Deep Laser Engraving: How to Increase Laser Engraving Depth?
Ever noticed coin markings or raised logos on metallic plates? These are prime examples of deep surface engraving. This technique engraves the surface to a noticeable depth, leaving a prominent marking on the material.
Confused how it differs from standard laser engraving? This article will clarify. We’ll explore deep engraving, its unique features, and applications. Plus, we will highlight a compact desktop laser machine, ideal for deep engraving.
In This Article
- How Is Deep Laser Engraving Achieved?
- How Deep Can Laser Engraving Go?
- Can You Deep Laser Engrave Metal?
- What Is Deep Laser Engraving Used For?
- How Do You Make Laser Engraving Deeper?
- What Deep Laser Engraving Machine Do You Need?
- Conclusion
How Is Deep Laser Engraving Achieved?
In deep laser engraving, a powerful laser beam is used to vaporize material, removing layers from its surface. This process creates a standout design surrounded by cavities; the result is similar to the raised designs on stamps or coins. The design appears elevated because the surrounding surface is etched away.
In standard engraving, the laser beam removes the material which leaves a permanent mark. In that case, the engraving is below the surface. Whereas in deep engraving, the design becomes prominent due to deep removal(engraving) of the surrounding surface. The process requires more power, depth, and time compared to the standard one.
An extension of deep engraving is 3D laser engraving. Here, the depth of material removal varies, giving the design a three-dimensional appearance. 3D engraving is similar to deep engraving in technique but adds an extra dimension to the design, which enhances the visual impact.
How Deep Can Laser Engraving Go?
Deep laser engraving, as the name suggests, goes deeper than standard engraving. In normal cases, the depth reaches about 500 microns or 0.5mm. However, there is no fixed standard for this depth.
Likewise, the extent of deep engraving also varies. It depends on the capabilities of the machine and the specific requirements of the design. Generally, the depth is limited to a few millimeters. It is enough to add aesthetic appeal and make the design appear raised.
Can You Deep Laser Engrave Metal?
Yes, metals are suitable for deep laser engraving, and we often see them with deep markings in various applications.
Precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum are particularly well-suited for deep engraving. We see their applications in the jewelry industry. Stainless steel can also be deeply engraved, but there’s a caveat. Deep engraving can damage its oxide layer, increasing the risk of corrosion. The same issue arises with iron. To prevent this, additional steps such as chrome plating or painting are necessary after engraving.
Commonly pulsed fiber lasers, known for their power, are used for deep engraving of metallic parts.
What Is Deep Laser Engraving Used For?
Deep laser engraving is used in a wide range of applications, where permanent markings are required. We see its usage in:
Industrial Marking: It is commonly used to incise logos, letterings, and serial numbers on machine parts. The method ensures that these important identifiers are long-lasting and resistant to wear.
Stamp Plate Engraving: Deep engraving is ideal for creating stamp plates. The depth achieved in the engraving process leaves clear, precise impressions on stamps.
Jewelry Engraving: In the jewelry industry, deep engraving adds intricate designs or personalizations to pieces made from precious metals. It is the best way to add name initials on jewelry items and make them special.
Coin Engraving: Coins often feature detailed designs and text; deep laser engraving is used to achieve this level of detail. It allows for precise and intricate patterns, which are essential for the aesthetic and authenticity of coins.
How Do You Make Laser Engraving Deeper?
To achieve deeper laser engraving, we need to fine-tune multiple machine parameters like speed, optical power, and number of passes.
Optical Power
Power is the most influencing factor. Higher optical power enables deeper engraving in a shorter time. For deep laser engraving metal, at least 20W fiber laser is needed, depending on the hardness of the metal to be engraved. Other materials might require less power. If the laser is underpowered, it can still achieve the desired depth, but the process will be slower.
Speed
The speed of the laser head’s movement across the material is also crucial. Setting a lower speed allows the laser to spend more time on each area, leading to deeper cuts. However, care must be taken to avoid setting the speed too low, especially with materials like wood, to prevent burning or excessive material removal.
No. of Passes
When working with a less powerful laser machine but aiming for greater depth, you can increase the number of passes of the laser head to achieve more depth. However, this approach is more time-consuming as it involves multiple repetitions over the same area.
Proper Ventilation
Deep engraving involves longer processing times and the removal of more material, which leads to prolonged production of fumes. Additionally, the laser and material may heat up during the process.
To maintain a cool and safe working environment, you need to have an effective exhaust system equipped with a smoke extractor. This ensures the removal of fumes and helps in managing the temperature during the engraving process.
What Deep Laser Engraving Machine Do You Need?
In industries, the popular choice for deep engraving is fiber laser but diode and CO2 laser machines can also get the job done.
Homeowners and DIYers have also been looking for fiber technology in the desktop laser setup. Considering user needs, xTool has packed the fiber laser technology into a compact desktop engraver, xTool F1 Ultra.
xTool F1 Ultra: The Best Deep Engraving Solution for Small Businesses
xTool F1 Ultra is one of its kind dual laser engraver – the world’s first to pack two powerful laser modules: 20W Fiber laser and 20W Diode laser. The combo enables it to deeply engrave nearly all materials.
With 20W diode, it can engrave wood, leather, rubber, acrylic, and other common materials. While the 20W fiber makes it capable of engraving plastics and metals. The machine is also capable of cutting thin metal sheets.
Like its predecessor, the F1 Ultra also uses galvo-laser technology, which makes it stand out among competitors. Engraving speed of 10,000mm/s in desktop laser machines is not a common sight.
F1 Ultra cannot only engrave flat surfaces but curved and cylindrical ones are supported too. The machine features a smart camera which not only provides workspace preview but also adjusts the focus based on material profile. The cylindrical engraving functionality can be availed using xTool’s rotary attachment, RA2 Pro.
In terms of working space, F1 Ultra is in a league of its own. It is the largest galvo-laser engraver with or without a conveyor. The basic working space is 220*220mm, with expansion up to 220*500mm.
Making deeper engraving is a breeze with F1. Place the material, the camera system detects its thickness and focuses the laser. You have to just drag and drop the design to engrave. Moreover, the machine also features a control panel and 7GB of storage space inside. You can save projects and later process engraving without connecting to a computer.
xTool F1 Ultra doesn’t require any safety equipment to use. The machine is already enclosed and has a filtering lid atop to prevent invisible laser rays from leaving. Then, there’s a smoke exhaust system which ensures the gases move out quickly.
Conclusion
Deep engraving is a key technique for adding distinct permanent markings to mechanical parts or making personalized items. It delivers excellent results but requires more power and patience compared to the standard engraving process. Remember, success in deep engraving comes from managing power, speed, and ventilation effectively.
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