There are currently a number of different ways to engrave materials. Today, you’re going to find out why laser engraving machines are arguably the best tool you can use for this process. Over the years, these machines have become an important part of numerous industries across the globe.
You’re probably already familiar with its widespread use in the automotive, electronic, medical, and aerospace industries. Nevertheless, you can use these tools no matter what type of business you have. Here are some of the most notable advantages of having a laser engraving machine.
You Can Use It on Different Materials
Apart from allowing you to engrave whatever you want to a number of different materials, you can also use this machine for cutting. Laser cutting revolves around directing the output of a high-powered laser onto a surface of your choice. These machines feature a series of lenses that boost the intensity of the light rays they produce so that they can cut the material on the targeted surface. The material basically gets burned, melted, or vaporized.
Some of the most known applications of laser engraving machines are in the aerospace and automotive industries, where manufacturers use them to mark parts with product identification codes or unique traceable numbers that allows them to trace them. It’s worth noting that you don’t have to use this machine to engrave or cut materials used in the automotive or aerospace industry. In fact, you can use them on materials like rubber, wood, and leather.
There Are Almost No Risks to Using a Laser Engraving Machine
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, there are some risks associated with using a laser engraving machine. More specifically, they note that the laser found in such a machine can cause severe eye or skin injury. However, keep in mind that laser engraving machines are fully enclosed and interlocked, meaning that they don’t pose a risk if they’re used properly.
Make sure that anyone who is operating the machine knows that they should never intentionally expose their skin or eyes to the laser beam. It’s also imperative they don’t manipulate any safety features on the machine. As long as you and your workers stick to these rules, you won’t have to worry about accidents happening on the job.
It’s worth noting that laser cutting is much safer than some of the most popular alternatives to the technology, like acid ethic. This practice can be toxic if ingested, and your employees are much more likely to get injured using it.
It Is Highly Efficient
Compared to traditional methods of engraving and cutting, laser technology is highly efficient. You will be able to effortlessly switch between a range of depths as well as a number of different materials. When you find a laser engraving machine for sale, it may seem pricey at first. However, know that the service and maintenance costs are significantly lower than those associated with traditional methods. Depending on the model you get, this machine may offer additional functions like laser marking and etching.
When you use a laser engraving machine, you can choose between customized solutions and programmable settings. You can save settings for products you often make, so that repeat work orders get filled smoothly. This will save you a lot of time, as you won’t have to create new settings every time you use the machine.
There are some notable ways in which laser technology is superior to mechanical cutting. For instance, it allows you to apply finish to a product. When you do mechanical cutting, you need to apply certain post-machining treatments to finish your parts.
You Will Make Quality Parts
While efficiency is definitely important, making sure that you can make quality parts should be your priority. However, this is something you won’t have to worry about when you use laser engraving machines. It’s worth noting that they generate less heat than machines used for mechanical cutting, which greatly reduces the risk of your parts getting deformed. When you use laser technology for making engravings, you can rest assured that both machines and humans will be able to read them clearly.
Final Thoughts
Getting a laser engraving machine can boost productivity in your company as well as the quality of your products. It’s especially useful to have a machine like this if you manufacture parts. The great thing about laser engraving is that you can use it on a number of different materials. On top of that, using these machines poses no risk to you or whoever is using them.
