Laser marking machines allow you to make permanent, accurate, and repeatable marks on materials such as wood, steel, titanium, and even ceramic or plastic. These machines have a variety of uses and can imprint everything from graphics to barcodes, depending on the programming. But with how complex the technology is and how many types of marking machines there are, it can be difficult to find the right one. Here’s how to choose the right laser marking machine to help you make the best decision for your business.
What Materials Are You Looking To Mark?
In order to choose the right laser marking machine, you need to know what types of materials you need to mark. Proper material compatibility is one of the most important considerations to keep in mind when laser marking. This will help you decide whether you need a UV laser machine or a fiber laser machine, as one is better suited for certain materials than the other.
For example, fiber laser machines can mark stone, metal, leather, paper, and plastic. UV laser machines mark all those materials as well, with the addition of glass, wood, and ceramic materials. While you may be tempted to get the UV laser, as it is more versatile, know that it is more expensive, and if you’re not cutting wood, glass, or ceramic, you’re wasting your money.
What Kind of Mark Do You Need To Make?
Not all marks are quite the same. In fact, there are three main types of marking in the industry: etching, engraving, and general marking. Engraving removes surface material to reveal an image using high heat to vaporize the material. Etching is a form of engraving, but instead of vaporizing the material, engraving melts it to create a raised surface that forms the engraving. Lastly, marking discolors the surface by heating it up until it oxidizes and turns black. Each of these methods will form a different finish, and depending on the image quality you need, one will be better suited for your application than another.
Consider Safety and Maintenance Costs
Some machines will simply be more expensive than others and will require consistent maintenance. Because of this, you’ll want to consider the total cost of the initial purchase, installation, and maintenance and compare it to how much you’ll actually use the machine. If you don’t plan on using it often, it may be worth buying a more expensive machine that requires less maintenance for a better long-term investment.
Additionally, some machines require safeguards to protect workers, such as lights, floor markings, or even a separate room. These protocols that come with the machine must be followed, so consider how much space the machine needs and how much money you can put in to meet safety standards.
