Lasers are a fantastic technological advancement which allow us to mark, engrave and texturise a wide variety of surfaces and materials. But, how does it all work? And which laser types are suitable for which materials? We're glad you asked! Let's delve in and shed some light on applying lasers to different materials. In this blog, we are going to focus on two particular types of lasers; CO2 and Fiber.
CO2 lasers
CO2 lasers are gas lasers based on a carbon dioxide gas mixture, which is electrically stimulated. They're useful for working on non-metallic materials and on most plastics. They can also be used on wood, acrlyic, glass, paper, textiles, foils & films, leather and stone.
Let's take a look at some of these materials:
Wood
The industry of interior design has also benefited greatly from laser engraving technology. Laser cutting and engraving have made the production of furniture, inlays, and other interior decoration items much easier and faster. With the level of accuracy that laser engraving is capable of, it can even work with wood sheets that are paper-thin and extremely delicate. Laser engraved wood greeting cards, postcards, and notebooks covers have become increasingly common because of this technology.
Glass
With a CO2 laser engraving machine, you can laser engrave flat materials such as window glass or mirrors, round workpieces such as wine or champagne glasses, and conical items like bottles. You can also laser process mirror glass with a fiber laser by removing only the reflective layer on the back so that the glass itself is not engraved by the fiber laser, leaving the surface smooth.
Paper
You can refine greeting cards, book covers, table decorations or packaging with a detailed engraving or filigree pattern using a laser machine. By adjusting the speed, power and frequency settings on the laser, operators can etch text, cut out shapes, and even create perfectly perforated lines for easy folding and assembly.
Fiber lasers
Metal
Despite the prevalence of alternative materials, there is no doubt that metals remain the workhorse of the manufacturing industry. Metals provide a unique combination of durability, workability, heat and chemical resistance, and visual appeal that makes them the material for choice for several industrial and commercial applications.
Metal laser engraver technology has become so useful that it is now being used in both big industries and small-scale applications. Industrial parts such as pipes, fittings, pump casings, and motor parts often receive the metal engraving machine treatment for parts numbers, tracking numbers, serial numbers and company branding.
Copper
Copper has high thermal conductivity and thermal transfer properties and is used commonly for wiring, printed circuit boards and pressurised flow meters. Their thermal properties are ideal for laser marking systems for metal because the heat is quickly dissipated. This reduces the impact the laser can have on the structural integrity of the material.
Sterling Silver and Gold
Laser engraving is a modern alternative to creating designs. Whether it is to create a classical style gold engraving, engraved silver rings, adding a special message to the back of a watch, decorating a necklace or personalising a bracelet by engraving it, a laser offers you the opportunity to work on countless shapes and materials. Functional markings, patterns, textures, personalization and even photo-engravings can be achieved using a laser. A creative tool for a creative industry.
Would you like to learn more about how our N-Lase systems can help you engrave, mark or texturise different surfaces? Perhaps you're a jeweller looking to offer personalisation? Or maybe a manufacturer looking to mark your assets? Visit our website where you can learn more, book a demo and even get a quote.