Choosing a laser marking machine is the same as we usually buy things. The best is not necessarily the most expensive, and the most expensive is not necessarily the most suitable. Here are some tips for buying laser marking machines:
One, laser source
First confirm your product material, because different materials absorb the laser to a different degree, and the degree of absorption is determined by the wavelength of the laser. Different laser wavelengths are named as different laser sources. Therefore, for different materials , To choose different laser sources.
Fiber laser marking machine, wavelength 1064nm, main application areas: hardware, plastics, label paper, etc.;
Carbon dioxide laser marking machine (co2 laser marking machine), wavelength 10.6μm, main application areas: bamboo, cloth, ceramics, acrylic, leather, etc.;
Ultraviolet laser marking machine (UV laser marking machine), wavelength 355nm, main application areas: silicone, UV plastic, paper, glass and other thermal materials;
Green laser marking machine, wavelength 532nm, main application areas: film, fruit, egg, carton, tempered glass and other thermal materials.
Is it possible that a material can only be engraved with one laser source?
Of course not. Some materials are suitable for a variety of laser sources, but the degree of absorption of lasers in different wavelength bands is different, and the effect is good or bad, depending on the user’s acceptance. For example, glass carving:
CO2 laser marking machine-glass marking is rough and easy to produce glass slag;
UV laser marking machine-cold light source, glass marking is very fine and uniform;
Green laser marking machine-glass inner engraving, inner plane engraving.
Friendly reminder: To determine which laser is suitable for your product, you need to test specific samples and determine the final effect. The point is: proofing! Proof! Proof!
Second, marking machine power
Laser power is sometimes the key to determining speed and effect. Different laser sources have the most stable power range:
The 20W/30W power of fiber laser marking machine is the most stable;
The 30W power of co2 laser marking machine is the most stable;
The 3W / 5W power of UV laser marking machine is the most stable;
The 3W / 5W power of the green laser marking machine is the most stable.
Selecting the right power first depends on the product material, such as UV engraving paper, film, plastic, and low-power 1.2W marking is also possible. If engraving glass, you need UV 3W or even 5W power to be able to engrave.
The second look at efficiency, for example, hardware is generally marked with 20W optical fiber. If efficiency and speed are pursued, the high power of 30W optical fiber is of course more efficient.
Of course, to finally determine whether the power purchased by yourself is the most suitable, it is recommended to use specific samples for testing, depending on the effect and marking time.
Three, marking machine hardware configuration
The main hardware structure of the laser marking machine:
1. Lasers
The laser source, the core of the laser marking equipment, is installed in the equipment casing. The previous imported fiber laser has good output mode and long life. In recent years, the technology of the domestic laser industry has become more and more mature. The life and performance of the laser can also prove the imported American laser. However, for users with very high precision requirements, it is recommended to explain to the manufacturer and make requirements in advance.
2. Laser scanning galvanometer
The optical scanning galvanometer is also the core component of the laser marking machine. It is mainly used to quickly and accurately position the beam. The performance of the galvanometer determines the accuracy of the marking machine. Because the laser wavelength is different, the laser scanning galvanometer also needs to match the fiber galvanometer, co2 galvanometer, ultraviolet (355 galvanometer), green light (532 galvanometer) optical scanning galvanometer.
3. Focusing system
The focusing system focuses the parallel laser beam at one point, mainly using f-θ lens (also called field lens). Different field lenses have different focal lengths, and the marking effect and range are different. The marking of fiber laser marking machine The field mirror is generally: f = 160mm, the effective marking range φ=110 * 110mm, users can choose the field mirror model according to their own products and the required marking range:
f = 100mm, effective marking range φ= 75 * 75mm
f = 160mm, effective marking range φ = 110 * 110mm
f = 210mm, effective marking range φ= 150 * 150mm
f = 254mm, effective marking range φ= 175 * 175mm
f = 300mm, effective marking range φ= 220 * 220mm
f = 420mm, effective marking range φ = 300 * 300mm
Because the wavelength of the laser source is different, the focusing system also needs to divide the fiber field lens, co2 field lens, ultraviolet (355 field lens), green light (532 field lens).
4. Laser power supply
The input voltage of the laser power supply is AC220V. Generally, a small laser marking machine is equipped with a switching power supply for carrying, emergency stop, etc.
5. Computer control system
The combination of laser processing system and computer numerical control technology constitutes efficient automatic processing equipment, which can print various characters, patterns, symbols, one-dimensional codes, two-dimensional codes, etc., easy-to-use software to design marking patterns and change marking content , To meet the high-efficiency and fast-paced requirements of modern production.
There are many softwares used on laser marking machines. Some are conventional, some are developed by themselves, or the conventional software is re-developed. It mainly depends on which control card the equipment manufacturer uses and decides which software to use.
The first type: Beijing Golden Orange, the marking software is EZCAD. This software is the most used. At present, laser equipment manufacturers of minicomputers usually use this software. The patterns designed by this software can only be used. The problem is that secondary development is difficult.
The second type: Taiwan Qingyu software, this set is quite satisfactory, can meet general needs, and the difficulty of secondary development is average. At present, there are fewer users than Golden Orange, but Thailand, India and other places generally use this step. Software pricing.
The third type: LS8001 software and marking machine. There are not many users of this one, but its advantage is that the secondary development is not difficult, and it can be easily completed and added functions that are not used.
At present, most all-in-one laser marking machines are basically equipped with golden orange software.
Support: freely design graphics and patterns, support TrueType fonts, single line fonts (JSF), dot matrix fonts (DMF), one-dimensional matrix and DataMatrixdeng and other two-dimensional barcodes.
The marking software is easy to operate, powerful, compatible with the output files of CoreIDRAW, AutoCAD, Photoshop and other software, and also supports PLT, DXF, JPG, BMP and other files.
Four, the origin of the marking machine
Currently, China’s three well-known laser marking machine production areas: Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, Liaocheng, Shandong, China, and Zhejiang, China.
Liaocheng, Shandong, China is mainly engaged in recycling laser marking machines and refurbishing second-hand sales switches, so the price of fiber laser marking equipment will be very low.
The e-commerce model is still used in Zhejiang, China, with specifications and accessories, small profits but quick turnover, and relatively low prices.
Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, is also known as the “City of Design”. Many emerging companies have developed well here. The laser manufacturers in Shenzhen have relatively high requirements for the quality of equipment accessories and production, and the use of laser technology in automation More. Equipment prices are also higher than those in Shandong and Zhejiang.
Fifth, the price of marking machine
The price of fiber laser marking machine (20W-120W) ranges from 2500 $ -30000 $;
The price of carbon dioxide laser marking machine (10W-100W) ranges from 4000$-26000$;
The price of UV laser marking machine (1.2W-10W) ranges from 8500 $ -380000 $;
The price of YAG laser marking machine (3W / 5W) ranges from 8500 $ -12000 $.
These prices will vary according to the configuration selected by the user. The price depends on the user’s needs, configuration and other specific conditions.
Six, the life and stability of the marking machine
The laser will gradually be consumed during long-term use. Many people will mistakenly believe that the laser power is consumed. The longer the consumption, the longer the laser displacement. In fact, if the laser power is reduced, the more quanta produced during operation, if the heat can not be dissipated in time, the long-term high temperature of the equipment will shorten the life and easily burn out.
Therefore, equipment with 50W optical fiber and 3W UV or higher needs to be equipped with a large cooling system for water cooling. Therefore, the change in wattage does not guarantee a longer life. If the cooling system is not done well, it will burn out more easily and increase the cost of heat dissipation.
Normal laser equipment has a lifespan of up to 60,000 to 100,000 hours. When the working environment temperature and humidity are good, the power loss is less than 5% and the long-term power stability is 3% to 5%. .
Seven, the appearance and size of the marking machine
Currently, the laser marking machine has various appearances and different styles. There are small portable laser marking machines, desktop laser marking machines with cabinet consoles, computers, and flying type to match the automated assembly line. Laser marking machine, etc.
Eight, after-sales service of marking machine
The operation of laser marking machine requires the guidance and training of engineers. Especially the application skills, parameters and daily maintenance of equipment marking software.
The warranty period of electronic products is one year, and some manufacturers will promote the warranty period of three or five years to attract customers. In fact, the accessories of the laser marking machine are well replaced. Because the equipment has no consumables and no consumable parts, the equipment has a high maintenance-free rate. Today’s laser equipment has a life span of 60,000 to 100,000 hours, and there is no problem in three to five years.
Nine, about customization and others
In the use of laser equipment, the accuracy, engraving effect, speed and cooperation automation, customization and other requirements should be proposed to the manufacturer in advance, and confirmed in the process of sample testing and planning, so as not to purchase a printer that does not meet the user’s requirements. The standard machine affects the user experience.
