Laser Engraving 101
Laser Engraving is the process of using a laser to mark an object or engrave it. Because the process is complex, a computer is often use to move the laser. However, the computer who does these movements is very accurate and can create clean and precise engraving in a fast period of time. Ultimately, no tool bits are included in this process, which is beneficial as they need to be replaced continuously over time. Marking is another process of laser engraving, or ultimately an alternative to the process.
A laser engraving machine has a surface, a controller and a laser. A laser is the shape of a pencile and has a beam emitted that traces patterns and designs from the control onto the specific surface of the machine. There are a few different types of engraving machines. A x-y table is the most popular and has a stationary laser. Next, is a cylindrical workpieces. This type of laser engraving machine produces the image wanted by using a raster. The last type uses a stationary laser along with galvo mirrors to move the beam over the surface. This can be achieved in a vector or raster mode, depending on the desired outcome.
Overall, laser engraving started with the burning of images onto wood. Wood that works best with this procedure include mahogany, maple, walnut and oak. This is because they are hard woods. More soft woods tend to vaporize at a faster speed and make it difficult for an engraver to be more precise.
