It’s no secret that laser working stations have become one of the most critical tools in today’s manufacturing industry. The latest innovations in lasers, software, cameras, and controls are now available to manufacturers to help their employees work faster, smarter, and safer.
So what do you need to know before investing? This guide will take you through all the important factors when considering purchasing a laser working station for your company.
Technical Specifications at a Glance
There are many technical specifications to consider when looking at laser marking workstations. The most important of these is the laser out power and the speed of the laser machine.
The power is how strong the laser is and is measured in watts. The higher the wattage, the more powerful the laser will be. Make sure you get a laser with enough power to cut or engrave through the materials you will be using.
The speed of the machine is how quickly it moves the material across the laser head. This is measured in meters per minute (m/min). The faster the machine moves, the quicker you will finish your parts.
Finally, consider the software’s capabilities that come with your working station. The software can help you set up material paths and work on multiple parts at a time, saving both time and money for your company. Don’t forget to look into what types of materials are compatible.
Read on to know more in detail.
Electronic Components
Laser engraving, cutting, and marking systems use several electronic components to run the system. This includes motors for moving the laser head along multiple axes (X-axis, Y-axis), a controller board that allows you to program your machine so it can follow specific paths or routines on parts, and an inverter that turns electricity into light.
All of these components need the power to work. Ensure you have enough electrical outlets available near your working station and access to a circuit breaker if there is not one already installed at the location where you plan on placing your new laser working station.
Computer Software & Hardware Compatibility
Software plays an important role in manufacturing equipment – even lasers! You want software that is easy to use and understand, especially if you plan on having multiple people using the machine. You also want software that is compatible with your existing computer hardware.
Not all laser systems require a dedicated computer to run them. Some have a built-in controller board that can program the machine. However, most systems will need some computer connection to send cutting or marking jobs to the device.
Camera & Lighting
One of the newer features added to laser working stations is cameras and lighting systems. This allows you to see what the laser is doing as it’s working and makes it easier to set up parts for engraving or marking. The camera can also help you inspect your finished pieces and make sure they meet your specifications. Most cameras are mounted on the laser head or connected to a separate monitor for viewing purposes.
Lasers use intense light beams to cut, engrave, or mark materials. To ensure the most accurate cuts possible, you need lighting that is bright enough so it can be seen through any material being used by the machine – including smoke created during cutting processes! Some lasers also have built-in cooling systems, which require fans around their outer parts and an exhaust system that moves air out of the room where the working station is located.
Controls & Safety Systems
Most manufacturers agree that safeguarding employees from danger should always come first when considering new equipment purchases – especially when talking about high-powered lasers. That’s why many laser working stations now come with built-in safety systems that help protect operators from accidental exposure to the laser beam.
These systems can include sensors that detect when someone is in the beam’s path, interlocks that prevent the machine from being turned on if the cover is open, and emergency stop buttons that will immediately shut down the system if needed.
Material Type
Another important factor is the type of material you will be working with. The laser needs to cut or engrave through the material without damaging it. Some materials are harder than others and can require a higher power laser. Ensure you know what types of materials you will be working with before getting your laser.
Finally, consider the size of the material and how much it weighs. If materials are too large or heavy, they may not fit on or start moving along the table without damaging equipment. Many factors go into purchasing a laser working station for your company, so make sure you do your research.
Laser Working Station Price
Another important factor to consider when getting a laser working station is the cost. There are many different options available, and each one has its price range. The average cost of a laser working station starts at around $12,000 but can go up much higher depending on what features you want it to have.
Make sure you get one that fits within your budget while still offering the features and capabilities needed for manufacturing. Every company has different needs, so it’s best to consult with an expert to find the right laser working station for your business.
Production Environment
Factory conditions can be tough on machines, especially lasers. Ensure the laser working station is set up in a place that can properly ventilate and cool it to prevent overheating or breaking down. You will also need access to an electrical outlet capable of powering the laser working station.
Finally, consider how much space you are allotted for your new machine. Ensure it can fit in its designated working area so that there is enough room around it should any issues arise during operation or maintenance. You don’t want other equipment getting damaged.
Machine Marking Speed
The speed of the marking head is important to consider when looking at laser working stations. It determines how quickly you can apply your markings. However, it’s important to make sure that the marking speed doesn’t exceed the capabilities of the substrate. If it does, you may end up damaging or even destroying your material.
How do you know if a laser marking machine is fast? It is measured in characters per second (CPS) or lines per minute (LPM). The higher the number, the quicker the machine. Most laser marking machines have a speed of around 5000 CPS or LPM, but some go up to 15000 CPS or LPM. Make sure you know how fast your machine needs to get the markings.
Depth of Mark
The depth of mark is another important specification to consider when looking at lasers for working stations. It determines how deep the marking location will be on the material. A shallower depth will only leave a light surface mark, while a deeper depth can pierce through the material.
This is especially important when marking organic materials such as ceramic, metals, or plastics. You will need to make sure the laser has enough power to create a deep, consistent mark on these surfaces.
Operating Costs
In addition to the purchase price of a laser working station, you also need to consider the operating costs. These include things like electricity usage, replacement parts, and software updates.
The amount of electricity the laser uses will depend on its power rating and how often it is used. Make sure you have an adequate power supply for your machine, so it doesn’t cause any brownouts or blackouts in your factory.
Laser working stations use a variety of electronic components that can wear out over time. Common components that may need to be replaced are motors, belts, bearings, and filters. Be prepared to budget for these replacements as they can add up quickly if not planned for ahead of time.
Finally, consider how often you will be updating your software with new capabilities. The more features you want on your machine, the higher the cost of managing updates will be over time. Be prepared for these costs when making your purchase decision!
Maintenance
A laser marking machine is low maintenance. Like any other machine, it will require periodic cleaning and maintenance（replace the water if the machine is water cooling system ） to keep it running smoothly, especially for industrial marking applications.
Most of the time, this can be done by the operator of the laser working station. However, there may be times when you need to send it in for servicing. Make sure you have a reliable service provider that can offer quick turnaround times, so your production line doesn’t get interrupted.
Fiber Laser Marking System
When looking for a working station, you may encounter a fiber laser marking machine. These are newer machines that use optical fibers to deliver the beam.
The main advantage of using a fiber laser is its high power density. This means that it can achieve very high marking speeds while still maintaining the depth of mark. It is also less affected by environmental conditions like temperature and humidity than other lasers.
However, fiber lasers are typically more expensive than traditional lasers. They also require more specialized skill to operate properly. If you’re looking for the latest and greatest technology, then fiber lasers should be at the top of your list.
Long Lifetime
Laser working stations are built to last and operate efficiently. The average fiber laser machine can operate up to 50,000 hours before major components need to be replaced or serviced.
This is especially important if you expect your factory will run 24/365 as many big brands do! You don’t want the downtime that comes with waiting for replacement parts every few months, so make sure you know what kind of availability they offer on their machines.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a laser marking workstation, make sure to consider the power of the machine and its speed. You can find more information about these specifications on our website. Whether you need a small desktop unit or an industrial-sized system, we have it all! Contact us today if you’d like to learn more about how we can help improve your business with this technology.
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