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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Lotus Meta-C Fiber Laser Engraving Machine
3DAutomation Ready, Colour MarkingMOPA Fiber X17

Meta-C 3D • Fiber Laser Engraving Machine

The Meta-C Fiber Laser Engraver is the best solution for laser marking and engraving stainless steel, plastics, aluminium, and much more. It guarantees you accurate, durable and high-contrast markings on metals and plastics to a standard other machines just cannot do. •  Built for 24/7 industrial use over decades •  Perfect for traceability, QR codes, barcodes, and logos •  Ultra-precise engraving for incredible detail and accuracy

Power: 30w, 60w, 80w, 200w
Ideal for: Traceability, Serialisation, Part Marking, QR Codes, Logos
Materials: Steel, Aluminium, Titanium, Brass, ABS Plastic

Lotus Meta-C 3D UV Laser Engraving Machine
3DAutomation ReadyUV Laser

Meta-C 3D • UV Laser Marking Machine

The Meta-C UV laser engraver is the best laser for marking glass, plastics, and much more. It uses UV technology to create an amazing finish across glass surfaces without cracking or damaging the glass, and can mark plastics & silicone with pristine clarity. •  Ultra-high detail on any material •  World-leading glass marking that far surpasses CO2 etching •  Leaves surface marks with no damage or ablation

Power (W): 5, 10, 15
Ideal for: PCBs, Electronics, Components, Branding, and much more
Materials: Glass, Plastics, Wood - Almost Everything!

Meta-i Laser Coding Machine
2D, 3DAutomation ReadyMOPA Fiber X17, UV Laser

Meta-I • Laser Coding Machine

•  State-of-the-art laser coding machine
•  Designed for effortless integration into high-speed production lines
•  Optimise production processes by marking, coding & engraving

Power (W): 5, 10, 15, 30, 60, 80, 100
Materials: All (available with any laser source)

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.

Overview

Watch the Video

Find out more about the true difference between 2D and 3D laser technology and how it works

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

3D or 3-Axis?

Inside a laser scan head, you’ll find at least two axes – the two mirrors

To mark 3D, you need a laser that can change its focal point

A Dynamic Optic adjusts the focus height, for 3D Marking

There is a lot of confusion in the industry around Axis and D (Dimension) in lasers. We’re here to clear this up and help you get the laser you need.

An Axis is anything that the laser interacts with. As a minimum, every laser has two mirrors which deflect the beam across the work surface. If your laser only has these mirrors, it is 2-axis.

The D, or Dimension, means what type of surface it can mark. 2D lasers can only mark 2D surfaces. The focus point of the laser is set to the height of the work surface, and will mark along that flat surface.

If you add a focusing optic to adjust the laser for 3D marking, this would make it 3-axis, because there is now a third component interacting with the laser.

To mark 3D, curved and rounded objects, you need a 3D laser – only a 3D laser can mark a 3D object with accuracy and sharpness.

For the most part, 3D lasers are most often 3-axis lasers, because they operate with two mirrors and a dynamic optic to change the focal point of the laser. But 3-axis does not mean 3D – it just means there are three components interacting with the laser.

Basically – if you only need to mark flat plates, you only need a 2D laser. If you need to mark curved objects (like glasses), you need a 3D laser.

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.

3D UV Laser Etched Glass

Trusted and loved by thousands of businesses

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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-XY Fiber • Laser Part Marking Machine

The Meta-XY Fiber part marking machine is the ideal engraving solution for marking metals & plastics on a whole new scale. Fully automated and capable of marking hundreds of parts at the push of one button, this laser engraver guarantees an incredibly precise finish on all of your products. •  Designed for batch coding & laser part marking •  Easy to use and engraves all parts completely automatically •  Powerful fiber laser that's perfect for metals & plastics

Power (W): 30, 60, 80
Worktable (mm): 700 x 500
Materials: Most Metals, Stone, Some Plastics

Meta-C 3D • Fiber Laser Engraving Machine

The Meta-C Fiber Laser Engraver is the best solution for laser marking and engraving stainless steel, plastics, aluminium, and much more. It guarantees you accurate, durable and high-contrast markings on metals and plastics to a standard other machines just cannot do. •  Built for 24/7 industrial use over decades •  Perfect for traceability, QR codes, barcodes, and logos •  Ultra-precise engraving for incredible detail and accuracy

Power: 30w, 60w, 80w, 200w
Ideal for: Traceability, Serialisation, Part Marking, QR Codes, Logos
Materials: Steel, Aluminium, Titanium, Brass, ABS Plastic

Meta-I • Laser Coding Machine

•  State-of-the-art laser coding machine
•  Designed for effortless integration into high-speed production lines
•  Optimise production processes by marking, coding & engraving

Power (W): 5, 10, 15, 30, 60, 80, 100
Materials: All (available with any laser source)

Meta-C 3D • UV Laser Marking Machine

The Meta-C UV laser engraver is the best laser for marking glass, plastics, and much more. It uses UV technology to create an amazing finish across glass surfaces without cracking or damaging the glass, and can mark plastics & silicone with pristine clarity. •  Ultra-high detail on any material •  World-leading glass marking that far surpasses CO2 etching •  Leaves surface marks with no damage or ablation

Power (W): 5, 10, 15
Ideal for: PCBs, Electronics, Components, Branding, and much more
Materials: Glass, Plastics, Wood - Almost Everything!

Meta-C 3D • CO2 Laser Etching Machine

•  Precise 3D beam delivery & powerful Galvo CO2 laser source
•  Designed for high speed etching and engraving
•  Made for millions of operations – backed by a 10 year warranty

Power (W): 60, 80, 100
Worktable (mm): 350 x 350
Materials: Wood, Some Plastics, Textiles