What is the difference between a laser engraving machine and a CNC engraving machine? Many friends who want to buy an engraving machine are confused about this. In fact, the generalized CNC engraving machine includes laser engraving machine, which can be equipped with laser head for engraving. A laser engraver can also be a CNC engraver. Therefore, the two intersect, there is an intersection relationship, but there are also many differences. Next, HRC Laser will share with you the similarities and differences between these two devices.
In fact, both laser engraving machines and CNC engraving machines are controlled by computer numerical control systems. First you need to design the engraving file, then open the file through the software, start CNC programming, and the engraving machine starts to work after the control system receives the control command.
The difference is as follows:
1. The working principle is different
A laser engraving machine is a device that uses the thermal energy of a laser to engrave materials. The laser is emitted by a laser and focused into a high-power-density laser beam through an optical system. The light energy of the laser beam can cause chemical and physical changes in the surface material to engrave traces, or the light energy can burn off part of the material to display the patterns and characters that need to be etched.
The CNC engraving machine relies on the high-speed rotating engraving head driven by the electric spindle. Through the cutter configured according to the processing material, the processing material fixed on the main table can be cut, and various plane or three-dimensional patterns designed by the computer can be engraved. Embossed graphics and text can realize automatic engraving operation.
2. Different mechanical structures
Laser engraving machines can be divided into different types of special machines according to their specific uses. The structures of these specialized machines are roughly the same. For example: the laser source emits laser light, the numerical control system controls the stepping motor, and the focus moves on the X, Y, and Z axes of the machine tool through laser heads, mirrors, lenses and other optical components, so as to ablate the material for engraving.
The structure of CNC engraving machine is relatively simple. It is controlled by computer numerical control system, so that the engraving machine can automatically select the appropriate engraving tool to engrave on the X, Y, and Z axes of the machine tool.
In addition, the cutter of the laser engraving machine is a complete set of optical components. The cutting tools of the CNC engraving machine are carving tools of various entities.
3. The processing accuracy is different
The diameter of the laser beam is only 0.01mm. The laser beam enables smooth and bright engraving and cutting in narrow and delicate areas. But the CNC tool can’t help, because the diameter of the CNC tool is 20 times larger than the laser beam, so the processing accuracy of the CNC engraving machine is not as good as that of the laser engraving machine.
4. The processing efficiency is different
The laser speed is fast, the laser is 2.5 times faster than the CNC engraving machine. Because laser engraving and polishing can be done in one pass, CNC needs to do it in two passes. Moreover, laser engraving machines consume less energy than CNC engraving machines.
5. Other differences
Laser engraving machines are noiseless, pollution-free, and efficient; CNC engraving machines are relatively noisy and pollute the environment.
The laser engraving machine is non-contact processing and does not need to fix the workpiece; the CNC engraving machine is contact processing and the workpiece needs to be fixed.
The laser engraving machine can process soft materials, such as cloth, leather, film, etc.; the CNC engraving machine cannot process it because it cannot fix the workpiece.
The laser engraving machine works better when engraving non-metal thin materials and some materials with high melting point, but it can only be used for plane engraving. Although the shape of the CNC engraving machine has certain limitations, it can make three-dimensional finished products such as reliefs.
Post time: Dec-28-2022