Micromachining And Laser Engraving Services

The technology involved in all kinds of engravings has indeed changed with the introduction of modern methods being used in the process. Micromachining and Laser Engraving are the most common techniques in use today. They are simply birds of the same feathers when it comes to all kinds of engravings. Oftentimes, both terms could be interchanged. Let's examine what the techniques can achieve especially in the recent times.

What are Micromachining and Laser Engraving?

Laser engraving and Micromachining are special techniques used in marking and creation of all kinds of images on diverse objects and surfaces. Technically speaking, both techniques are known as Surface or Laser Micromachining. They are now being used in all kinds of productions.

Major services

In the recent times, Laser Micromachining is used in making all kinds of services available especially in the technological and industrial sectors. The services that could be rendered through the process include laser precision cutting, laser precision welding, laser marking and engraving, laser polishing and hardening and so on. It all depends on the exact service you require. All you need is to locate the right micromachining company that can do the job for you.

Major Tools Used

When it comes to the processes involved in micromachining and laser engraving, there are special tools that are usually engaged. These include lasers, sheet metals, wielding tools and so on. Lasers are usually very versatile and flexible. They are wonderful tools that emit focused beam light. They also utilize certain substances in absorbing electro-magnetic energy during all kinds of engraving processes.

Benefits of Micromachining

Laser Micromachining comes with lots of benefits especially to the technological and industrial sectors. The process contributes to the success of various companies that are making use of it regularly in achieving all kinds of aims and purposes. The process offers cost-effective services and solutions such as laser drilling, laser cutting, laser wielding, laser marking, polishing, engraving, and so on.

Typical instances of Applications

There are various applications that could be produced through micromachining techniques. These may include: laser micro drilling and cutting of polyimide kapton and rubbers, laser cutting of stainless steel surfaces such as aluminum, coppers, silicon wafer, nickels and so on. The techniques could also used in laser drilling of tubes, needles and injection nozzles. It is also used in laser wielding of aluminum alloys, laser wielding of thin foils, tubes and disks, laser transmission wielding of plastics, laser cutting of glasses, laser polishing and hardening of steel surfaces, laser marking of matrix 2D and so on and so forth.

In all, the list of what could be achieved through Micromachining or laser engraving is endless. Both processes and techniques have always remained forces to reckon with in the modern technological world.

Micromachining is indeed a unique method involved in all kinds of laser processes. Find out more about this as you visit laserusa.com

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How To Start A Work-At-Home Laser Engraving Business

I'm going to show you the ropes, the basics of what you need to know about starting up a work-from-home laser engraving business. It doesn't take a lot of money to get started. Laser machines and laser systems are relatively simple to operate. You can usually start up a business pretty fast because the system is easy to use. Whether you want to work full time or part-time you can make a good living.

Getting started setting up your business is easy. First, you'll need to get proper training. Check out your local community or junior colleges and see if they offer classes in laser engraving. Check the 'yellow pages' and see if there are any local shops or businesses in which you can get a part-time job to learn the business. Then you'll need to buy laser machines, systems and engraving equipment and supplies. You'll need to buy a laser engraver and a compatible computer.

Consider buying some used laser equipment. Call any companies that you can find locally and see of they have any machines, systems or equipment to sell or if they plan to go out of business. If you have cash set aside for your business try to buy one of the newer laser engravers that has a good warranty. High quality equipment will last a lot longer and will have fewer problems.

Some of the laser engraving businesses specialize in promotional engraving; that is - they make promotional business items engraved with company logos. Your customers should know that engraved promotional items are a great way to create fast, personalized items to distribute to their clients and/or employees. This is far less costly than what they would spend on pre-engraved promotional items.

The laser engraving systems of a few years ago were large, difficult to run and maintain. Laser machines and systems today are simple to learn, operate, and maintain. They are affordable now for small businesses. And today's systems have less safety issues. They are sealed and a constant flow of gas is not necessary as was required in the old systems.

They also have faster engraving speeds and have more options to choose from. The cost of laser machines and systems is quite a bit lower than for the older machines. The most important difference between the new and old systems is the interfacing of laser engraving equipment with computers.

How it works: the laser engraving system is connected to a computer with a parallel printer cable. A laser machine driver is installed into the computer. The artwork is produced in a graphics program or scanned in with a scanner. The laser dealer or manufacturer can help you with selecting the best computer that is the most compatible with the new laser engraving system. The more capabilities the system has the more you will be able to do.

You need to get a demonstration of laser engraving and cutting systems so you can understand what table size and tube wattage you'll require for the projects you plan to do.

To learn more about laser engraving technology, look for industry trade journals. Laser industry directories will help you find manufacturers of new equipment.

Many people who have work at home or small laser engraving businesses only engrave part-time. So if you decide to start up your own laser engraving business you don't have to leave your day job. Once you get your business going you can start to build your business into a successful home business.

A laser engraving business is a good choice for anyone who wants to start a work-at-home business or an outside-the-home business because the start up costs are low. You can start small and slowly grow and add equipment as demand for your products increase.

For more information on laser engraving and laser engraving machines, laser marking, laser etching and laser cutting go to http://www.EngravingLaser.net for tips, help, facts, free resources, including information on all types of laser engraving

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Guide to Laser Engraving

With so many options on laser marking systems available today it is not surprising that many people get confused with which is the most suitable to their application. Many people don't even know that the term "laser", is actually an acronym - Light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation - which explains the process by which a laser beam is created.

The basic theory of this is simple. A gain medium (the material that is used to create the laser light), is excited using either light or electrical energy to generate photons (the laser light). All of this is happening in a closed cavity, with a completely reflective mirror at one end, and a semi reflective one at the other. When the light bouncing around inside gains enough energy, it escapes through the semi-reflective mirror.

These high energy photons are then focused to a small spot (much like you did at school when you used a magnifying glass to focus the sunlight to burn things!). If it is a vector laser, this beam is deflected and directed using a pair of mirrors (X and Y deflection). This guide will help you understand the capabilities of the 3 most common lasers available in the market today:

· A CO2 laser: the Carbon Dioxide gas sealed inside the laser (along with some other gases - most commonly nitrogen, and helium) is pumped (excited / heated up) using electrical energy (DC, AC or RF) which creates the stream of photons.

· An Nd:YAG laser: the neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:Y3Al5O12) is pumped using a lamp or diode to emit the stream of photons.

· A Fiber laser: a glass fiber doped with a rare earth ion - most commonlyytterbium (Yb3+) - is diode pumped and the photons generated are reflected down the fiber towards the deflecting mirrors.

What are the differences?

The basic differences between the nd:YAG / Fiber and CO2 Lasers is the wavelength of the beam that it produces. The light emitted from a laser sits within the Invisible Light - Infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum.

The light of the YAG and fiber lasers are emitted at a wavelength that is precisely 10 times smaller (1.064 µm) than that of a CO2 laser(10.6 µm).

This smaller wavelength also means that if the Nd:YAG/Fiber and CO2 lasers were used in the same application (with the same set-up). The Nd:YAG/Fiber would have a much smaller spot size and consequently, mark with a better resolution.

What difference does this make?

These wavelengths determine which laser should be used for each application, as the material to be marked will have different absorption capabilities (of the light at different wavelengths). If a material can absorb the light, then it can be affected by it.

Which one should I use for metal?

Most metals are highly reflective and therefore, an Nd:YAG or Fiber laser would be most suited.The wavelength being much shorter means there will be less reflection of the beam on the surface, therefore less loss of energy and consequently easier working of the metal. The metal absorbs more of the light energy that changes its physical properties.

Which one should I use for non - metal?

Organic materials such as wood, acrylics, plastics, fabrics, and transparent objects are better suited to the CO2 as the wavelength is longer and has more latitude. However the Nd:YAG and Fiber lasers can be used to mark some non-metals too. But if the object is transparent (eg. glass) then the YAG / Fiber laser light will pass through it without marking it.

Laser markers can produce alpha-numeric characters, bar codes, serial numbers, logo's, artwork and other graphic images using a non-contact thermal process.

Is there an easy way of knowing which would be most suitable?

Ideally, a sample of the material would have to be tested , but generally think of CO2 for Organic and YAG and its derivatives (Fiber, nd:YAG .. etc) for Non Organic materials.

Okay, I have decided to go for either an nd:YAG or Fiber laser, what are the differences?

· The nd:YAG uses a lamp or a diode pack (array) to excite the gain medium - these require more electrical power and wear out (and are very costly to replace). They, also produce a lot of heat and require more heat dissipation (some water cooled - most now use heat-sinks and thermo-electric cooling systems)

· The fiber lasers use many single emitter diodes that are cheaper to run, and will last the lifetime of the fiber. The mean time before failure is greater than 50,000hrs

· The fiber laser is more stable at all power levels.

· The light source with a fiber is completely sealed all the way to the marking head. This stops dust and particle contamination and enables longer working distances between the control unit and marking head. It also reduces any leakage and therefore increases the efficiency of the laser beam.

· The fiber laser "boots up" a lot quicker.

· The fiber laser has less replacement parts (such as resonator mirrors, crystals, fluids and filters)

Laith is the sales and business development manager for Identisys Ltd, based in Northamptonshire they are experts in Laser Engraving

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Easy Guide To Laser Engraving

Early in the 1960's scientists discovered, that they could create a light source, focus the energy and have a tool powerful enough to affect a variety of materials. Laser marking is the preferred marking method when aesthetics or permanency is desired. Sometimes laser marking is referred to as laser etching; unlike conventional etching, it needs no masks or chemicals. Etching provides a permanent message on an in-process or finished component

Like many inventions of recent times, lasers were conceived in a laboratory. Virtually all materials can be laser engraved or laser marked. With advanced software you can laser engrave practically anything including Bar Codes, 2D codes, photographs and company logos and laser engraving of graphite is a clean operation. Think of a laser as a light source that is similar to a light bulb; a light bulb will emit energy all around it.

The ability to laser cut complex profiles can eliminate the need for additional operations, making this type of cutting highly economical. The laser metal cutting option can be added to some of the laser cutting machines. This cutting adds high precision, reduced contamination or warping, and a quality finish to industrial cutting applications.

You can mark most plastics from cattle tags to backlit day and night key switches. Typical industries that use laser marking include promotional, engineering and medical industries. Because no inks are used it is both permanent and the process is kind to the environment.

Some of the items that Co2 lasers and Co2 laser systems can be used include: marking and etching glass or quartz, in the manufacturing of glass doors and windows, for in permanent serial numbering, ANSI safety information, for customer logos, in some decorative or specialty glass manufacturing, in manufacturing data related to plant, production date and line, and/or in part numbers. Laser marking services can be used for many thousands of applications from computer keyboards to promotional gifts. It's flexible, programmable and environmentally clean.

Laser engraving can be used for most of the jobs currently being carried out by industrial engravers. It's also available in most engraving specialty stores because it's now the most common type of engraving.

Laser engraving, cutting and marking is a versatile technology that's being used by many engravers to improve productivity, add more services to their customers and increase profits. Engraving metal uses the most power especially if the metal is a hard metal. There are no consumables to contend with so operating costs are minimal, and the laser machine and system, if properly exhausted, runs clean, so that costly cleanup or by product disposal is unnecessary.

For more information on laser engraving and laser engraving machines, laser marking, laser etching and laser cutting go to http://www.EngravingLaser.net for tips, help, facts, free resources, including information on all types of laser engraving

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Laser Engraving

Laser engraving is a technique in which laser technology is used to engrave, mark or etch any object. People get things engraved for many different reasons and purposes. This method is much more popular than other engraving procedures because the result is very clean and precise. The method of laser engraving can be very complex and technical, and involves exposing the object to a laser ray.

The machine which is used for laser engraving basically has 3 main parts, which are the laser, controller and surface. The laser beam is emitted from the laser, and the patterns are traced by the controller onto the surface.

A laser is so powerful that it can not only engrave, but also cut if necessary. Plasma cutting and woodcarving are techniques that can take place with the help of a high-power laser. Printing on disposable cups, plastic bags, candy bar wrappers and milk cartons is done by a method known as 'flexo printing', which is done with the help of laser engraving.

Mostly, laser engraving is used for materials which are "laser-able", like alloys and polymers. Woodwork, a very beautiful and famous art, is carried out with the help of laser engraving. Here, 10 watts of laser power can suffice to engrave on hardwoods like oak and mahogany. Acrylic plastics and plastic sheets (of soft drink bottles) are also commonly engraved. By the method of conduction, coating can be removed from metal with the help of laser engraving. Diamonds get their brilliance thanks to the process of laser engraving.

Lasers provides detailed information on Laser, Laser Printers, Laser Surgery, Laser Engraving and more. Lasers is affiliated with Foods That Cause Gout.

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What You Must Know About Laser Engraving

For the engraving industry, CO2 lasers, named for the gasses used to create the light source, are the tools of choice. There are a variety of advantages to using a laser over other methods of engraving; first of all, because the tool is a beam of light, there is no product contact, which translates into less chance of product damage or deformation. It didn't take long for the engraving industry to notice lasers and soon they were being used for a wide variety of industrial applications including welding, heat-treating, etching and engraving.

It was in the early 1960's when scientists first discovered, that they could create a light source, focus the energy and have a tool powerful enough to affect certain materials. The name of the light source - LASER, is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Sometimes laser marking is referred to as laser etching; unlike conventional etching, laser etching needs no masks or chemicals.

Laser etching is basically just another name for laser engraving. Almost all materials can be laser engraved/laser marked.

A laser works well for cutting acrylic (Plexiglas), PETG, thin polycarbonates (Mylar), styrene expanded PVC (Sintra), wood, paper and fabric. Laser etching provides a permanent message on an in-process or finished component. Laser cutting adds high precision, reduced contamination or warping, and a quality finish to industrial cutting applications.

Laser etching is the process of marking the material without cutting all the way through using reduced power. It can be done on many materials including slate, granite, stainless steel, leather, arborite, glass, mirrors, and premium hard woods.

Laser marking is also favored when the part to be marked is too small or has too complex a shape to be marked with anything but etching. Laser marking services can be used for many thousands of applications from computer keyboards to special promotional gifts. Some of the items that Co2 lasers and Co2 laser systems can be utilized for regarding marking and etching glass or quartz are float glass plants, manufacturing of glass doors and windows, permanent serial numbering, ANSI safety information, customer logos, decorative or specialty glass manufacturing, manufacturing data related to plant, production date and line, and/or part numbers.

Laser marking of glass by Co2 lasers on the fly or while moving can be an excellent addition for many industrial environments and applications for glass marking. It's flexible, programmable and environmentally clean. Co2 lasers can provide excellent results for marking glass and also provide significant reductions in operating costs and cost of supplies.

There are no consumables so operating costs are minimal, and the laser system, if properly exhausted, runs clean, so that costly cleanup or by product disposal is unnecessary. Laser engraving metal uses the most power especially if the metal is of the harder type.

Of the many items being laser engraved today, iPods and laptops rank among the highest in the consumer marketplace. Also these engraving services are available in most specialty stores because it's now the most common type of engraving. Laser machines and systems are used in a variety of applications and industries including medical device, aerospace, manufacturing, automotive, pharmaceutical, and electronic.

For information on laser engraving and laser engraving machines, laser marking, laser etching and laser cutting go to http://www.EngravingLaser.net for tips, help, free resources, including information on all types of laser engraving.

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Quick Guide To Laser Engraving

Lasers can engrave on just about any material. The most popular materials in the engraving fields are coated metals, wood, acrylic, glass, leather, marble, plastic, and host of synthetic materials made specifically for lasers. You can think of a laser as a light source similar to a light bulb - a light bulb will emit energy out all around it.

Laser marking is also referred to as laser etching. Unlike conventional etching, laser etching needs no masks or chemicals. Some people just call it laser etching and others call it laser engraving but basically the technique uses a computer-controlled laser beam to mark a surface. It didn't take long for the engraving industry to notice the new lasers and soon lasers were being used for a wide variety of industrial applications including welding, heat-treating, etching and engraving.

And almost all materials can be laser engraved/laser marked. The light source name - LASER, is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.

You can also cut metal with lasers. The laser metal cutting option can be added to some models of the laser cutting machines. The ability to laser cut complex profiles can eliminate the need for additional operations, making laser cutting very economical. Lasers work well for cutting acrylic (Plexiglas), PETG, thin polycarbonates (Mylar), styrene expanded PVC (Sintra), wood, paper and fabric.

Laser etching can be done on many other materials including slate, granite, stainless steel, leather, arborite, glass, mirrors, and premium hard woods. And laser cutting offers a superior cut-edge quality with parallel sides and no burrs.

Industries that use laser marking include the promotional, engineering and medical industries. It's a process in which material is indelibly marked at some very fast speeds (milliseconds per character). Some of the items that C02 lasers and C02 laser systems can be used for in terms of marking and etching glass or quartz are float glass plants, manufacturing of glass doors and windows, permanent serial numbering, ANSI safety information, customer logos, decorative or specialty glass manufacturing, manufacturing data related to plant, the production date and line, and/or part numbers.

Laser marking of glass by C02 lasers on the fly or while moving can be an excellent addition for many industrial environments and the applications for glass marking. Because no inks are used in the marking, the services are both permanent and the process is kind to the environment. You can mark easily in batches from 1 to 10,000.

There are no consumables involved so the operating costs are minimal, and the laser system, if properly exhausted, runs very clean, so that costly cleanup or by-product disposal is not needed. Some of the many laser engraving products include wedding giveaways, nametags, table nameplates, trophy engraving and laser wood engraving.

Today laser engraving can be used for most of the jobs currently being carried out by the conventional industrial engravers. It's a viable and versatile technology that is being used by many engravers to improve productivity, add more services for their customers and increase their profits. Many companies can be found online that make laser engraving machines, laser marking systems and laser etching equipment.

For more information on laser engraving and laser engraving machines, laser marking, laser etching and laser cutting go to http://www.EngravingLaser.net for tips, help, facts, free resources, including information on all types of laser engraving

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How To Understand Laser Engraving

Engraving with a laser is actually a simple process. A laser is merely a tool. Laser can engrave most materials today. The most popular materials in the engraving fields are coated metals, wood, acrylic, glass, leather, marble, plastic, and a host of synthetic materials made specifically for lasers. Although it's confusing sometimes laser marking is referred to as laser etching. Unlike conventional etching, laser etching simply needs no masks or chemicals.

It was back in the early 1960's when scientists first discovered, that they could create a light source, focus the energy and have a tool powerful enough to affect certain materials. Laser marking is the favored marking method when permanency or aesthetics are needed. It didn't take very long for the engraving industry to notice lasers and soon lasers were being used for a wide variety of industrial applications including welding, heat-treating, etching and engraving.

If you think of a laser as a light source similar to a light bulb you'll know that a light bulb will emit energy out all around it. And the term laser etching is basically just another name for laser engraving.

The ability to laser cut complex profiles can eliminate the need for additional operations, making laser cutting very economical. And laser cutting offers a superior cut-edge quality with parallel sides and with no burrs. Laser cutting adds high precision, reduced contamination or warping, and a good quality finish to industrial cutting applications.

The laser metal cutting option can be added to some of the laser cutting machines. A laser works very well for the cutting of acrylic (Plexiglas), PETG, thin polycarbonates (Mylar), styrene expanded PVC (Sintra), wood, paper and fabric.

You can easily laser mark in batches of anything from 1 to 10,000. Co2 lasers can provide excellent results for the marking of glass and also provide significant reductions in operating costs and the cost of supplies. Laser marking is also preferred when the part to be marked is too small or has too complex of a shape to be marked with anything but laser etching.

The typical industries that use laser marking include the promotional, engineering and medical industries. To review, laser marking is a process in which material is indelibly marked at very fast speeds (milliseconds per character). The laser marking of glass by Co2 lasers on the fly or while moving can be an excellent addition today for many industrial environments and applications for glass marking.

Also you nay have seen some of the kiosks in malls and specialty stores for laser engraving services because it's now the most common type of engraving. Quite a few companies today make laser engraving machines, laser marking systems and laser etching equipment.

Laser engraving can be used for most of the jobs currently being carried out by the conventional industrial engravers. Of the many items being engraved by lasers today, iPods and laptops rank among the highest in the consumer marketplace. And the laser engraving of metal uses the most power especially if the metal is of the harder type.

For more information on laser engraving and laser engraving machines, laser marking, laser etching and laser cutting go to http://www.EngravingLaser.net for tips, help, facts, free resources, including information on all types of laser engraving

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