About

3D Laser Engraving Machines

A 3D laser engraving machine is built to mark 3D shapes and surfaces with clarity and precision. They are different to a typical 2D or even 3-Axis laser system in a number of ways and we offer this technology as standard with our Meta-C range.

Utilising state-of-the-art technology, we’ve established ourselves as a leading provider in this sector. Our own systems offer sharper, finer details and consistent depth to non-flat surfaces, all with impressively short processing times that will save you and your business time and money.

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Backround

How does 3D Laser Engraving Work?

Before we look at the science behind how our 3D laser system works, we first need to understand some background.

A laser is focused to an ideal focal point, where it has an interaction with your material making a mark, engraving, cutting or otherwise as required. Where it meets the material, the laser creates a shape, this is called the laser spot.

If you shine a torch at a wall head on, the spot you see from the torch is circular. If it hits a wall at an angle, the spot turns elliptical or a different shape. Where it is further away from the wall, the light dims and the outline becomes blurry (the focus).

The same applies to a laser, however, because a laser is used to interact in a specific way with a surface, the effect on the resulting laser spot is far more critical.

As a laser spot deforms or loses focus, the power, focus, efficacy and shape is affected, resulting in lower spot quality. This produces unwanted results.

How does 3D laser beam delivery differ?

A 3D system will automatically adjust the laser spot so there is little loss of spot quality on curved surfaces and 3D contours. They are great for more complex shapes, and quickly engraving anything from bottles to game controllers.

They can also be used to create relief engravings by deep engraving the part with differing heights, which is useful for personalised gifts or jewellery items.

How does a 3D beam delivery work?

A 3D scanhead can adjust a laser beam in all three dimensions: X, Y and Z. It uses a series of beam expanders and shifting optics before passing it through the lens to meet the material.

See the rudimentary diagram opposite that displays a basic 3D laser scanhead setup before the laser meets the surface.

basic 3d beam delivery - 3D Laser Engraving Machines

2-Axis, 2.5D, 3D, 3-axis, what does it all mean?

3D or 3-Axis?

There is a lot of confusion in the industry around 2-Axis, 3-Axis, 4-Axis, 5-Axis, 2.5D and 3D. We hope to clear this up….

With this, it’s important not to confuse axis and dimensions, I know this contradicts mathematics, geometry and more. We talk about 7-Axis which is only possible in math, and 2.5D which once again, is unlikely in a real world, in fact if you think about it logically, a 3D system operates over time which actually makes it 4D.

Anyway, ignore all that, this relates to mechanics, and is more commonly associated with machining and CNC:

 

  • 2-Axis systems have no control over the Z-Axis (height)
  • 3-Axis systems automatically adjust the X, Y and Z-axis. However, this might not mean they are 3D capable.
  • A 2.5D system will automatically adjust the X and Y-Axis to the physical limit of the laser, but will have limited or manual Z-axis control. Most laser systems are in fact 2.5D.
  • A 3D laser system will also correct the focus and laser spot field edge. Technically speaking, it has 4-Axis, physical limit given by the inclination of the laser beam, and a mechanical limit given by the Z-Axis. A 3D laser system will also have 3D capable software and electronics, allowing 3D marking across a planar.
  • 5-Axis to 7-Axis systems introduce additional flexibility, a rotary system can be added to a 3D system to achieve 5 or 6-Axis. A 7-Axis system or true multiplanar 3D is difficult to achieve from a mechanical perspective, but rest assured, our team are working on it!

Common Technology

What are the limitations of Rotary Devices?

Old rotary

Most laser engraving machines use a rotary device to turn cylindrical objects during the laser marking process. This process can be very time consuming and, when engraving glass, can be somewhat of a high risk. Why? Due to its shape and delicate nature, cylindrical glass can be difficult to clamp, resulting in it slipping and the defective engraved product becoming unusable. And that’s not the only limitation. When using a rotary device, the laser beam delivery can only be in one plane (most commonly zero degrees), yet for the best results when laser engraving on glass, it’s required to deliver the beam at angles other than zero. In short, by using a rotary device, the highest quality of laser marking isn’t achievable.

We get it. A rotary device isn’t the most effective solution to laser engrave a non-flat surface. So what’s the alternative? Enter: the 3-Axis.

3D LASER MARKING

The Power of 3-Axis Marking

By using a 3-axis beam for 3D laser engraving, all the obstacles you face when using a rotary device are overcome. A state-of-the-art system, a 3-axis allows you to mark curvatures on your creations and, when combined with the rotary system, you can achieve unbeatable results.
Combining the benefits of 3-axis beam delivery with a rotary device means you can achieve maximum quality and surface area across almost any-shaped surface that is within scope of the technology. With a full understanding of the technology incredible results can be achieved. By combining the two systems, you can give your business huge commercial advantages compared to the conventional technology that most competitors will be using.

UNIQUE

Results

 

Here’s an example of the incredible detail that can be achieved using a Lotus Laser System Meta-C 5W UV laser and a 3-axis beam delivery. The 3-axis beam delivery system holds focus by mapping the 2D artwork onto a 3D model of the object then dynamically adjusting the focal point as it contacts the object’s surface. From the brightness of the mark to the crisp and clear 700 nanometer wide hairline seen on the (R) symbol, this is 3D laser engraving at its absolute finest.

Heineken Glass 3D Marked Branding 1

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3D Capable

Recommendations

Whether you’re an industrial manufacturer or small business we have solutions to help you mark around curved and complex surfaces. From laser etching gin glasses to marking suspension parts, our laser machines are designed to do it all.

Meta-C 3D • Fiber Laser Engraving Machine

First introduced in 2012 and now in it's 7th incarnation, the Meta-C MOPA fiber laser engraving machine is built for 24/7 use over decades, it has a track record of near zero failures over millions of flawless operations and features our latest 3D laser head (3-Axis).

Beam Delivery Laser Type Power (W)
3D (3-Axis) MOPA Fiber 30-80

Meta-C 3D • UV Laser Marking Machine

We are proud that our UV laser marking machine was amongst the first commercially available on the market. Since then, however the Meta-C UV has evolved so much! With 3D technology as standard, unmatched speed and accuracy it can mark anything. Designed to serve serious commercial to light industrial users, built with our time-tested Meta-C chassis, made for millions of operations, it's backed by up-to 10 years warranty.

Beam Delivery Laser Type Power (W)
3D (3-Axis) Ultraviolet 5-15

Meta-C CO2 • Laser Etching Machine

Built for etching and engraving at speed, the Meta-C CO2 laser etching machine is a different beast to our Blu systems, built within the Gen7 Meta-C chassis, this 3D (3-Axis) Galvo CO2 laser source is extremely accurate and comes in a wide range of power options.

Beam Delivery Laser Type Power (W)
3D (3-Axis) CO2, Fiber, UV 5-200W