At first glance this seems like sort of a basic question, but these terms get interchanged all the time. If you think it through, this could cause confusion on both the buyer and the equipment provider sides, causing mistakes and mishaps in configuring the correct machine for the job.

I’ve been involved in the laser business since 1986, presently with Trotec, but previously with different types of laser companies who provide both standard and custom equipment for a wide variety of applications. In that time I have always worked closely with the Applications Technicians who are tasked with determining the feasibility of a project and specifying the correct process AND laser for the job. So this is what I learned from them over the years.

Laser Engraving
This is the most common term and simply defined, means that in the process of creating the mark, material is removed or vaporized during the process. An example in our business is CO2 laser engraving plastic for signage. This is often a two-ply plastic with one color called the “cap” laminated to a contrasting color called the “core”. The engraving process removes the cap and exposes the core to create a sign that has an attractive look. There is also engraving in the processing of metals. Typically used to guarantee permanence, material is removed to create depth. Usually this is a process reserved for 1,064nm wavelength lasers (YAG for example) as those types of lasers couple well with metals. When engraving metals this way the laser is breaking the machined surface of the object, so oxidation or rusting can occur as a result. This would be a question at the time of feasibility testing. “Do you want depth? If so do you realize that the base material could oxidize? Depending on the answer the next option might be Laser Marking.

Laser Marking
Annealing or precipitation marking is commonly used when processing metal items where the surface of the part must stay intact. Often items like surgical implants, surgical instruments or high precision bearings require this type of marking. With laser marking, the heat of the laser actually redistributes the carbon in the material to create a jet black mark with only micron level surface disruption. If done correctly there will be no oxidation or rusting even under salt spray tests or autoclaving. Some plastics like ABS and Delrin also allow for a nice contrast when processed with a 1,064nm laser. If you processed the same material with a CO2 laser you would get an engraved marked with no contrast. This is all a matter of wavelength and how it reacts to the material OR the pigment in the material.

Laser Cutting
This is sometimes confused with laser engraving but really means totally sectioning a piece or cutting shapes directly through material. Most laser cutting is performed with CO2 lasers as again they interact with the material rather than the pigment within the material. We work a lot with acrylics which can be used for signage, retail displays and many other applications. While cutting, special attention is taken for smooth cuts and what is a called “flame polished edges”. There are times where high powered, pulse YAGs are used for metal cutting but even with these materials, high powered CO2’s seem to do the best job. In the cutting world, the other technology that is used is water jetting which also does a nice job on metal and stone. Cutting does not always mean thick materials though. Other common applications are paper cutting, leather sectioning and even things like gasket cutting.
So , in conclusion, understanding this basic terminology while you are shopping for a laser or a company to work with will go far to strengthen your communication with the vendor and will give him a better chance of meeting your needs and expectations.

Laser engraving is a growing method of product identification, decoration and personalization. There are several types including CO2 laser, fiber lasers, YAG lasers and any number of other wavelengths. This article will address the checkpoints for selecting a flatbed CO2 laser engraving system.

First of all it should be known that there are a number of very reputable vendors in the market, any of which can supply you with a good, reliable machine. However there are also some very poor pieces of equipment available also.

CHECK POINT #1 – Know who you are dealing with. Do your homework and research the company’s reputation not only related to the equipment itself but also how they are known to take care of their customers after the machine has been installed. Don’t believe anyone who tells you that there won’t be little issues with the lasers from time to time. How the company deals with service is critical.

Often people choose equipment only on prices and don’t weigh the value or return on investment. For an example if the laser takes two minutes to do a job but you need it done in one minute, regardless of the cost it will take twice your time and resources to complete the project. If you amortize that formula over a given period of time you can calculate what your ROI will be based on a certain number of parts.

CHECK POINT #2 – Consider the cost and what you can afford, but don’t forget about the payback. If you spend ,000 and the machine can’t do the job, what you have really done is wasted ,000. Conversely if you spend ,000 and it can do the job, plus do more than you expect, the machine pays for itself in short order.

Flatbed lasers come in a myriad of different configurations. You can choose from engraving area, laser power (referred to as wattage), air cooled versus water cooled, linear marking speeds and many other smaller but critical decision points. Consider your application carefully when making your decision.

CHECKPOINT #3 – Make sure the laser is capable of what you are planning to do now AND what you might do in a year. If your budget allows that you can afford the next higher wattage machine or the larger engraving area make that commitment. None of us go in to business to not grow. We all expect increased business, so try to position yourself to take advantage of that, when the opportunity arises.

Consider the environment where the laser will operate when making your decision on a laser engraver. Some material such as acrylic and other plastics, rubber, wood etc…put of smoke, debris and odor that can be pretty bad and in some cases toxic.

CHECKPOINT #4 – Select a company/machine that has a range of exhaust systems to choose from. Consider that there could even be local EPA regulations that restrict expelling fumes into the air, and that you may need a self-contained, filtered exhaust system. Plus if you have ever smelled rubber burning you could have some really unhappy neighbors if you don’t capture the fumes.

These types of lasers all output like a printer, with a printer driver package similar to the one on your desk. These packages have varying levels of sophistication and tools that help you optimize the lasing experience.
CHECKPOINT #5 – Make sure you get a demonstration of the printer driver software so you know what you are getting into. The basics should include a simple and straightforward user interface, optimization tools and the ability for the software to be configured for various models of equipment. Most company representatives will be happy to sit down with you and provide a detailed demonstration.

The last thing I will mention has to do with marketing you capabilities. Laser engraving is growing all the time and even though it is a great and fun business to be in, it is competitive. Make sure you understand that you will need to market your services effectively. Have a “go to market” strategy and a solid business plan. Most good sales people in our business can discuss how much to charge, new markets to chase and tricks to make you more efficient.

CHECKPOINT #6 – Go into this purchase with your eyes wide open. Learn everything you can from your sales person, the internet and any other research venue. Draw on the experience of the selected company’s marketing and technical people and above all other things play to win, don’t play not to lose!

In conclusion, if I had to make one overriding statement that would be shop in a systematic fashion and don’t impulse buy. Take the time to make a decision you will be happy with six months down the road.