atomka's blog
Engraving a Keychain with a DIY Frame Laser Engraver
If you're anything like me, the prospect of buying gifts has always been daunting. For some, this task is second nature. They'll have no trouble finding the perfect gift that matches their other half's personality and reflects their thoughtfulness. Most of us, like myself, don't have this skill set. When trying to shop for a gift for a friend, significant other, or family member, sometimes a unique homemade keepsake is your first choice.
While homemade gifts may seem ideal, it's for the more creative. As skilled as I am, creating any work of art by hand can be very intimidating. As a hobbyist, I enjoy using tools and other forms of technology to create useful things. In my opinion, the ideal gift is a laser engraved keychain with a custom name or message. Custom laser gift keychains are an easy project to do with a DIY desktop laser engraver.
DIY Desktop Laser Engraving
As the name suggests, the function of the laser engraving machine is to use a focused infrared beam to laser cut and engrave materials. While laser cutters used to be generally out of the price range of hobbyists and small businesses, cost and size have dropped significantly over the past few years. Therefore, laser engraving machines have been accepted by the public. Laser engravers are one of the most popular small projects these days. These DIY desktop laser engravers come in many variations, but share certain commonalities. For example, they typically provide 30-40 watts of power, cost less than $1000, and are compact in size. These machines are often used to make name stamps. A laser is an excellent choice for these stamps, as each stamp is unique and requires customization.
These DIY desktop laser engravers can be used to etch names or meaningful information into wood or leather key chains at relatively low cost. Laser engraving is becoming a very popular activity for hobbyists and an invaluable tool for small businesses. As with any new equipment, initial cost, ease of use, and size are important considerations. Atomstack DIY Desktop Laser Engraver is the perfect solution for individuals looking to start a new hobby or for those with a small business specializing in gift keychains, accessories, and other small craft projects.
Keychain Engraving Ideas: An Overview
There are several common uses for keychains such as advertising, gifts, wedding gifts, and keepsakes. This wide range of applications allows for customizability and creativity. There are several materials that can be used to make keychains, but my personal favorites are wood and leather because they are easy to work with. These materials can then be cut to size and decorated with names or messages. More artistic types might try to etch a name or message onto a key chain freehand. Another option is to use a metal stamp. However, these decorating methods require artistic skill and are time consuming. This makes the DIY desktop laser engraver ideal for creating unique laser gift keychains. These devices can etch names and messages in a variety of fonts and sizes quickly and with minimal skill.
Laser etching uses excess heat to make raised marks by slightly melting the top surface, creating a permanent mark on the glass surface. Etching is indeed different from engraving, which actually removes material from the surface of the glass, leaving deep marks.
Laser etching photos on glass is a unique laser process that connects your mind, eyes and hands to etch eye-catching designs. Glass etching allows users to create unique and custom patterns and designs, adding a personal touch to their gifts.
For example, you can customize wine glasses, picture frames, decanters, and more that make great holiday gifts.
Unlike vinyl applications, photos etched on glass will not peel or fade easily. Plus, these etched glass photo gifts are microwave and dishwasher safe. Let's find out how laser etching photos on glass works so you can create a personalized gift.
Laser engraving is the art of using a powerful beam of light through optical magnification to leave stunning marks on hard surfaces, including ceramics, wood, and metal. The technique involves firing a high-energy beam of light at a targeted area to vaporize material and leave a permanently visible mark. Color changes can also be due to chemical reactions between the material and heat from the laser beam, foaming, charring or ablation.
The type of laser treatment depends on the material. On harder surfaces, such as titanium, the laser beam will ablate the surface. This means removing microscopic debris from the surface. By contrast, the beam burns through soft materials like wood and rubber.
Atomstack A10 Pro
The engraver is sold with five main components, packed in a small box. All the electronics are usually in one enclosure; you just need to unpack and reassemble the frame and connect the wires, power and data cables. Unless you've built a machine before, it takes about 45 minutes to read through the how-to manual and actually set it up. And because every wire and part is unique in design, you can't interchange connections or parts.
The frame and rods are made of high-quality steel, which is resistant to warping.
The machine runs on two quiet stepper motors. One is for the x-axis and the other is for moving the laser head along the y-axis. Focusing guides on the head move it along the Z axis, i.e. up and down according to the thickness of the material.
The A10 has two diode emitters instead of the one we often see in many atomstack laser engravers. The main diode points directly at the material. The other emitter is perpendicular to the main emitter, but as the beam bounces, the composite lens is tilted at a 45 degree angle. This bends the beam through a 90 degree angle, connecting the beam from the main diode. The result is a doubly powerful router.
With a 10W beam illuminating the surface, heat buildup is unavoidable. Luckily, a fan on top of the unit cools the area down.
The engraving machine is compatible with LightBurn and customized LaserBox Basics software, which receives data via USB data cable, Wi-Fi or TF card.
The Atomstack A5 Pro is a standard desktop engraver with a working surface area of approximately 252 square inches, a 5W module and a compression point. The compression spot houses several crystal-clear lenses that compress the coarse, weaker laser beam into a narrower but more intense beam. A more focused laser can easily tear through 0.5" thick wood. If you want a generous work area, the extension kit effortlessly extends the length from 21 inches to 33.5 inches.
In addition, the high-performance lightweight aluminum structure consisting of one-piece lead-screws flexibly forms the guide rail of the laser module. On a smooth pole, the laser module can cover 430 inches per minute. This impressive speed is useful when working on complex designs and time is not on your side.
The UV filtering acrylic on the laser module filters out up to 97% of UV rays making it safe for your eyes and skin. This feature also allows you to have a clear 180 degree view of what the machine is doing from above.
Finally, the Atomstack A5 is compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems and software. You can use the free LaserGRB software or pay for an advanced design software called LightBurn. After coming up with a unique design, you can convert it to NC, BMP, JPG, PNG or DXF files. The machine has no problem with either of them.
Top choice for creativity: Atomstack laser engraver can engrave a variety of materials such as metal, wood, bamboo, plastic, leather PCB boards, aluminum oxide, lacquered metal, and more. You can make your own carvings according to your preferences, use your imagination
Excellent laser engraving technology: A5 Pro laser cutting machine has 5~5.5w output power, 0.16mm ultra-fine compressed laser focus area, engraving accuracy reaches 0.01mm, making the engraving process more fine, easy to cut wood and acrylic
180° Panoramic Viewing: The UV-resistant acrylic on the laser module can filter 97% of ultraviolet rays, protecting your eyes and the people around you. The specially designed 180° panoramic viewing area allows you to appreciate your work
High-performance structural design: Atomstack A5 40W machine design, integrated screw rod, the fastest running speed can reach 11000/min, more stable and flexible when engraving complex patterns, allowing you to obtain better results more easily.
Are you in the market for a laser engraver? Laser engraving equipment is used in arts and professional crafts to add value. However, technical knowledge is required to buy, as no one wants their investment to go to waste.
So read on for a curated guide to laser engravers and their compatibility to create the most exciting designs in the world!
Everything About Laser Engraving Machine Before Buying
How much does a laser engraving machine cost?
The prices of laser engraving machines on the market vary. Low-standard equipment costs less than $300. However, the high-end and most luxurious laser engravers have a sticker price of $50,000.
The price of an engraving machine depends on performance, features, specifications and materials. If the above factors are met, the price will be high.
Do laser engravers work on wood?
The most commonly used material in laser engraving is wood. It will cut and carve materials perfectly. Wood is a compatible material because it is cost-effective. Therefore, trial costs are minimized. In addition, its internal structure also complements laser cutting technology.
How to choose the best atomstack laser engraving machine?
The first variable to consider is budget. You can browse the marketplace, forums and discount offers online to find the product that best suits your needs.
You must also have enough space to host the machine. Laser engravers come in all sizes. So make sure they can also fit through narrow doors or stairs.
Third, study the plate size suitable for atomstack a10 pro laser engraving machine design. There are delivery variants that provide convenience.
Engraving equipment emits lasers of varying wattages - cost increases with wattage. However, also consider combinations cut by quality.
Other factors to consider are warranty, autofocus, Z-axis rotation, and lenses.
Atomstack A5 pro Laser Engraving Machine
How about gifting a laser engraver this holiday season? A5 pro laser engraver provides stable resolution and excellent engraving results. The machine is DIY and takes less than 20 minutes to install. Here's all about it:
The manufacturer offers 1 month returns, 12 months free maintenance, and a quick response in less than a day.
A built-in fan prevents the laser from defocusing due to smoke ventilation.
The ultra-fine laser provides deep cuts for easily engraving metal, ceramic and wood.
Metal construction adds accuracy and completes projects in under 30 minutes.
The laser engraver offers a 15.74 x 16.1-inch surface and 5.5 watts of power.
The A5 pro 40W laser machine can engrave plastic leather, ceramic and metal.
The laser engraver is compatible with LaserGRBL and Lightburn.
Finally, the device is compatible with SVG, DXF, BMP, JPG and PNG formats.
The design of the atomstack a5 pro laser engraver will invite you to experiment.
The printer is sturdy and durable after installation.
Laser engravers provide high performance results.
It is compatible with a wide variety of surfaces and material types.
Axis scales contribute to high precision.
Since writing this article on the best laser cutters for small business, I have received a lot of positive feedback from readers like you. Many people started their own businesses and we made money with their laser engravers. I always enjoy reading these emails and messages, so please feel free to share your laser cutting journey with us!
Without further ado, let's get started with our review of the best laser cutters for small businesses.
So you're looking to start a small business, but you're not sure which laser cutter is the best to buy. Fortunately, you have found the right article to help you. Whether you are a professional laser engraver or a hobbyist who does small professional jobs part-time, there is a engraver for you. These laser machines may vary in price and size, as the sun and moon differ from each other.
For the serious engraver, there's a machine for just about any engraving and cutting job you want to accomplish. In this review, we'll take a look at various routers to help you make the best decision.
Small Business Laser Cutter Buying Guide
Now that we've outlined our top five picks for the best laser cutters atomstack a5 m40 for small businesses, let's break down some considerations to keep in mind before you make the investment. price and size
As a small business, you want to invest in something that fits your budget and doesn't burden you financially or in space down the road. So you want to keep price and size in mind. Choose the size that fits your available workspace.
Material
Laser cutters work wonders on harder materials, while others work on softer materials. Consider the product you'll be engraving or cutting, and make sure the machine you choose can handle the job you're doing.
Connectivity
It may be in your best interest to find a atomstack a5 m50 pro laser cutter for your small business that gives you the connectivity options you need most. Find laser cutters that can connect to your computer via USB or Bluetooth. While this might make things easier, there are also offline options if you don't feel the need.
Strength
Another consideration is the power output of the laser cutter. A powerful laser means greater accuracy and faster cutting. If you're a small business just starting out, you may want to opt for a more affordable, lower-wattage laser machine.
However, if you have the investment and it's something you plan to do in the long run, it's more convenient to have a more powerful machine. If you want to expand from wood to sheet metal, you don't want to buy a whole new machine.
Carbon dioxide laser
CO2 lasers produce a laser beam when an electric current is passed through a laser tube filled with a gas mixture. There are mirrors at each end of the laser tube. One mirror is fully reflective, while the other is partially reflective, allowing only a small amount of light to pass through.
The gas mixture inside a CO2 laser tube is typically carbon dioxide, nitrogen, hydrogen, and helium. C02 lasers can produce invisible light with a range of several kilowatts, making them ideal for small business industrial machines.
Fiber-optic laser
Fiber lasers are typically maintenance-free and have a long lifetime of approximately 25,000 laser hours. They can also manage higher intensities than other laser cutter types while producing a strong and steady beam. Fiber lasers are ideal for metal marking, metal engraving and thermoplastic marking.
Depending on the power of your fiber laser engraver, it can prove to be very versatile. However, it may also prove to be a more expensive option.
These use a crystal laser cutting process and feature high cutting power. However, such laser cutters can be quite expensive, with an expected lifespan of between 8,000 and 15,000 hours. These machines can be used on coated and uncoated metals and plastics, and sometimes even some ceramics.
If you're thinking of starting a laser engraving business, you're in for a smart. As a laser engraver, you can carve out a space for yourself in your local community and ultimately fulfill your dream of being your own boss. There are many opportunities to make money, and they will only continue to grow as the population grows.
Is Laser Engraving Business Profitable?
A laser engraving business can be very profitable, provided you are willing to work hard and go through the due process. Like any business, the laser engraving industry doesn't give away money. You need to do market research, find out what the needs are in your area, and work to create a brand that is relevant to your target market.
Fortunately, laser engraved products are manufactured and sold well for a number of reasons, starting with the low overhead associated with laser processing. Atomstack a5 m50 pro laser engraver is the largest investment, and with recent changes in the market, you can get a high powered laser machine for a fraction of what it used to cost. You need to spend a little money on equipment, build a website, and get your name out there, but it doesn't have to be expensive at all.
Many people think of trophies and gifts when they think of laser marking or engraving, and while they can make money, you'd better think bigger if profit margins are your priority. Getting bulk orders from corporate or industrial laser engraving customers is where the big money is, as we'll discuss in more detail shortly.
Benefits of Starting a Laser Engraving Business
Let’s take a look at some of the top reasons to start a laser engraving business:
Profit: The beauty of atomstack s20 pro laser engraving machine is that you can turn a bland or ordinary object into something custom. Personalization is one of the biggest consumer trends right now, and laser engravers can capitalize directly on this. What's more, you take a simple material like acrylic, but transform it into something special for which people are willing to pay top dollar.
Speed: One of the reasons laser engravers are so profitable is how quickly you can create custom products. Laser technology allows you to add designs to surfaces in seconds, much faster than any traditional hand engraver.
Accuracy: Laser technology is special because it is so accurate. The smaller the laser beam, the more detailed and sharper your designs will be, and the more you will charge for your unit.
Environmental protection: The atomstack a10 pro laser engraving machine does not contain chemical elements and does not use limited resources such as ink. If you take good care of your machine, it will last for years without much maintenance.
Overhead costs: A laser engraver cutter is a one-time cost, a small investment that pays for itself quickly once it’s up and running. They usually don't require much in the way of parts replacement and will last for years. As a laser engraver, you can break even pretty quickly, which is one reason it's such an attractive prospect.
Convenience: Not only should your laser machine come with a detailed manual, but the best manufacturers make sure they have top-notch support and curate online support communities so you can get answers to any questions you may have.
Create a plan for your business
While it's understandable that you're excited and want to start becoming a master atomstack a5 pro laser engraver as soon as possible, never skip creating a business plan. Remember that a large percentage of businesses are not successful long-term, but that's usually because they didn't plan carefully enough.
Start with an in-depth look at laser engraving technology and the industry as a whole. Decide on the structure of your laser engraving business and mention which laser products you plan to create and who you will sell them to. Finally, you need to develop short-, medium- and long-term profitability plans, from equipment purchases to marketing and pricing.
Marketing as a Laser Engraving Machine
While marketing may sound like something for the weirdo who runs a fashion business, it's actually essential to everyone. If you want people to buy your laser engravings, you need to find out what they want and develop a strategy to let them know you exist.
Market analysis involves investigating industry needs in your region and beyond. Remember, thanks to the internet, you are no longer limited to selling locally. Therefore, you need to choose a segment and understand the market forces driving that segment.
There's a lot you can do with a laser engraver, and it's understandable if you haven't decided which segment to target for your brand.
You can laser cut jewelry, engrave trophies, etch beautiful glasses, or make beautiful laptop accessories, not to mention anything you can accomplish with a little plywood.
Today, I'm going to suggest various atomstack s20 pro laser engraving machine business ideas to help you decide which route your brand should go. Without further ado, let's jump right in:
1. Create Woodcuts and Ornaments
If you love woodworking, you can turn your passion project into huge profits if you choose to design custom wood trim or provide wood etching, cutting and engraving services.
Even if woodworking is not yet your hobby, a woodcarving business is easy to set up; it can generate a high return on investment quickly and is a fairly flexible business.
learning curve
Most types of wood are fairly easy to work with, at least a lot easier than tough steel or metal. Even if you've never done it before, the learning curve is shallow and you should be able to handle laser engraved plaques, name signs and logos in just a few weeks.
The most difficult orders you may receive revolve around cutting complex shapes, especially curves. A perfect example of a tough woodcut job is a lengthy name in cursive.
Typical order
You can shape wood into all kinds of things. Some may ask for their wedding day portrait on a piece of polished oak; others may want custom work on their mahogany guitar (body) and most orders you should expect are simple Name or engraving associated with the symbol.
Custom orders for wood signage, doors, furniture, and tree trunks are often the most popular.
Cheap or expensive?
There are a few things to consider before deciding which wood to use. First, consider availability. You can find pines almost anywhere, and American maples are almost always in short supply.
Domestic wood is always cheaper than imported. This is why some people find European oak unreasonably priced, while Balau oak is only available in certain countries. The exception here is Scandinavian rosewood, which is usually imported into the US at rock-bottom prices.
When you cut and etch wood, engraving machines are fairly low maintenance. Lasers don't last as fast as steel engravers say.
Build a boutique shoe brand
Custom designs on dress shoes can be very lucrative, although it can be a rather risky venture. Even if your town is full of shoemakers, you can always start an online shoe business, either way I highly recommend.
There are several ways to start a boutique shoe business; you can make shoes and engrave custom designs from scratch, or buy "blank" shoes to have special engravings. The second option is simpler and cheaper, but not as profitable. Let's review the basics:
learning curve
Making a shoe is a little more complicated than etching a custom design into the shoe. I'd recommend buying a lot of "blank" shoes and then working on them, although this will inevitably have a small impact on your bottom line.
Using dress shoes is similar to using tough leather. They may be sturdy to the touch, but they're basically paper-thin when placed on the laser.
The process of trial and error is practically unavoidable here. While every pair of shoes you ruin is a hundred (or so) bucks, you can sell it, but if you can live with the slow start, you'll end up making thousands of dollars expertly.
The combination of fine holes and fine lines is the easiest design you can etch onto a pair of leather shoes. "Blooming" flower designs are also very popular, although they are very simple to create - all you need to do is laser cut the main holes, reduce the intensity, and create dotted circles around them.
Established glass etching company
Using a atomstack a5 pro laser engraver to etch fine engravings on wine glasses is a good idea for several reasons. First, it's easier than you might think. You don't have to worry about materials because glass is very cheap, but more importantly, it doesn't degrade.
People usually do basic engraving on cheap glasses using a rotary drill and a flexible shaft, but you will have a huge advantage over most of your competitors because you will have a atomstack laser engraver capable of finer operations.
It's an excellent market for anyone who doesn't want to risk competing with big names in the industry for customers, and when the holidays and birthdays start to line up, you're pretty much guaranteed to have a full store every week.
Laser cutters and laser engravers are similar machines that can cut or engrave images or shapes into hard materials. Industrial laser cutters can cut even the toughest metals, like stainless steel and nickel, while more affordable laser cutters, like DIY laser cutter kits, can cut wood, acrylics, and other softer materials.
Acrylic or plexiglass is a unique material that is very fun and creative to work with, but also very temperamental.
Acrylic laser cutters and engravers help take a lot of the guesswork and labor that comes with working with acrylic by automating and modernizing processes, such as deburring edges and achieving clean lines.
Can you laser engrave acrylic?
Yes. Acrylic laser engraving occurs when the laser evaporates the top layer of material. Therefore, the material absorbed by the laser rapidly turns into a liquid and then a gas. Because of this vaporization, you'll need an enclosed laser engraver with a ventilation system that can direct the fumes away from the work area, such as out of a window.
In addition to enclosure, you'll need a machine with air assist to further manage steam in all aspects of your sculpting environment.
Acrylic or plexiglass are actually ideal materials for laser engraving, as the laser avoids warping the material, provides automatic deburring, and gives you precise angles and sharp edges when cutting acrylic. They are also so powerful that industrial laser cutters can process acrylic materials up to an inch thick.
How to laser engrave acrylic?
When engraving, acrylic comes in two types: cast and extruded.
Cast acrylic is made by pouring a liquid into a mold, which is then turned into a matte material that is highly sought after in custom projects such as awards.
Extruded acrylic is made by putting pellets into an extruder, which is then melted and extruded. This is an easier and cheaper option to make and keep its clear deposits during the engraving process. It is also softer than casting and is best for projects that require smooth edges.
But in general, acrylic or plexiglass will absorb certain wavelengths of light, which means you'll be able to engrave at relatively low power. No matter which version you use, you only need about 25% - 50% more power to achieve the design you want.
You may have heard about the growing popularity of wood laser cutters, but now is the time to try it out for yourself. These wood laser cutters and engravers promise to combine your artistic endeavors with powerful design software while saving you time, money and costly mistakes.
What are CNC wood laser cutters and engravers?
A laser wood cutter is a mechanized way of cutting and carving wood using a laser beam and design software.
These are usually carbon dioxide or gas and laser "cut" or burn the wood to create the design you want, giving you a dark burnt wood effect. During this process, the intensity of the laser is adjusted to create varying degrees of "burn," as well as product shading and contrast (if desired).
If you don't want the signature burnt brown look, there is also a way to create a white engraving when using the correct settings (i.e. low temperature and high speed).
When laser cutting wood, you need to consider a number of factors before processing, such as the density and resin content of the wood. For example, balsa wood is soft, so cutting requires less power than hardwoods such as redwood. There's also MDF (made from glulam fibers), which requires a machine that uses compressed air and a laser to optimize cutting and engraving.
Laser wood cutters are popular for making arts and crafts, but they're also great for furniture construction, interior design, gifts, models, and more. Not only do they allow you to make these things, but they make them faster and better than traditional methods, giving you more money and opportunities to create.
Wood Laser Cutting and Engraving
All of the laser cutters on our list are also capable of carving wood, depending on the setup you use. For cutting wood, you'll want a higher power setting, and less intense for engraving. With carving, you don't want to cut the wood, but burn the top layer while maintaining most of the structure.
Since wood laser engraving doesn't require power, you don't have to spend a lot of money on a solid-state laser engraver. However, if large projects and precision are priorities, it's worth checking out the advanced options.
Lasers are very versatile and can be incorporated into a variety of courses. We've also found that Atomstack laser machines are very popular in schools outside of the classroom, as they can also be used to create student or teacher awards, cut classroom signage in-house, create promotional products for school fundraisers, and more. ) depending on the course topic and course, we have seen lasers used in a variety of courses including
From smartboards to tablets, 3D printers to laser cutters, more and more schools are bringing hands-on interactive technology into the classroom. Whether it's industrial technology courses, art labs, schools and universities adopting new technologies in the classroom, they are attracting more students and developing active learners. The laser cutting/engraving system is fast becoming one of the most popular tools in the classroom, or in some cases, building an entire curriculum around it. Laser cutters are versatile, easy to use and safe. Not to mention it's very fun to use. What to cut and engrave with the students with a laser machine.
Why do we work with students on laser cutting and engraving projects at school?
What is education? Education is about helping our students find a way to connect them with the world. Who do we need to nourish in the future? We have no shortage of people who don't change anything, copy the work day in and day out. If so, machines can do it. We have a shortage of creative people in every industry. We lack children who can develop new products, new technologies, unknown worlds, new ideas. How we raise children in this way is the responsibility of every teacher and the hope of every parent. Owning an Atomstack laser engraver can help your students connect them to the world. Here are the two main categories where we see educational facilities adding laser technology: specific courses for custom applications, and first we'll look at the different types of courses that use lasers. From industrial workshop courses to art to architectural design, schools are discovering lasers' powerful tools for engaging, inspiring and educating students. Lasers in the classroom develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, foster creativity, encourage peer collaboration, and develop more engaged and successful teachers.
Recommended Laser Engraving Machine:
The versatility of lasers means that there are naturally some hidden benefits to incorporating this type of equipment in your school. If you want to share all these money-saving ways to use a laser engraver outside the classroom, or if you want to keep them to yourself, you can decide!
Awards and Plaques
Your school gives out many awards each year - why not create your own custom awards and trophies using a laser? Creating and crafting custom rewards can be expensive. Bringing these services in-house can have a positive impact on school budgets.
School Signage
Schools are required to put up signage throughout the campus. Customize classroom signs for teachers and room numbers in just a few quick steps. Directional signs can be created to guide students and visitors through campus, or even building signs can be created to showcase your school mascot.
Fundraising Campaigns
How about something involving a laser machine when your school plans its next fundraiser? Can you custom etch a laptop for donation, or make a commemorative laser-cut holiday decoration for sale? Or make a special etched keychain with your school logo. Ideas are endless!
Booster Gifts
Are you looking for a special gift for a school booster? How about a cozy fleece with the booster name and school logo? Or a personalised travel coffee mug or water bottle? Even the simplest gift can mean so much more when customized with a laser.
Club Use
Does your school have a club that uses lasers? Imagine what projects an engineering club or art club could create by using a laser system. Lasers can even spark ideas for new clubs, such as the Architecture Club, that can use lasers for architectural modeling projects!
Activity
From sporting events to dance to science fairs, lasers can bring huge benefits to your school. Students can use the laser to create signage for events, create custom giveaways, and add laser cutting to science projects.
Wood laser cutting machines have gradually become the first choice in the related woodworking industry due to their unparalleled processing characteristics. Wood laser cutters are available in a variety of sizes and powers. When it comes to woodworking, laser wood cutters can mark, engrave and cut with amazing results. Laser cutting is an amazing technology that is now widely used for precise cutting of flat materials. It uses a movable laser head to emit a focused beam to cut, mark or engrave materials. Applicable materials include wood, acrylic, plastic, paper, cloth, rubber, stone, etc. This article focuses on the basics you need to know when buying and using a wood laser machine. If you are hesitant to buy a laser wood cutter for sale, I hope to give you some ideas.
A wood laser cutter is a laser cutter for cutting, engraving and etching wood. In addition to wood, other non-metallic materials can also be processed, such as plastic, acrylic, fabric, leather, rubber, stone, glass, etc. Therefore, it is also called plywood laser cutting machine, acrylic laser cutting machine, laser woodworking engraving machine wood. Wood laser machines are suitable for cutting simple to complex designs into flat materials. Now the mainstream laser wood cutting machine is CO2 laser cutting machine. Its beam wavelength is 10.64um, which is suitable for processing non-metallic materials such as wood. Another mainstream laser cutting machine is the fiber laser cutting machine. Its beam wavelength is one-tenth that of a carbon dioxide laser. Fiber laser cutting machine is more suitable for cutting metal, so it is also called metal laser cutting machine. Compared to fiber laser cutters for metal, wood laser cutters require much less power to cut wood. We have 80W, 100W, 130W, 150W and other power options. This laser power determines the cutting ability of the wood laser cutting machine.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Wood Laser Cutting Machine First, understand your machining needs. As a woodworker, you should look for engraving and cutting machines that can process wood and related materials. It's even better if your laser wood cutter of choice can process multiple materials. You can then initially determine your machine configuration requirements based on your processing needs. If you just engrave images on wood, a small power like 40W can meet this requirement. But when you want to cut wood, you need to consider a high powered wood laser cutter. The choice of machine size depends on the largest size of material you need to cut. If your project requires a lot of detail, accuracy is the key metric. The engraving quality of a wood laser engraver depends on a number of factors. For example, the beam width and the spacing between the lines it can engrave. If you need to cut boards longer than 20mm thick, you'd better use a CNC router. Don't forget the budget. Prices for home and factory wood laser cutters vary widely. You can expect to spend anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 on a machine. Before buying, please determine your maximum budget and choose the most suitable machine accordingly. Safety is also a key factor, especially if you are at the beginner level. You also need to pay special attention when you place the machine in a high-traffic area of your home or workshop. The best wood laser cutter with a protective cover might be ideal. It not only protects the operator's safety, but also protects the environment. You should also consider maintenance and repair of your laser cutter. It should be easy to clean. Ask about maintenance frequency and overall process before investing. Also, you should be able to easily find its parts in the market.
Buy a laser engraver for wood or laser cutting service If you don't need to laser cut wood projects often, you can opt for a laser cutting service. There are now many online laser cutting service providers. You just need to tell them your needs, send them the design files, and they can make laser cut products according to your needs. So you don't need to invest in an expensive wood laser cutter. Instead, you only pay the corresponding processing fees, shipping and other charges. Choosing a laser cutting service also comes with certain risks. That's because the quality of laser cutting services varies. And the resulting project may not meet your needs. However, if you need a large number of laser wood projects, or if your company is in the business of selling laser cut products, then buying a wood laser cutter is the best option. Because with a wood laser cutter, you will have a lot of flexibility. It is up to you to decide when and how much to cut. If you are not satisfied, you can pause the cutting process at any time and change the corresponding parameters. Buying a wood laser cutting machine is not a small investment, but the benefits can be considerable.
First, there are different types of laser engravers, each of which will produce different results. More worryingly, not all of them are suitable for carving wood. So you may end up with the wrong machine.
Can a laser engraver engrave wood?
Yes, a laser engraver can engrave wood and do it easily. Of all the available options like Chisel, Dremel and Cricut Maker, laser engravers arguably produce the best results faster.
But in the end, the results will depend on the laser engraver and the type of wood you use. There are three main types of laser engravers to choose from.
CO2 lasers, also known as gas lasers, use carbon dioxide gas to generate a laser beam. When an electric current is passed through the gas, it emits a laser light with a wavelength of 10,000 nanometers.
This wavelength is most suitable for treating non-metallic surfaces such as leather and wood, as well as plastics.
Fiber lasers are the most powerful lasers, producing a wavelength of 1064 nanometers. These machines have the smallest focal point and can be 100 times more intense than CO2 lasers.
While fiber laser machines are popular, they are not the best for wood carving. They are designed for engraving objects with harder surfaces such as metal.
As the name suggests, UV lasers emit UV light from 10 nanometers to 400 nanometers. The wavelengths are much shorter and don't generate as much heat. Therefore, processing with UV laser is also called cold working.
These lasers are just as good at engraving materials like wood as CO2 lasers and are best for marking and even micro-marking.
So if you were to ask, "What laser can engrave wood?" the answer is all lasers, but a CO2 laser engraver is the best choice.
In addition to the above, another type of laser engraving machine is also gaining popularity. That's a diode laser. These are smaller in size and cheaper. Therefore, many laser engravers designed for home use are using diode lasers.
The next factor to consider is the type of wood. While you can laser engrave on almost any wood species, the results will vary. To choose the best wood block for your project, check the following:
Streaks - Streaks are dark stains on wooden surfaces with varying mineral content. While stripes look good on wood, they are not suitable for carving. Therefore, you need to choose the wood with the fewest streaks.
Resin/Sap Content - Ideally, the wood should have a high resin or sap content. Logs with higher resin content will produce deeper burns, while logs with lower resin content will produce shallower cuts.
Tint - Logs should be lighter in tint as they will produce darker burn marks. It's much more difficult to etch designs on dark wood and get similar results.
Some wood species that meet these criteria are alder, cherry, basswood, hard maple, and balsa. I always enjoy carving other people out of these logs.
Atomstack S20 Pro
This powerful yet affordable machine meets all the requirements of a reliable wood laser engraver. It has sufficient optical power, large working area, ultra-fine focal length, and easy operation.
