Fiber lasers engrave by using a tightly focused laser beam to vaporize material. The laser beam is generated by a laser diode, which is an electrically powered semiconductor that amplifies light. The laser beam is passed through a special lens, which focuses the beam to a very small spot. This spot is moved across the surface of the material, vaporizing it as it goes.
Common materials that can be engraved using a fiber laser include glass, plastic, metal, and wood. Fiber lasers can also engrave coated materials, such as anodized aluminum. The depth of the engraving is determined by the power of the laser and the speed at which the beam is moved across the surface of the material.
What is the difference between a fiber laser and a CO2 laser when engraving?
A fiber laser is a solid state laser that uses a glass or synthetic fiber as its active medium, as opposed to a gas or liquid. The fiber is doped with one or more rare-earth elements, such as ytterbium, erbium, neodymium, thulium, or holmium, to produce gain and stimulate emission. CO2 lasers use carbon dioxide as an active medium; CO2 lasers typically operate at a much longer wavelength than fiber lasers, around 10.6 microns.
CO2 lasers are better at engraving materials like glass, stone, and ceramic, while fiber lasers are better at engraving metals. CO2 lasers produce a beam that is wider and not as focused as a fiber laser, so it is not as good for intricate engraving. Fiber lasers can produce a very tight, focused beam that is ideal for precise engraving.
What are the safety concerns when using a fiber laser?
When it comes to fiber lasers, there are a few safety concerns that should be taken into account. First and foremost, it is important to avoid looking directly into the beam of the laser, as this can cause permanent damage to the eyes. Additionally, it is important to keep the beam path clear of any flammable materials, as the laser can easily ignite them. Finally, it is important to be aware of the potential for electrical shock when working with fiber lasers, as they typically require high-voltage power supplies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials can be laser engraved?
Most materials can be laser engraved. The major exception is organic material, such as skin.
What is the difference between CO2 laser and fiber laser engraver?
There is a significant difference between these two types of lasers. A CO2 laser burns through materials with more heat and less damage than a fiber laser, making it the choice for cutting hardwoods and other materials that can be easily damaged. Fiber lasers are ideal for delicate jobs like engraving bones or lace, because they can create much finer lines and delicate cuts without exposing the material to as much heat.
What materials should I avoid when using a fiber laser engraver?
Generally, you should avoid working with plastics, wood, and leather because they will appear transparent to the 1062nm wavelength of the fiber laser beam.
What materials can be marked with a fiber laser?
A fiber laser can be Mell pulsed or CW, with different wavelengths to ablate, etch and engrave.
What is the best material for laser engraving?
There is no definitive answer, as different materials have different properties that make them ideal for specific applications. Based on these considerations, some popular choices for laser engraving include cotton, microfiber, and plastics.
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