CO2 Laser Marking Machines
CO2 laser marking machines are ideal for organic materials like wood, leather, paper, fruits and vegetables and transparent or painted plastics. They can also mark metals, though fiber lasers are better suited for these applications.
When buying a used CO2 laser marking machine from a private seller, careful inspections and transparent communication are vital. This ensures a successful purchase that suits your needs and enhances operational efficiency.
Marking on a Wide Range of Materials
CO2 laser markers can engrave on virtually any organic material. They can even cut some materials like acrylic, wood, and rubber. However, they lack the precision and speed of fiber laser machines. However, they provide a cost-effective solution for engraving and marking on non-metallic materials.
Whether you’re looking for a machine to mark a metal product or an organic one, OMTech has you covered with our comprehensive selection of laser marking machines. Our powerful CO2 laser engravers offer a versatile range of capabilities, while our fiber markers offer unparalleled precision and power in the field of metal engravings.
A CO2 laser marker for wood uses a computer, CO2 laser generator, and laser control card to engrave text, patterns, images, numbers, lines, name, date, logo, and signage on MDF, plywood, and bamboo. When the laser beam hits the surface of the wood, it causes thermal excitation. This process can result in metamorphosis, melting, ablation, or vaporization of the surface layers.
The main advantage of a CO2 laser is that it can work with organic materials. Moreover, it can be used on wood, paper, plastic, and leather. However, a fiber laser is better for working with metals because it doesn’t require consumables. Hence, it has a longer lifespan than the CO2 laser machine. Moreover, it also requires less maintenance than the CO2 machine.
Marking on Metals
CO2 lasers are ideal for marking on a variety of metal materials. They can mark on metals that are difficult to work with using other laser types. They also produce highly-concentrated laser beams, ensuring that the marks they create are clear and easy to read. This makes them suitable for a wide range of applications, including date coding and serial numbering on packaging materials and products.
When marking on glass, CO2 laser machines etch white marks into the material by creating tiny cracks or micro-fractures. The resulting micro-fractures can be used to create custom patterns or letters that are readable by the human eye. This makes CO2 lasers a suitable co2 laser marking machines alternative to standard fiber wavelength systems, which are not able to interact with the material and are therefore not suitable for use on glass.
CO2 laser markers are also suitable for a wide range of other organic materials, such as wood. They can engrave on these materials to produce a variety of effects, such as text, logos, and drawings. They can also be used to etch marks onto a variety of surfaces, such as plastics, leather, and paper. In addition to their versatility, CO2 laser marking machines are easy to maintain and operate. They do not require consumables and are typically less expensive to purchase than fiber laser machines.
Marking on Glass
Unlike metals, glass is highly receptive to laser marking. CO2 lasers work very well for engraving and etching glass, delivering high-speed results that are more cost-effective than other marking methods.
Using CO2 lasers to mark on glassware allows for high-contrast marks. Unlike other methods of marking such as chemical etching, which creates a low-contrast gray mark or sandblasting, lasers deliver a clean and precise result with a frosted effect that maintains the strength of the glass surface.
The CO2 laser works by emitting a beam of light that has a wavelength that is very similar to the one used in light bulbs. Its energy is transferred to the material by a process called gain medium. 3 axis co2 laser marker This causes the vaporisation of a layer on the surface, revealing a deeper layer that is then marked.
A CO2 laser marking machine can be used to mark all types of glass, ceramics and rubber. This makes it a flexible solution for any production line, regardless of what industry you’re in. However, it is important to remember that different materials have different laser requirements. If you’re working with metals, a fiber laser may be more suited to your needs than a CO2 laser. KEYENCE has a variety of solutions to help you determine what’s best for your business, including a range of ML-Z CO2 laser markers.
Marking on Wood
When it comes to engraving wood, CO2 laser marking machines offer the best results. The longer wavelength of a CO2 laser is easily absorbed by organic materials like wood, and the process can create clean, char-free marks. This makes it perfect for adding branding or traceability information to products like gun stocks, floor planks, pallets, and furniture.
When working with any laser marking machine, it’s important to follow manufacturer guidelines and practice safe operation. Always ensure that the equipment is powered off before attempting repairs or replacing parts, and make sure to use grounded outlets whenever possible. When preparing to mark on wood, it’s also essential to use appropriate power settings and focus distance for the thickness of your material. If your equipment isn’t set up correctly, the quality of your engraving may suffer.
CO2 lasers are a great choice for engraving a wide variety of organic materials, but they’re not a good choice for metals. Some metals are highly reflective and can redirect laser energy back into the machine, which can damage your equipment and cause costly repairs. If you need to mark metal, consider using a fiber marker instead of a CO2 laser marking machine. Fiber markers feature shorter wavelengths that enable them to interact with metal more effectively. They’re also better suited for high-precision applications, and they provide faster, more reliable coding and marking solutions than CO2 lasers.