Is It Worth Buying A Laser Engraver?
What Is A Laser Engraver?
A laser engraver is an automatic printing tool that uses the burning of laser thermal energy to chemically change the surface of the substrate to produce permanent imprints. The laser engraving machine is easy to use. Just input the pattern to be engraved into the computer, set the size of the pattern text, and align the object to complete the engraving. Laser engraving does not require any consumables, no cost machining, non-toxic, non-polluting, fast, only a few seconds to engrave some simple text or patterns. It supports QR codes, numbers, text, patterns, or photos engraving with high speed and precision, the engraved information has good wear resistance, is not easy to erase and change, and has the features of permanent marking. You can basically operate it anytime and anywhere on your rest day or when you are free from get off work, and the economic benefits are very high. Especially the portable laser engraver machine is easy to carry and move. It can be carried by pulling it with a trolley or putting it in the trunk of the car. It can engrave customized gifts, handicrafts, nameplates, water cups and gift boxes anytime and anywhere.
What Can A Laser Engraving Machine Do?
Laser engraving machines can DIY custom jewelry, rings, knives, lighters, tags, U disks, glass ceramic cups, photo frames, throw pillows, pendants, cups, vanity mirrors, key chains, ashtrays and more crafts, gifts and all kinds of daily necessities.
Laser engraving can attract the curiosity of consumers, and some small objects around them become meaningful through engraving. In addition to satisfying your own interests, you can also make money by personalizing merchandise to other merchants or end users. That is to say, whether it is for home use or commercial use, it is a good choice.
Is It Worth Buying A Laser Engraver?
A laser engraver allows you to create personalized items, an easy way to make money, or even a tool for you to start a DIY business. A laser engraving machine can instantly make an ordinary item unique and memorable, whether it is a mobile phone case, a necklace, a pen, a mug, a keychain, or a pendant, as long as it is engraved with a unique pattern or text, it will may double in value. Compared with dyeing, texture, and inkjet printing, the engraved pattern is more durable and more textured.
There are many makers and models in the market, which can meet various needs of users according to different weights, sizes, power and functions. This article will help you understand how to buy a profitable laser engraver, and list some affordable laser engravers that you can buy. You can choose the most suitable type according to your business needs.
Before buying a laser engraving machine, you must first determine your needs, otherwise you will not be able to choose, brand, type, size, laser power. Maybe you should consider the following things first, so that you will not be overwhelmed when you choose.
What material are you going to engrave on?
Metal or wood? If it is the former, the laser power will not be small, and the size will also be large. If it is the latter, it is much simpler and cheaper.
What is the maximum size of engraving?
For the engraving size, it is directly related to the length of the drive shaft of the machine, which means that the larger the engraving size, the larger the footprint. The price is not much different.
How fast is the engraving?
For your own home use, speed will not be considered first or second. Commercial use may have to pursue speed & efficiency. The speed is directly related to the power of the laser head. The higher the power, the faster the engraving speed, and of course the more expensive the price.
Where will you place it?
For the machine placed at home, you must consider taking up space, otherwise, if you buy a large machine, the house will be noisy.
How to assemble a laser engraver kit?
Are you going to buy a bunch of accessories and assemble them yourself according to the drawings, or just buy the finished product.
Set a budget.
I don't want to mention this point, all of you valued friends will also consider it. From a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars, you can find them on STYLECNC. But from the above points, the needs are clear, just look for them within the budget.
After-sales service.
No matter where you will buy the machine, you must confirm the content of the warranty and after-sales service with the merchant. Otherwise, there is a problem with the machine, who should you turn to?
All Types of Laser Engraving Machines List
I believe that many customers who want to buy a laser engraving machine are most concerned about this issue. Everyone definitely wants to choose a practical and affordable laser engraver. So before choosing, you can understand the advantages and disadvantages of various machines
CO2 Laser Engraving Machine
CO2 laser engraving machine is a tool that uses CO2 glass laser tube to engrave on non-metallic materials.
Pros
It can engrave a variety of non-metallic materials including wood, stone, leather, cloth, paper, plastic, acrylic, rubber.
Cons
The machine is bulky, generally 200-300kg, which is inconvenient to move. Compared with the CO2 laser marking machine, the engraving speed is slow, and it cannot engrave metal.
CO2 Laser Marking Machine
CO2 laser marking machine is used for etching on non-metallic surfaces, such as bamboo, wood, crystal, horn, paper, plexiglass, marble, fabric, leather, rubber, plastic, clothing, embroidery, cloth toys, home decoration fabrics , handbags, gloves, toys. And precision cutting of non-metallic sheets such as cardboard, card, acrylic sheet, medium density decorative board.
Pros
The marking speed is fast and the precision is high. It is suitable for factory batch operations, and can be connected to factory automation production lines
Cons
CO2 laser marking generates high temperature and flue gas.
Fiber Laser Engraver
A fiber laser marking machine can etch various exquisite patterns, characters, trademarks, photos by evaporating the laser beam on the surface of different materials.
Pros
Professional in metal engraving. With a high-power fiber laser generator, deep metal engraving can be achieved, with rotating attachments, it can engrave on cylinders, such as cups, pens, rings, bracelets. With the MOPA laser source, color engraving on stainless steel and titanium is also possible.
Cons
Machines are generally more expensive, about $3,000 or more.
UV Laser Etching Machine
An UV laser etching machine is a power tool that uses a 355nm ultraviolet laser source with ultra-small spot for fine engraving.
Pros
Professional performance on plastic and glass, and a wide range of engraving materials, both metal and non-metal can be engraved. One machine can be used for multiple purposes.
Cons
The price is expensive. Because of the features of the ultraviolet laser source, the price of the machine is above 6,000 US dollars, which is suitable for high-end manufacturing.
Things To Consider
Whether it is to buy or DIY a laser engraver, it is worthwhile. Various types of laser engraving machines can meet your various personalized customization needs. Look no further, it's worth buying.
Further Reading
19 Most Common Laser Engraver Problems and Solutions
You may run into some problems in the use of laser engraver, we'll analyse 19 most common laser engraving machine problems and give you the right solutions.
A Comparison of Laser Engraver, Laser Etcher, Laser Marker
Compare technical specifications, features, uses, pros and cons for laser engraver, laser marking machine, laser etching system and find the right one for you.
2024 Best Laser Engraver for Cups, Mugs, Tumblers
Looking for an affordable laser engraver with rotary attachment to customize cups, mugs, tumblers made of stainless steel, glass, ceramic, titanium, aluminum, copper, brass, silver, gold, wood, plastic, acrylic, paper, stoneware, melamine, as well as personalize cups with letters, logos, signs, monograms, names, vinyls, glitters, patterns and pictures? Explore the best laser cup engraving machine picks of 2024 for every budget and need.
15 Best Laser Engraver Cutter Software (Paid/Free) in 2024
2024 best laser engraver cutting software with paid & free versions include LaserCut, CypCut, CypOne, RDWorks, EZCAD, Laser GRBL, Inkscape, EzGraver, SolveSpace, LaserWeb, LightBurn, Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw, AutoCAD, Archicad and some popular CAD/CAM software for laser cutter engraving machine.
2024 Best Laser Engravers for Knife Blades & Handles
Looking for a laser engraving machine to mark logos, signs, names, tags, patterns or photos on knife blade or knife handle blanks? Review the best CO2 and fiber laser engravers of 2024 for custom personalized knives with 3d deep engraving, online flying engraving, color engraving and black white engraving.
How to Buy Laser Engraver Cutter for Custom Jewelry Maker?
Looking for an affordable CO2 or fiber laser engraver cutter for custom jewelry maker with hobbyists or business to make money? Need a CNC laser jewelry engraver cutting machine for beginners? Review this guide to buy 2022 best laser jewelry cutter engraving machine for personalized jewelry gift & jewelry box making with metal, silver, gold, stainless steel, copper, brass, aluminum, titanium, glass, stone, acrylic, wood, silicon, wafer, zircon, ceramic, film.
