Laser Marking

Most Common Types of Laser Beam Delivery

Within a laser marking machine there are different ways to deliver the laser beam to the work piece. Choosing the correct form of beam delivery can have a huge difference on process times and output quality, so let’s take a look at the most common types…

Laser engraving machines

The Right Form of Beam Delivery

Contrary to popular belief it is not a good idea for a single format of system to be applied to all jobs, even if technically it’s possible to do so.


Choosing the right form of beam delivery can determine whether you will meet customer price, quality and delivery requirements. It may even determine whether you acquire the job at all, and the wrong choice can have serious implications relating to system reliability, maintenance and running costs.

In a laser engraving machine there are most commonly two types of laser beam delivery.

 

Meta-XY UV CO2 Fiber laser engraving

Types of Laser Beam Delivery

1. Laser Engraver or Laser Cutter

The first common type of laser beam delivery is via a plotter type motion system that usually contains stepper or servomotors, linear bearing rails and belts. To this motion system are attached a series of 3 or 4 mirrors that deliver the beam via deflection to a focus carriage that usually contains a single layer plano-convex lens. The lens moves over the work area, which is usually large and rectangular in shape, to deliver the focused laser to the work piece; technically this is a flying optic laser. These machines are commonly called a laser engraver or a laser cutter and predominantly incorporate a CO2 laser at the 10.6µm wavelength.

types of laser beam delivery

2. Galvo Laser

laser marked hip flask

The second is via a sealed unit containing 2 mirrors that are attached to galvanometers; these are very accurate, high speed motors one of which turns through 0 degrees (X axis) and the other through 90 degrees (Y axis). The beam is focused through a fixed lens known as an F-Theta lens that at the 1µm wavelength is multi-layered and at 10.6µm is usually a single layer. The work area is constraint by the characteristics of the lens and is usually quite small and circular in shape; technically this is known as a beam deflection laser. These machines are commonly called a galvo laser, a marking laser or sometimes a laser marker and can be fitted with a very wide range of laser wavelengths such as 355nm, 532nm, 1064nm (1µm) and 10.6µm

At Lotus Laser Systems we manufacture at our UK facility all of the above mentioned system formats and our experts would be happy to advise you which configuration would suit your application best.

MACHINE

Recommendations

From small enterprises to industrial manufacturers, we’ve got the right laser solution for every business. From laser etching glasses to marking suspension parts, our laser machines are designed to do it all.

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-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

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