CSI (UK) – Specialist Supplier of Epilog Laser Machines and Materials

Author: csiuk1 | Posted: 16.01.2012

www.csiuk-epilog.co.uk

CSI UK provide specialist supply, service and support of Epilog Laser Machines, parts and materials to the UK market. Epilog Laser manufactures high performance C02 and fiber laser systems that produce unbeatable laser engraving, cutting and part marking results. We also stock a large variety of Engraving plastics is one of many applications of the Epilog Laser machines.

In this article we look at Engraving Materials.

Epilog Laser Machines & Engraving Materials

When it comes to laser engraving, CO2 engravers are capable of handling almost any material, from wood to acrylic, treated aluminum to glass and well beyond. But how do you know what speed and power settings to use for different engraving materials? It’s a simple question with a not-so-simple answer.

Speed and power settings depend mainly on two things: the first is the engraving material you’re using for engraving or cutting, and the second is the wattage of the laser machine you’re using. On some engraving materials such as wood, the higher wattage of the laser machine, the faster you can set the speed to get to the same engraving depth as a lower wattage laser. Therefore, the higher the wattage, the more throughput you can achieve from the same system. Engraving materials. such as acrylic require little power to engrave so they can be marked almost as quickly with a low wattage laser as they can with a high wattage laser. The thickness of the engraving material you’re using for engraving or cutting will also impact the speed and power settings you select. For example, a three-quarter inch piece of acrylic engraving materialswill take more power to cut than a piece that is only one-quarter inch thick.

This article will give you a general overview on popular engraving materials, along with tips to produce spectacular looking results.

Wood is by far the most laser-friendly engraving material. It can be engraved and cut very easily, and when engraved, lighter colored woods like cherry or maple produce a very nice contrast where the laser burns away the wood.

Every type of wood has its own characteristics. Some engraving materials be it wood or otherwise are denser than others, with the harder woods requiring more laser power to cut or engrave. The most common hardwoods used with the laser are cherry, walnut, maple and alder. These woods have relatively few veins of grain running through them, while oak has medium to large veins. Because it is much grainier, oak is a less desirable choice for wood engraving, as designs vary greatly in height and have a very non-uniform appearance.



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