atomstack laser

If you're thinking about starting a laser engraving business, you're a smart one. As a laser engraver, you can carve out a niche for yourself in your local community and finally fulfill your dream of being your own boss. There are many opportunities to make money, and as the population grows, they will only continue to grow. Read on to learn how to make money with a laser engraver and find out the answer to the question, "Is a laser engraving business profitable?

Is a Laser Engraving Business Profitable?

A laser engraving business can be very lucrative as long as you are willing to work hard and pass due process. Like any business, the laser engraving industry doesn't give money. You need to do market research, find out what is needed in your area, and work on creating a brand that connects with your target market.

Fortunately, laser engraved products are great for manufacturing and selling for a number of reasons, starting with the low overhead associated with laser processing. Atomstack s20 pro Laser engravers are the biggest investment, and with recent market changes, you can get high-powered lasers for a fraction of the cost of the past. You need to spend a little money on equipment, build a website and promote your name there, but it doesn't have to be expensive.

Many people think of trophies and gifts when they think of laser marking or engraving, and while they can make money, if profit margins are a priority, you'd better think bigger. Getting bulk orders from corporate or industrial laser engraving customers is where the big money is made, and we'll talk more about that later.

The Benefits of Starting a Laser Engraving Business

Let’s take a look at some of the main reasons to start a laser engraving business:

Profit: The beauty of a atomstack a5 pro laser engraver is that you can turn a bland or ordinary object into something custom. Personalization is one of the biggest consumer trends right now, and laser engravers can take advantage of this directly. What's more, you use a simple material like acrylic, but turn it into something special that people are willing to pay dearly for.

Speed: One of the reasons laser engravers are so profitable is that you can quickly create custom products. Laser technology allows you to add designs to surfaces in seconds, much faster than any traditional hand engraver.

Accuracy: Laser technology is special because it is so accurate. The smaller the laser beam, the more detailed and clear your designs will be, and the more you can charge per unit.

Environmentally friendly: There are no chemical elements in your laser engraving machine and no limited resources such as ink are used. As long as you take good care of your machine, it can last for years without much maintenance.

Overhead: A laser engraver is a one-time cost with a small investment, and once it's up and running, you can quickly pay for it. They usually don't require much in the way of replacing parts and can last for years. As a laser engraver, you can break even quickly, which is one of the reasons it has such an attractive prospect.

Convenience: Not only should your laser machine come with a detailed manual, but the best manufacturers make sure they have top-notch support and a curated online support community so you can get answers to any questions you have.

What can I sculpt professionally?

After stepping through the laser engraving business, we'll detail which industries are most likely to make money. Here is a list of some of the most popular laser engraving business ideas:

company logo

signage

christmas ornaments

spice jar

QR and Barcodes for Industrial Customers

photo engraving

Personalized Products

business card

wine glass

key chain

custom jewelry

themed toy box

coaster

artwork

medical equipment

Gifts for Celebrations and Special Occasions

custom metal cup

Starting a Laser Engraving Business: Seven Steps

Step 1: Create a plan for your business

While it's understandable that you're excited and want to get started as a atomstack s10 pro laser engraver as soon as possible, never skip making a business plan. Remember, a large percentage of businesses don't have long-term success, but that's usually because they haven't planned carefully enough.

Start by delving into laser engraving technology and the industry as a whole. Determine the structure of your laser engraving business and mention the laser products you plan to create and who you will sell them to. Finally, you need to have a short-, medium- and long-term plan for how you will make money, from buying equipment to marketing and pricing.

Market analysis involves investigating industry needs in your region and beyond. Remember, thanks to the internet, you are no longer limited to selling locally. Therefore, you need to choose a segment and understand the market forces driving that segment. Consider the following questions:

How are you going to differentiate your laser engraving business?

How do you intend to add value to your customers' lives?

How will you deliver a great customer experience?

Now that you know who you're selling to, it's time to create a brand that bridges the gap between what your potential customers want and what your company offers. Key components of brand identity include:

Fonts, colors and images relevant to your company

Step Three: Pricing Your Laser Engraving Business

Marketing is only half the battle. As with any industry, laser engraving pricing is a key driver of your business. For example, when it comes to making gifts and trophies, many consumers only focus on price when choosing a custom laser engraver. If you're planning to get into this space, you'll need to find a way to ensure your prices are lower than your competitors, while still providing a high-quality service.

On the other hand, corporate and industrial customers may see low prices as a sign of poor quality. They may focus on quality, track record and accuracy. When starting out, you can demonstrate the level of quality you provide in your website, communications, and examples.

Step 4: Get the laser engraving machine equipment

Now that you've made a plan, it's time to take action. You can find atomstack laser engravers for a fraction of the price in the past. Pay close attention to the size of the engraving bed, as this determines what you can make. Some laser cutters come with adjustable beds for extra flexibility. Laser power and wattage also affect the speed and efficiency of your work

You need to find out what materials your laser can use, and raw materials are your other major cost. Other items you'll need to get started are a computer, photo editing software, a content management system, web hosting, and office materials.

Step 5: Register Your Laser Engraver Business

If you plan to become a high-flying laser engraving expert, you should register your company as soon as possible. If something goes wrong and a client sues you, you may be personally liable if you are not registered as a business. Registration can also satisfy other legal requirements, such as setting up taxes, opening a business bank account and applying for credit.

Step 6: Build a Laser Business Website

Now is the time to create a website with your branding and marketing strategy. Many people are content with setting up social media pages, or write themselves down because they're not tech-savvy enough to take that step. This is a huge mistake in today's market where you can build a website for your laser engraving business with very little coding or website building knowledge. There are many CMSs to choose from, making your website setup as easy as using MS Word.

Step 7: Start Making Custom Engravings

you succeeded. Becoming a laser engraving entrepreneur is not difficult, but it takes effort. However, in return for this effort, you can work your way, create a project of your choice and earn tons of cash!

What are the most profitable areas of laser engraving?

Now that we've established that we can make a laser engraving business profitable, let's delve into the most profitable ways to use laser engraving technology. When it comes to making big bucks in any industry, there are two main ways of doing business: quality or quantity. You can charge higher prices if you only market yourself with fine materials and high-end brands.

Alternatively, you can work with industrial and corporate clients that require bulk engraving services. From making beautiful monthly employee plaques to etching codes into manufacturing tools, laser engraving can make a lot of money in these areas. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, aerospace, professional design, casting, and metalworking are the highest-paid industries for etching and engravers.

Atomstack Laser cutters and engravers are powerful and versatile machines. Having said that, there are many types of laser sources such as CO2, fiber optics, UV, and diodes. This article will focus primarily on laser projects and applications for CO2 laser cutters and engravers, but will briefly mention other types.

Most people know that something called a laser "cutter" does cut. That is, the laser cuts all the way through the material.

But what can it cut? Well, it will depend on the type of source and its power output. Typically, low to medium power CO2 laser tubes can cut wood, fabric, paper, leather and other organic materials. They can also cut acrylic, but beware of unknown plastics and PVC as they produce toxic fumes. Fiber lasers can also cut metals and alloys. Cutting is very versatile and can include cutting patterns, parts and prototypes.

This laser engraver project takes simple cuts and then stacks the cut layers to achieve the final product.

Cut out all the components you need to assemble your own spring flower pot. This laser cutter project utilizes laser cutting to create the necessary components to assemble a planter.

Engraving is different from cutting because the laser does not cut through the material, but removes surface points of the material to expose the three-dimensional cavity that creates the image. The same materials that can be cut can also be engraved. The depth of the engraving can be adjusted by running the laser multiple times or by adjusting the power and speed settings.

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Engraving is used to create all kinds of stunning textures and images for crafts and novelty items, but engraving also has many useful practical applications. For example, firearms need to display certain manufacturing information that does not fade or dissipate over time. This will create a permanent engraving that does not alter the precision of the tool.

While part of the project involved laser cutting, laser engraving was necessary for the final result.

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Marking is when a laser beam alters the properties of a material's surface to slightly alter its appearance and create an image, such as a picture. Instead of breaking down the material like cutting and engraving, this process creates chemical changes in the material. The result is a high-contrast "coloration" on the surface without destroying the material itself. For example, medical tools can be labeled with valuable information without creating cavities where bacteria can gather.

UV galvo lasers are good at marking materials and can be used to mark just about anything. A UV laser will add the perfect finishing touch to any laser cutter project.

Metals and certain other materials have unique properties that allow laser etching. Etching is when the heat generated by the laser touching the surface of the material causes melting, it expands to form raised marks. This is usually done to alter the surface of the metal to change its reflectivity and enhance contrast. This technique works on bare metal, anodized metal surfaces, polymers, and even clay. If this is your type of project, then UV galvo lasers are the way to go.

Besides being an easy-to-work material, wood also has great aesthetic appeal. Different kinds of wood look different and have properties that make them suitable for a variety of applications.

Many different types of wood can be cut or engraved with a laser cutter. Some are easy to use, while others require a powerful laser to cut.

In this article, I'll detail some of the best woods you can use to laser cut and engrave to create beautiful projects.

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I also touched on factors to consider when using lasers to cut or engrave wood.

Factors to Consider When Cutting or Engraving Wood on a Laser.

It doesn't matter whether the wood you're cutting is hardwood or softwood, the thickness of the wood is the biggest difference between laser cutting or engraving.

The resin or sap content in the wood is the main parameter to study in laser cutting. Wood with higher resin content cuts darker and vice versa.

You need to use the short throw G2 lens to cut wood as it provides a smaller laser spot, closer to 0.1mm - 0.15mm. It helps concentrate all the energy of the laser in a tiny spot for efficient cutting.

Most engineered woods out there are glued together to achieve a layered structure. When cutting with a laser cutter, glue can melt, burn, and can cause various problems.

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Additionally, engineered wood like MDF can contain sand and metal particles, which can cause problems when cutting with a laser.

When working with engineered wood, try wood made for laser engravers and cutters. You must also understand laser safety risks, hazards and controls when using lasers to cut wood.

Connecting an air assist to the laser is beneficial when vector cutting because it is important to keep the fumes away from the laser beam, and more so for visible laser cutters.

Using air assist can also put out any fires that arise while working with wood. I recommend having a fire extinguisher nearby as it will be a great help in the event of a fire.

A continuous blast of air onto the work surface will remove ash trapped deep within the cutting pocket, thereby removing charred areas of the wood.

Ash is a good insulator, so the more burning ashes you take out of your cutout pocket, the more drop cuts you get.

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There are several wood laser engravers and laser cutters that offer good performance when dealing with wooden workpieces.

Low particle density wood is easy to work with. As you read the rest of this article, you will discover which wood is right for your application.

Best Wood for Beginners Laser Cutting or Engraving

Some of the best woods for beginners to laser cut are Alder, Balsa and Birch laser plywood. They are fairly light in color and can be used easily.

The grains of these woods are less dense and loose grained to help you cut these woods in one go.

I recommend Birch laser plywood as they are made specifically for laser cutting and engraving, they are thin, have low glue content, cut burns evenly and are one of the most affordable woods on the market.

With a 150W laser, you can cut 1/4" thick birch laser plywood at about 24 ipm with 70% laser power.

Alder, Balsa and Birch laser plywood will produce a modest but visible smoke when laser cut or engraved. You can use air assist and exhaust systems to effectively remove the resulting fumes.

I'll tell you more about these woods individually in the next sections of this article.

atomstack r3

Cork is light in color, low in price and light in weight. They are also widely available and easy to use.

They are generally not weather resistant, but can be coated to maximize their lifespan.

The grain density of balsa wood is about 9lbs/ft3, the grains are arranged in a straight line, and the texture is rough.

It is white-brown to reddish-brown. They provide good sound/vibration isolation and are buoyant.

Balsa wood is relatively inexpensive and, due to its low grain density, can be easily cut or engraved with a laser power of 30 - 100 W.

1/8" thick balsa wood can be cut at about 72 ipm on a 100W CO2 laser cutter at 70% power utilization.

You can engrave 1/8" thick balsa wood using the same laser at about 948 ipm at 5% power.

They are lightweight and relatively strong, making them perfect for making surfboards, soundproofing, thermal insulation, architectural models, musical instruments and aviation models.

When used with a laser cutter, you will engrave and cut with high precision in balsa wood for many different applications.

https://www.atom-stack.com/blogs/atomstack-academy/can-atomstack-s-series-engrave-metal

https://www.atom-stack.com/blogs/atomstack-academy/a-beginners-guide-for-wood-laser-engraving

Laser engraving uses a high-energy laser to remove layers of material and create permanent marks on the workpiece surface. In general, Atomstack deep laser engraving lasts the entire life of the workpiece, while shallow laser engraving has a relatively short life and is prone to scratches, especially in abrasive conditions.

laser engraver

Laser engraving is an exciting way to add value to an item by engraving intricate designs or even photographs.

These engravings are permanent because they won't rub off when washed underwater and rubbed with a soft fabric.

However, the durability of the engraving depends on the depth of the engraving and the type of material on which it was engraved.

atomstack a5 pro

Based on engraving depth

Engraving depth is the amount of material removed by the laser to produce the desired design or pattern.

As the engraving depth increases, so does the chance that the engraving will last.

Therefore, laser engraving lasts longer than laser etching and laser marking.

Increasing the engraving depth beyond a certain limit will make the workpiece weak and prone to breakage.

Generally, the maximum engraving depth that does not affect the structural integrity of the workpiece is about 1/8 of the thickness of the workpiece.

However, the maximum engraving depth may vary depending on the strength of the material.

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In addition to engraving depth, the material used for engraving also plays a vital role in producing a lasting engraving.

Engravings made on hard materials like titanium and stone have a higher chance of lasting longer than engravings on soft materials like gold and paper.

Materials with high strength and scratch resistance can withstand extreme conditions without major damage to the engraving.

Environmental conditions are one of the most critical factors in determining whether an engraving will last.

Items subjected to high friction and wear conditions are less likely to have a lasting engraving effect.

Gold rings have similar engravings on the outer and inner surfaces.

atomstack s10 pro

The engraving on the inner surface of the ring may last longer than the outer surface because the inner surface is subject to relatively less wear conditions.

Therefore, for engraving subjected to harsh conditions, it is recommended to perform deep engraving on tough materials that can withstand abrasive conditions and prevent the engraving from being damaged.

Things to Consider When Making Long-lasting Engravings

Regardless of material type, engraving depth and environmental conditions, there are certain things to keep in mind to increase the life of your engraving.

Depending on the type of material, different lasers have different engraving capabilities.

CO2 lasers are best for engraving non-metals such as wood, plastic, stone, fabric, etc.

Fiber lasers, on the other hand, produce the best results when engraving metal surfaces.

While high power CO2 lasers can be used to cut metal, they are not recommended for engraving metal.

On the other hand, powerful diode lasers such as the xTool D1 Pro can be used for laser engraving on various materials such as paper, wood, plastic, metal, etc.

Choosing the right laser will result in a good engraving that lasts a long time.

best parameters

Optimum parameters for engraving ensure dark engravings with the best quality and surface finish.

atomstack 130w

However, the optimal sculpting parameters for one material may not produce the desired output on other materials.

For example, setting the optimal laser parameters for laser engraving denim and then using the same parameters to engrave a cotton t-shirt can produce dark engravings, but not for long.

T-shirts have finer fibers than denim and require less laser power.

Engraving T-shirts with high laser power produces dark engravings, but weakens the fibers, causing the engraving to tear when subjected to tension.

Therefore, it is always recommended to do a trial run and find the best parameters for the material before engraving the actual workpiece.

Proper maintenance of the optics of a laser engraver ensures quality results.

Dust and debris buildup on the focusing lens can diffuse the laser and produce low-quality engravings even after optimal parameters are set.

This affects the quality by producing a low contrast engraving and reduces the material removal capability of the laser, which affects the durability of the engraving.

Therefore, it is very important to regularly clean the mirrors and lenses of the laser engraver for the best engraving results.

Color laser marking, also known as color laser engraving, refers to adding color to the marking. "Mark" is the technical term for it. Color laser marking can mark materials with a variety of pigments. This technology has indeed been invented for 10 years. At first, it was first used in metalwork and jewelry. Manufacturers use color for laser marking or engraving. This makes their products more diverse and beautiful.

atomstack m4

The advantages of color laser marking compared with ordinary marking machines

Color laser marking machine is one of the standard marking machines. The color laser marking machine adds other colors to the ordinary marking machine. Traditional conventional marking machines are gradually being replaced by laser color marking in various places. Color marking of stainless steel can be achieved by process annealing. Laser color markers can provide greater precision, speed and flexibility.

1. More colors

Color laser marking machine can mark more colors. This is the most significant advantage of color laser marking machine compared with ordinary laser marking machine. Color laser marking machines mainly use the latest digital technology. Use a laser beam to react on the surface of a metal or other material. Say goodbye to the monochrome era of laser marking! Laser marking is no longer monotonous!

Several material types for color laser marking.

1. Plastic

Plastic is a very frequently used material. Currently, color laser marking machines are also commonly used to hold plastics. Plastics can show color contrast with a color marker machine. This can make ordinary plastic appear different colors. For example, the red plastic marked by a color laser marker cannot be changed to another color later. Plastics produced in this way can be colorful.

2. Metal

Engraving metal by color laser marking machine is its most commonly used function. Especially the atomstack color laser marking machine marks on stainless steel. This is very popular in industrial applications. It can produce different colors on metal surfaces through different frequencies, speeds or focal lengths. Therefore, the color laser marking machine can make the untreated metal surface have richer colors.

Application of Color Laser Engraving

The application range of laser color marking machine is also very wide. It can also do the work that ordinary marking machines can do. And on the basis of the conventional marking machine, the scope of application has been expanded.

Jewelry: jewelry such as bracelets, pearls, etc., can add more beauty.

Nameplates: More Artistic and Unique

What are the effects of color laser marking during use?

(1) The working environment of the color laser engraving machine should be good, and the power supply voltage should be stable. If the voltage fluctuation is too large, a regulated power supply should be configured. The placement of the machine should pay attention to skills, and it cannot work in an environment with obvious vibration and humidity, because the speed and power of the color laser engraving machine will affect whether the color meets the standard. In this case, the marking color engraved on the engraved surface of the material will be more pure. The laser current cannot be too large, it must be below 20mA, and it must be as deep and fast as possible. Make sure the engraving is accurate enough.

(2) The laser tube is a heating body, and the quality and quantity of the circulating water must be guaranteed: quality - to ensure that it is clean and free of debris. The circulating water will be changed regularly (two days). The water must be changed when the machine is not working; volume - ensure sufficient circulating water (above 20Kg), and ensure that the circulating water temperature is 5-25 °C.

(3) In the case of meeting the functional requirements, the optimal working method is adopted to prolong the service life of the laser tube as much as possible. For example, try to use cutting programs.

atomstack a10 pro , atomstack s20 pro

Machines for Color Laser Engraving

1.Hispeed MOPA fiber laser marking machine

MOPA fiber laser marking machine uses a laser beam to scratch the surface of various substances. MOPA laser markers can draw in black and white on most metals and plastics, black on anodized aluminum, and color on stainless steel and titanium. The marking function exposes the underlying material by evaporating the surface material, thereby engraving exquisite patterns, logos and text. Also, this laser marking machine can be used for gorgeous patterns like serial numbers, barcodes, etc.

Laser cutters are versatile solutions to a variety of industrial and commercial challenges. With the right laser cutting machine, industrial and commercial organizations can meet their needs for engraving, cutting or marking a wide variety of different materials with technology that outperforms the competition. Below, we've listed five major benefits associated with using a laser engraver or cutter. Read on to learn how the versatility and precision offered by powerful laser technology can benefit your organization.

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Laser cutting machines are widely used

Laser cutters are versatile in that they can perform different operations depending on how the user or operator configures their settings. Laser cutting, engraving, marking and even laser etching can all be performed by the same machine under different operating conditions, and each function is suitable for a different type of application. Let's take a look at these four functions and the differences between them:

Laser engraving uses a high power laser to evaporate the surface of the material, leaving visible marks between 0.02" and 0.125" deep. Laser engraving is a useful process for personalizing or customizing objects made of wood, leather or stainless steel, but the process may not be suitable for industrial part marking applications because the depth of cut may affect aspects of the material that are critical to it. Performance.

Laser etching is a special type of laser engraving that allows extremely shallow cuts, usually only 0.001 inches deep.

Laser cutting is the use of a laser machine to cut an entire shape or section from a selected material. High power CO2 laser machines are the best choice for cutting plastic and metal substances because they interact directly with the material, not just the pigments in the material. Some metals have high enough melting points to be laser-cut, but nearly all fabrics and paper-based materials can be easily shaped by laser cutting.

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Laser marking is often used to create permanent barcodes or other traceability marks on metal products, such as medical devices or automotive or aerospace parts. Laser marking does not cause any physical changes to the material as it is done using only a low power laser. The beam causes oxidation under the metal surface, discoloring it and leaving a permanent, high-contrast mark. Laser marking is effective on flat, curved and round surfaces.

Vector cutting machine is accurate and reliable

Both mechanical and laser cutting are common manufacturing processes across the manufacturing industry today, but there is a reason why more and more manufacturers are choosing to rely on laser cutting machines for their needs.

Description: High power CO2 lasers like this one have rapidly replaced almost all traditional marking techniques such as dot needle, inkjet and labels. Lasers create permanent and consistent marks with low cost and high precision that no other marking technology can match.

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The laser engraving process is also superior to its industrial counterpart computer rotary engraving. Using a laser, the time and labor required to set up an engraving job is reduced, and laser engraving can be used to mark a wider range of metals and other materials.

The reason is the unmatched precision and reliability of computer numerically controlled (CNC) vector cutters, which provide absolute consistency and help minimize risk throughout the cutting process. Compared to mechanical cutting, laser cutting offers:

The ability to surface finish products, while machined parts may require post-processing to finish them

There is no direct contact between the material and the laser cutter, reducing the possibility of material contamination or accidental marking

Less heat is generated in a smaller area than mechanical cutting, reducing the risk of material warping or warping at the cut site

Some manufacturers continue to use chemical etching to mark Atomstack products, but laser marking is certainly a more efficient option. Thanks to its CNC interface, the laser marker can produce consistent marks with 99.9% accuracy on a variety of materials, even in different shapes. Processes such as chemical etching, the success of which depends on the variable absorption rate of the chosen acid material, often produce marks with up to 50% error/defect rate. Chemical etching lacks the precision and reliability of laser etching when it comes to producing high-quality, long-lasting laser marks.

The Atomstack A5 Pro is a powerful and versatile laser engraver that brings the power of a professional-grade device to your home. The atom stack A5 Pro is a higher-end machine. From hobbyists to professionals, this machine is designed for all types of users.

The Atomstack A5 Pro Laser Engraing Machine also comes with an easy to follow manual with good assembly instructions. All necessary tools are included. The screws and parts are in separate bags and marked according to the necessary steps in the assembly manual. The machine can be assembled in less than 30 minutes.

The Laser Engraver is equipped with a laser diode that outputs approximately 4.5-5.5W of optical power. The Atomstack A5 Pro is advertised as 40W Co2 laser equivalent power. A laser diode is a good fixed focus diode.

A fixed focus means there are no moving parts in the beam, which means the focus can be narrower and the focusing process is much faster than with adjustable focus.

There's a shield around the head as an extra layer of protection, but wearing the included safety goggles is still a must. I also recommend buying more good quality goggles with OD6+ protection. You only have one pair of eyes. protect them! These lasers work in the visible spectrum, and even reflections can be very harmful to your eyes!

Save your eyes! The included goggles aren't the best. Do yourself a favor and get a premium OD6+ safety goggles for better protection for your eyes!

The focusing process is the same as the Atomstack A5 20W. For best cutting results, the head needs to be 2mm above the engraved surface. Focusing is done by placing the acrylic plate/spacer under the laser head and lowering the laser head onto the spacer. The spacer is 2mm thick and the head remains 2mm above the surface after tightening the z-axis screw with a hex wrench.

Cut and engrave different materials

Engraving: wood, leather, cotton (clothing), rubber, paper, fruit, foam, acrylic, black anodized aluminum, black metal...

The Atomstack A5 Pro laser engraver is also a powerful cutter.

Cutting: wood, paper, tape, cloth, acrylic, cardboard.

With this machine, you can cut paper and tape once and cardboard or wood many times. The machine can cut wood, especially poplar plywood, which has a soft texture and is the wood of choice for all laser cutters.

I would avoid plastics like PVC and vinyl as they release hydrogen chloride gas when cutting. This gas is toxic and very corrosive (your machine will rust quickly).

We have tested machines for engraving and cutting different materials. You'll find our test results a few chapters lower.

You can use the Atom Stack A5 Pro laser engraver with the free LaserGRBL software, which works fine, but is a bit clunky to use. It's great for some testing, but I went with Lightburn, which is more powerful and very intuitive to use. While it's not free, the license costs $60. However, the software comes with a 1-month full-featured free trial, which will help you decide if it's worth it.

With LaserGRBL you can import vector files (NC, BMP, JPG, PNG, DXF...) and bitmap image files (bmp, jpg, png and gif),

Lightburn supports more formats: AI, SVG, DXF, PDF, HPGL, PLT and RD for vector formats, PNG, JPEG, BMP, TIFF, TGA and GIF for image formats.

The most important part is the interval scale. By scanning vertically and horizontally with different interval steps, we can approximate the size of the laser spot. From the results we can see that the laser spot of the Atomstack A5 is rather rectangular, as the engraved pattern looks very different when scanned in the horizontal (X-axis) and vertical (Y-axis) directions.

The text engraving is done at 600mm/sec, which is pretty fast for such a small movement, so some wobble of the laser head can be seen in the corners. This can easily be avoided by lowering the acceleration and speed in the settings.

One of the items that has been on my wish list is a laser engraver.

I got Atomstack p9 m50 from atom-stack.com.

I've made some videos about it, and you can watch my laser playlist on YouTube from here.

It's a great tool and a well-built machine that produces immediately satisfying results, but one of the main problems with using it is properly scaling the image and centering the object to be sculpted in the operating area.

In this tutorial, I'll show how to make and use custom mesh planes to help you scale and center the image you want to sculpt on an object.

The size is related to the maximum working area my engraver gets when making the mobile carriage very close to its limit

Also, if in theory it has to be in P9 format (i.e. 148 x 210mm), I found that my work area was only a little bigger than 140 x 170mm, so I decided to use a 10x10mm grid to keep this limit

It's best to use a vector format like dxf to get a scalable picture without thickness, using an exported bitmap image allows the laser to reproduce its line thickness through more channels.

I added two grid files in svg and dxf format, so you can modify them to your needs I also added a grid with reference letters.

You'll need a sheet of cardboard or plywood measuring 210 x 330mm (209x329mm to make sure there are no distractions).

Make it slide inside the aluminum frame and it will be supported by the wiring bracket and centered by the acrylic frame.

The engraver does not have limit switches that define the initial position, so you have to manually move the laser head to the upper/left corner of the operating area, close to the limit of the carriage.

This becomes the starting position and corresponds to the red dot in the LaserGRBL software.

Remember that every time you turn on the engraver or manually move the carriage, the initial position becomes the actual position that changes.

Now, with the open file icon, you have to load the dxf file format I attached in the previous step.

Atomstack S10 Pro Laser Engraver

If you apply the correct settings suggested by Eleks Maker (PPM 320-320), the image will load and scale correctly, ready to print.

To ensure centering, you can test by bounding icon. This moves the carriage around the maximum perimeter of the image.

Deselect Laser in the LaserGRBL menu and select Servo to simulate overall dimensions without turning on the laser.

Remember to make sure you have the correct laser before you start

Focus on the surface and use the correct sculpting parameters.

Tested on stock material of the same thickness and surface.

Click the start icon and the mesh of the work area will be sculpted automatically.

First it carves the perimeter, then it carves the vertical and horizontal lines

This grid will help you understand the available work area and better align your objects for sculpting along the X-Y axis

Remember that every time you turn off the engraver, it loses its initial position. Therefore, you have to manually move the laser head near the upper left limit and, with the help of the "momentary on" icon, gradually realign the laser beam to the initial intersection point.

With a simple trick, grids help to draw drawings with precision and place exactly what to sculpt.

Import the mesh in dxf format using the open file (blue) icon. It will be imported with the upper left corner corresponding to the starting position of the LaserGRBL software (red dot).

Use the grid as a reference to place the object to be sculpted in place.

Now click on the imagine (green) icon from the drawing menu and import the image you want to transfer on the surface.

This allows you to overlay this image on top of the grid image.

Now, if you select an imported image, you can move or scale it, using the grid below as a reference, which helps to accurately predetermine the position and size of the sculpt.

Now that everything is ready, you can press the start icon.

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Here are some examples of sculpted objects sculpted using this technique.

There are several different options for DIY enclosures, depending on your level of experience, budget, and the time you're willing to put in. On the very cheap end will get a large cardboard box to cover the laser while it is running. This will keep all the smoke out, and if you're feeling fancy you can even add a cheap exhaust fan with some flexible ducting to get the smoke out the next window. However, there are of course some safety concerns with using highly flammable cardboard around a laser cutter and the inability to observe progress.

This brings me to the next step, and the options I actually recommend. For some visibility, you can add a tinted acrylic window that blocks the laser but still lets you see inside. To deal with the smoke, we'll use a cheap exhaust fan and some flexible ducting. This will result in a very functional case that is still very easy to build and not too expensive.

Because every laser engraver is a slightly different size, it won't do you much good if I just tell you the size I used for the machine and leave it there. Instead, I'll show you how to find the right size yourself.

To get the width of our enclosure, we want to see where the widest part of our machine is. Also, keep in mind that things like cables sticking out may need some space to move smoothly. Then you'll add some extra margin, like 1/2 inch or 10mm.

The dust cover for the ATOMSTACK B1 Enclosure laser engraver is equipped with an air inlet and a ventilation fan. The fumes from engraving or cutting will be purified through the filter system and exhaust, creating a fresh working environment for you.

B1 laser cutting machine shell safe design, fireproof metal structure, make the laser machine work safer, acrylic window design can filter laser to protect eyes and make viewing more convenient.

ATOMSTACK laser engraving machine shell safety dust box design, all metal structure, more durable, fireproof and dustproof.

The protective box cover with large internal space, and the bottom of the box has a movable bottom plate, which can be disassembled and can be placed with rollers to meet your needs. It is convenient for you to clean up the waste generated after engraving or cutting.

Ventilation system design Powerful ventilation system, high smoke removal efficiency, all-metal structure design, effective dustproof and fireproof, making your art carving work safer and more secure Automatic exhaust comes with an air outlet of about 2 meters, which can be opened after opening Automatic start of exhaust work, duct exhaust or use with air purifier for more comfortable working environment More flexible use Bottom removable door for placing rollers Engraving cylindrical objects, making it easier for you to clean up scraps after engraving and cutting work Compatible with all Atomstack machines Compatible with A5 series, S series, X series, P series and 95% of similar volume engraving machine brands on the market 670mm 300mm.

No matter what laser engraver you have, with very few exceptions, they all have one big problem in common, they are not closed. While this doesn't really matter for a 3D printer where you just need an enclosure to print special materials, for a laser it's a must. Carving or cutting anything creates a lot of smoke, and if you don't deal with it, it will just fill up your room. You can run the laser outside or next to a large window, but it's not a great long-term solution, especially during the colder months. Additionally, running an open frame laser engraver poses a hazard to any other person or pet who enters the room without proper safety equipment. While commercial enclosures do exist, most of them are quite expensive because shipping bulky items isn't cheap. That's why I'm going to show you how to build your own shell over the weekend with very few tools.

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https://www.atom-stack.com/blogs/news/a-protective-cover-for-laser-engraving

Laser technology has come a long way since the first lasers were introduced. Today, it is considered to be one of the best marking solutions for engraved metal because it provides high contrast, high quality identifiers for all types of production lines.

Manufacturers looking to engrave identifiers such as logos, serial numbers or Data Matrix codes on metal parts turn to fiber laser marking.

As a laser system manufacturer, ATOMSTACK knows how to engrave metal efficiently.

The following are our top considerations when laser marking metal.

Choosing the Right Laser Type

Fiber lasers (top) and CO2 lasers (bottom) Different types of lasers emit specific wavelengths of light depending on their gain medium. For fiber lasers, the gain medium is fiber; for CO2 lasers, it is CO2 gas. The wavelength is important because it affects how energy is absorbed by the metal.

In general, metals respond well to fiber lasers because most of them absorb their wavelengths efficiently. Therefore, it is a good idea to choose a fiber laser when engraving these metals. CO2 lasers are rarely a good choice because their wavelengths are not well absorbed.

Gather information about the metal you are marking

Every metal has different requirements and reacts differently to the laser beam, so it is critical to know the metal you intend to mark.

P9 M50 Laser Engraver

Below is a list of properties of common metal materials and alloys:

​Aluminum: Aluminum effectively absorbs fiber lasers and can be marked at high speed.

Steel: As a hard material, steel does not mark as fast as softer metals. White markers can be created faster than black markers. If the white color contrasts sharply with the bare metal color, it should be used to speed up laser processing.

Stainless Steel: The chromium oxide layer on the metal surface must generally remain intact to prevent rusting. In these cases, the annealing process is recommended, especially in the medical and food and beverage industries.

Anodized Aluminum: Permanent marks can be created on the anodized layer or before the anodizing process. For example, to read the identifier through the anodized layer, deeper marks are required.

Copper: Copper absorbs fiber lasers less efficiently than other metals, which means high-speed marking is not possible.

Lead: Lead is easy to mark at high speed because it is one of the metals that absorbs fiber lasers most efficiently.

Optimize laser power for your cycle time

The laser power of a pulsed laser represents the average energy it releases over time, with high energy peaks represented by pulses. High-power lasers can deliver more pulses in the same amount of time, which allows them to engrave metal faster.

Air Assist for Laser Engraver

Below you can find examples of marking speeds for specific applications:

Laser Marking Performance on Aluminum

Stainless steel marking time on battery

Deep engraving speed on aluminum and steel

While high-power lasers are faster, they are also more expensive. You should choose a laser power that meets your cycle time while minimizing cost. Strategies can be used to minimize laser power and reduce costs. Here are some of them:

Laser engravers can include features such as a turntable to reduce cycle time.

Unimportant information can be removed to reduce the size of the identifier.

Laser configuration (parameters and optics) can be optimized for faster marking.

Choosing the Right Laser Marking Process

Some laser processes remove material from the surface, while others discolor the surface through a chemical reaction. Therefore, certain metals require specific laser marking processes.

The following are the effects of different processes on metal surfaces:

Laser Etching: As the fastest marking process, laser etching is the recommended method that prioritizes high-speed marking. This process creates a raised mark on the metal surface.

Laser Engraving: Laser engraving is slower but stronger, ensuring you get a permanent mark even if your workpiece is surface treated or subject to high wear. When laser engraver for metal, the laser beam penetrates deep into the material, just like laser cutting.

Laser Annealing: This process is used to protect bare metal or its protective coating. Unlike other options, it does not remove material from metal surfaces. Instead, it discolors the metal through a chemical reaction (passivation) that occurs under the surface.

Deep Carving: Deep carving is slower than other processes because it removes more material. It is often used to create deeper, more aesthetically pleasing marks such as logos, stamped plates and die inserts.

Consider post-processing

Laser marking will take more time if the metal surface you are engraving has been post-processed during manufacturing. This is because post-processed metal parts often require deeper engraving to remain readable.

To keep up with your cycle times, the laser power can be increased, or a turntable can be installed to engrave parts while loading other parts.

Here is an example of a patented shot-peening-resistant laser engraving:

Minimize the amount of encoded information

QR codes and QR codes If you want to mark traceability, QR codes and QR codes are great options because barcode readers can read them more reliably than serial numbers. They can also encode more information in a smaller area.

These codes consist of black and white modules or cells arranged in a square or rectangular pattern. For example, a barcode can be 18 modules wide and 18 modules high (18x18).

Code with more information requires more modules, which results in larger code or smaller cells. This causes two problems:

Larger codes require more marking time or more laser power.

Cells that are too small are more difficult for barcode readers to read and may affect the reliability of traceability.

If your traceability requirements are flexible, it is best to minimize the amount of information you encode. This will help you meet your cycle time or reduce the power required by the laser, thereby reducing its cost.

For example, if you upgrade from a 100W laser to a 50W laser, you can save thousands of dollars. Going from 20 characters to 8 characters can go a long way.

Manage dust generated during metal engraving

When laser engraving metal, metal dust released in the air can affect the performance of the laser. Some processes generate more dust than others because they remove more material.

For example, deep laser engraving is the process that generates the most dust, while laser annealing does not.

To ensure proper dust management, you should select features based on the amount of dust generated:

An air knife or blower can be installed to blow dust away from the lens, preventing dust from accumulating.

A dust collector is required to keep the air clean and prevent dust from accumulating in the laser marker.

The laser head can be properly designed for environmental protection to ensure that it is dust and waterproof.

in conclusion

We hope this article helped you choose the right laser system for your metal marking needs. Proper consideration can save you a lot of time and money.