosing laser processing equipment, we recommend considering the processing material, the product being processed, and the product specifications (thickness). Based on these three factors, you can select the most suitable laser processing equipment. Material Selection: For processing metal workpieces, we recommend fiber lasers ; for processing non-metallic materials, we recommend CO2 lasers or ultraviolet (UV) lasers . If you want a general-purpose processing device, choose an ultraviolet (UV) laser . Product Thickness Selection: A major principle of laser processing is that thicker workpieces require higher-power lasers. Processing thicker workpieces with low-power lasers is inefficient and produces poor results; conversely, high-power equipment achieves higher efficiency when processing smaller workpieces, but the cost is also relatively higher. The information on various laser equipment is provided for your reference. We hope it will give you a better understanding of laser processing and its equipment, and help you in making future equipment choices.

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