Engraving Machine

Writing on paper is great and all but there are circumstances in which this is simply not enough. This is because paper can get easily damaged, go missing, or even have the written message erased over time. Whenever a more permanent solution is required, using an engraving machine might be a great option. Be it for product identification or creating patterns in hard materials, these machines can carve and engrave markings that won’t go away with time, as they are made on the material itself.

How do engraving machines work?

Most engraving machines work by directing, amplifying, and focusing a high-power laser into a specific spot on the material, burning its surface, and evaporating the material on that area. Although the method used for concentrating the beam can vary, all laser machines work by this same principle. In a fiber laser engraver, for example, the beam travels through fiber optic cables and exits right at the desired position. A CO2 laser cutter, on the other hand, uses a high-pressure enclosure in which the gasses’ activity generates light, which is subsequently reflected and amplified by mirrors until it reaches the right energy level to engrave hard materials.

Can engraving machines work with all materials?

The powerful laser beam generated by a laser engraver can etch and mark any material. However, depending on the toughness of the material in question and the power of the particular machine, multiple passages over the same section might be necessary to achieve the desired depth. This is not to say that a laser engraving machine can’t work with materials such as metals, quite the contrary. Aluminum, steel, copper, and even titanium can be engraved with a laser. That being said, it’s important to be cautious against gasses and other toxic components that may result from working with these machines. Considering the laser cutter is evaporating the material's surface, gasses are sure to be generated, requiring exhausts and even fume hoods to be safely operated indoors depending on the material being engraved.

Do engraving machines require specialized software?

Yes, a laser cutter machine can only read instructions coded in a certain way by specialized programs. Some manufacturers have their own proprietary software that is sure to be compatible with the equipment. If that is not the case, third-party programs can be a good alternative to convert 2D digital schemes into instructions for the machine.

Alibaba.com is a platform where B2B buyers and sellers can connect and close deals. Find wholesale international suppliers for CNC routers, laser engravers for wood, printers, and much more. Browse through the offers and buy the right products for your business.