+31 40 8080 193Welcome to the world of the laser engraving machine, where precision, versatility and creativity come together. Whether you are a professional looking for an advanced engraving solution or a hobbyist looking to push your creative boundaries, a laser engraving machine offers the perfect solution. On this page we explore the possibilities and benefits of a laser engraving machine and why it is the ultimate choice for precision engraving.
Versatility
One of the main advantages of a laser engraving machine is its versatility. Whether you want to engrave wood, metal, plastic, glass or even leather, a laser engraving machine can handle it all. Advanced technologies and settings allow you to adjust the depth, speed and intensity of the laser beam to achieve the desired results. Whether you want to engrave photos, logos, text or complex designs, a laser engraving machine can meet all your needs. There are specialized laser engraving machines for engraving metals: fiber engraving lasers.
Accuracy
When it comes to engraving, it's all about accuracy. And a laser engraving machine offers just that. The concentrated laser beam ensures extremely precise and detailed engravings, even on the smallest surfaces. With a laser engraving machine you can reproduce complex designs with great precision, bringing your creations to life. Whether you want to create a personalized piece of jewelry or engrave professional name plates, a laser engraving machine offers the accuracy you need.
efficiency
Time is precious, especially in a professional environment. With a laser engraving machine you can complete your engraving projects more efficiently. The automated processes ensure fast and consistent results, allowing you to do more in less time. In addition, operating a laser engraving machine is simple and intuitive, even for beginners. With a short learning curve, you can get started quickly and unleash your creativity.
Creativity
A laser engraving machine opens the door to unlimited creative possibilities. You can customize your designs and experiment with different materials and surfaces. From personalizing gifts to creating one-of-a-kind works of art, a laser engraving machine allows you to express your creativity in a way that was not possible before. A wide range of software tools allow you to create your own designs or modify and perfect existing ones.
Laser engraving machines for many applications
MetaQuip has a broad laser engraving machine portfolio for laser engraving and laser marking of a large number of materials. We supply different laser machines for different applications and materials. Laser engraving machines scan the surface and burn the surface locally. The closer the combustion points are to each other, the darker the engraving (for example on wood) becomes. More background information about laser engraving can be found on the (English) language wiki about laser engraving. Are you looking for more information about what to look for when purchasing a laser engraving machine?
What to pay attention to when buying a laser engraving machine
What is laser engraving?
General engraving is the process of carving or carving a design into a hard material. Laser engraving does the same process with a super focused beam of light.
What is a laser engraving machine?
Laser engraving machines are specially designed for cutting, etching, marking and engraving hard materials, where the process is automated through the use of computer software.
You probably see items engraved on a laser engraver all the time without realizing it. Take a look at just about any plaque on a trophy or the signs on the office doors in your workplace. These are more than likely the product of a laser engraving machine.
How does a laser engraving machine work?
Laser engravers are specifically designed to focus laser light for marking wood, metal, glass or other materials with a preselected engraving, often graphics, writing or photographs.
The machine uses lasers to produce concentrated heat that removes and cuts the top layer of material from an item to create the desired design.
Using powerful lasers and mirrors, the machine reflects a laser beam onto a surface of an object.
The light is focused at the right distance and set to the right power level to leave a mark. Too little force and it won't cut into the material, too much and you can burn through the object.
Some lasers are mounted on an XY axis and move over the desired engraving area (like most CO2 laser engraving machines), similar to how an ink printer prints on paper. The advantage of this type of laser is that you can engrave larger areas.
Other laser engraving machines are stationary and focus on a smaller surface (such as the fiber engraving lasers). The advantage of this laser type is that it tends to engrave faster at higher powers.
How do lasers work?
Laser light is concentrated over and over to create a powerful beam. There are three main factors to how this works: concentration, energy and direction.
Concentration
Light moves in waves – up and down, so to speak. A normal light has a lot of different, varying wavelengths crossing each other. Now focus all wavelengths so that they do not intersect, but instead are perfectly aligned. This also means that laser light can become extremely powerful and focused on a single point.
Energy
You've probably noticed that if you move your hands back and forth in the bathtub, you can create some pretty strong waves. If you keep your hands in step with the waves you make, the waves get bigger and bigger. A laser does something similar with light waves. It starts with weak light and adds more and more energy so that the light waves become more and more concentrated.
Give a power source to move those few wavelengths perfectly in time with each other and bam! you have added energy to your concentrated beam of light.
Direction
The last important part of laser light is that it is directional. Unlike a flashlight that spreads white light evenly across a room, laser light creates a tight beam that can travel much greater distances. Breaking the fancy terms: It's highly collimated (travels parallel instead of zigzagging).
Laser light can be invisible to the human eye.
What is the engraving process on the laser machines?
Laser engraving machines can have a number of different engraving processes, but for the most part they work like this:
- The engraving design was imported into computer software such as Photoshop.
- The object to be engraved is placed on the work bed.
- The laser engraving machine is well aimed at the surface of the object.
- The power of the laser beam is set according to the hardness of the material (wood, steel, gold, etc.).
- The operator starts the selected engraving process on the computer.
- The laser machine activates the laser and scans over the desired marking area on the surface of the object.
- The engraving is removed after completion of the laser machine and the engraving residues (soot, metal shards, etc.) are removed from the surface of the object.
- Finished!
What can be engraved with a laser engraving machine?
Just about anything can be engraved, as long as it's a hard surface.
- Metal
- Wood
- Glass
- Plastic
- Learn
- Fiber
What needs to change with different materials is the power of the light and the number of light pulses per inch (PPI).
Softer materials such as wood or plastic require less power and less PPI for clear markings. If you use too much force, the thing you're trying to adjust can burn out; using too much or too little PPI can leave a nasty burn.
Harder materials like steel need a little more strength and PPI to make a punch.
What you want is a balance of power and PPI optimized for the properties of the material so that the burn comes out clean but also doesn't compromise the integrity of the object you're engraving.
But there's also a lot of latitude in a laser engraver's power settings, so you can really determine what engraving quality works for you.
How long does laser engraving take?
The simple answer: laser engraving takes about 3-5 minutes.
The comprehensive answer: Laser engraving can take anywhere from 5 seconds to several hours. There are quite a few factors to consider, such as the material being engraved, the size of the design and the power of the laser to name a few.
While the actual engraving process can be relatively quick, several, longer steps may be required when preparing the engraving, such as preparing the design in the computer software, preparing the material to be engraved, and removing unwanted residues after the engraving process .
Will a laser engraving wear out?
Short answer: No. Laser engravings are permanent. The engraving is cut/burned into the surface of the material rather than printed on it. An engraving can erode after a longer period of time, or be mechanically processed (sanded) to remove the engraving. You can also spray something over to remove an engraving.
Material is the most important consideration if you are concerned about your engraving wearing out. The harder the material, the less likely it is to wear out over time. Soft metals such as gold erode faster than tungsten.
Advantages of laser engraving with a laser engraving machine
Speed
Laser engraving is a fast process. Depending on the type of laser engraving machine, an engraving is on the material in a few seconds. A normal CO2 laser machine is an exception! This machine scans the surface with a mechanically moving laser head, which means that placing a laser engraving takes longer.
Clean
No chemicals are used in laser engraving with a laser engraving machine. The laser light is the only tool that works completely contactless.
Permanent Mark
Since the material is actually changed, a laser engraving is not soluble and in most cases remains permanently visible.
High resolution
Depending on the wavelength used, a laser engraving has a high resolution that is difficult to match with most other techniques.
Different types of laser engraving machines
During laser engraving, the material is locally heated for a very short time, causing a change in the material surface. The actual effect is different per laser engraving machine. There are laser engraving machines that remove, burn, roughen or actually discolor the top layer. The wavelength of the laser light used determines how the engraving/marking result will be on a particular material. Roughly there are the following types of laser engraving machines:
CO2 laser engraving machines
CO2 laser machines are used for processing mainly organic materials, such as leather, wood, somewhat coarser glassware and can (with somewhat coarser resolution) also remove the top layer of anodized aluminum. You can also use a CO2 laser machine as a laser cutter and as a laser engraving machine.
> View the range of CO2 laser machines
If you want to process larger numbers of organic material (for example serial laser engraving of wooden boxes) then a CO2 galvo laser engraving machine a better solution. This laser engraving machine is also easy to integrate into production lines.
Fiber laser engraving machines
For laser engraving and marking metal fiber laser engraving machines are used. These machines work with a laser head with an XY mirror in it. The advantage of this is reliability, speed, and high resolution.
More about laser engraving machines for metalSome depth can also be achieved by laser engraving locally a number of times in the same place. This is used, among other things, for artists and jewelers for processing thin silver, among other things.
> View the range of fiber laser machines
> View the difference between laser engraving with a CO2 and fiber laser machine
UV laser engraving machines
UV laser engraving machines use a different wavelength especially suitable for laser engraving delicate glassware and a large number of plastics.
> View MetaQuip's UV laser engraving machine
> Also see the difference between a UV and fiber laser machine
What makes MetaQuip's laser engraving machines unique?
Continuous improvement of our standard machines
We process new ideas, functions and adjustments directly in our laser engraving machines. This makes our machines faster, easier to use and with the right extensions they deliver the best results in their class.
Laser safety and machine certification
MetaQuip supplies machines that are laser safe and meet the applicable laser safety requirements. The consequences of unsafe machines can be serious and that is why we take this very seriously.
Laser engraving machines from small to large
MetaQuip supplies a complete range of laser engraving machines. Below you will find a brief overview of the different standard laser engraving machines that we offer.
Integration in production lines
In addition, if desired, we also make our laser machines suitable for integration into a production process. This can be in the form of additional tools to quickly place objects, to adjustments so that the machines can be placed in an automated production line, to software adjustments and extensions.
Competitive prices and good service
MetaQuip machines are supplied complete and are competitively priced. In addition, we are happy to help people on their way so that they can quickly get started with these machines independently: and of course we also learn from them. You are very welcome to see whether laser technology is a suitable technique for your application or application. Extensions for engraving are also available. More about prices…
Immediately ready to use
At MetaQuip we love transparency: our laser engraving machines and laser marking machines are supplied complete and can be used immediately. All our laser engraving machines are immediately ready for use after delivery: plug in, put the extractor outside and start engraving. We are also happy to help you on your way to use these machines in your existing production process.
Custom solutions
Finally, we can also design a custom machine based on your specifications, wishes and requirements.
Range of MetaQuip laser engraving and marking machines
CO2 laser engraving machine portfolio – laser engraving (and cutting) of organic materials
CO2 laser machines are perfectly suitable for engraving a large number of materials (for metal engraving you generally need a fiber laser machine!) and for laser cutting. Think of a large number of plastics, wood, leather, paper, cardboard and so on. A complete list can be found here. All our machines are prepared for the use of a rotation module. You can always easily add these later.
CO2 DESKTOP LITE2 (PLUS)
Entry model for engraving and light carving. Available in 40W and 60W. Now also available with a 60 x 40cm work bed!
CO2 PRODUCTION
Work surface from 60 x 40 cm to 150 x 90 cm and laser powers from 60 to 150W. Adjust autofocus height (improved and renewed!). Extensive options.
Want to get a quote, demonstration or your own material?
Fiber laser engraving machine portfolio – laser engraving of metals
MetaQuip supplies an extensive range of fiber laser engraving machines for laser engraving metals. Below is an overview of the fiber lasers that we offer as standard. Our fiber lasers are delivered completely complete and can be used immediately after delivery: plug in the plug and start engraving or marking. If you need help on how to use a fiber laser in your production process or adjustments for large series, we can also help.
This can be in the form of additional tools for quickly placing objects, for adjustments so that the machines can be placed in an automated production line and software adjustments and extensions. Finally, we can also design a tailor-made machine to your specifications, wishes and requirements.
Open fiber laser engraving machines
Maximum accessibility, can also engrave larger objects quickly, but you should take laser safety precautions yourself, such as laser glasses and the like. Open fiber laser engraving machines are normally supplied with a declaration of incorporation.
Closed fiber laser engraving machines
Maximum safety for your operator, when the laser is on, the operator can never be exposed to laser light. These machines are laser class 3R machines.
LITE - open
Open fiber laser machine. Easy to move. Laser class 4 machine.
- (Noble) metals and number of plastics
- Laser power: 20, 30W
- Work surface *: 100x100mm & optional lens for 70x70mm
- Industrial air extraction
- Maximum Z height: 700mm
- CE certified. Laser class 4.
Compact - open
Open fiber laser with control computer with laser engraving software. Laser class 4.
- (Noble) metals and number of plastics
- Laser power: 20, 30 or 50W
- Work surface *: 100x100mm & extra lens for 200x200mm
- Industrial air extraction
- External computer with laser software
- Maximum Z height: 800mm
- CE certified. Laser class 4
- Easy to move
Table - open
Open table model fiber laser with integrated PC with laser engraving software. Class 4 laser machine.
- (Noble) metals and number of plastics
- Laser power: 20, 30, 50 or 100W
- Work surface *: 100x100mm & extra lens for 200x200mm
- Industrial air extraction
- Integrated computer with laser software
- Maximum Z height *: 800mm
- CE certified. Laser class 4
- XY table & focus laser
- Fast placing of objects in production environments
Desktop - closed
Desk model fiber laser. Interesting for smaller objects and limited space. Class 3R.
- Gold, silver, metal, titanium and number of plastics
- Laser power: 20, 30 or 50W
- Work surface: 65x65mm & extra lens for 100x100mm
- Industrial air extraction
- External computer with laser software
- Maximum Z height *: 600mm
- CE certified. Laser class 3R. Safe working without laser glasses.
- Engraving small objects. Ideal for jewelers. Fits on every desk
- Rotation module for small objects (rings) included
Production
Maximum safety for your operator. Furnished for production. Laser class 3R.
- (Noble) metals and number of plastics
- Laser power: 20, 30, 50 or 100W
- Work surface *: 100x100mm & extra lens for 200x200mm
- Industrial air extraction
- Integrated computer with laser software
- Maximum Z height *: 800mm
- CE certified. Laser class 3R. Safe working without laser glasses.
- XY table & focus laser
- Versatile machine with extensive options
- Revolving door (optionally available with sliding door
- Optionally also available with motorized up / down function and digital height readout
Comments
- Work area - optionally also available in 65 x 65mm or 150 x 150mm work surface
- Maximum Z height - optionally it is also available with an automated Z-axis height adjustment.
Special laser engraving machines
Pad printing Cliche laser engraving machine
Laser engrave your own printing plates, flexible, fast and cost-effective. MetaQuip has, in collaboration with Tampo Techniek Nederland BV (TTN), realized a complete solution with which you can make your own clichés.
UV laser engraving machine for plastic
Industrial UV lasers for engraving and marking PCB material, a large number of plastics or glass. Fast, good contrast and easy to program. Engravings are permanent and without the use of inks in the material.
CO2 Galvo laser engraving machine
Laser engravings up to 5 times faster than with standard CO2 lasers. Metal tube with long life and no moving parts.
Buy laser engraving machine? What to watch out for
When buying a laser engraving machine, there are some important factors to consider. First, it is essential to consider the intended use and the materials you want to engrave. Different laser engraving machines have different power levels and may be better suited to specific materials such as wood, metal or plastic. In addition, it is important to pay attention to the maximum engraving dimensions and the engraving speed that a machine can offer. Another consideration is the user-friendliness of the machine and the availability of software support. Make sure you choose a laser engraving machine that is easy to operate and comes with easy-to-use software so that you can effortlessly realize your designs. Finally, it is wise to research the reliability and durability of the machine, as well as the manufacturer's warranty and support options. Doing thorough research and comparing different models will help you find the right laser engraving machine to meet your specific needs. Any questions let us know.
MetaQuip helps you further
If you are looking for the ultimate solution for precision engraving, a laser engraving machine is the ideal choice. With the versatility, accuracy, efficiency and creative possibilities it offers, a laser engraving machine opens up a world of possibilities for professionals and hobbyists. Go on a journey of discovery in the world of laser engraving and let your creativity run wild with a laser engraving machine.
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