Laser marking and CNC engraving are two different methods of etching or engraving an image or text into a hard surface. Laser marking is a precision process that uses a laser beam to etch into the surface of a material. CNC engraving, on the other hand, utilizes a computer-controlled cutting tool to carve an image or text into the material.
In this article, we’ll discuss the differences between them and how to choose the right marking way to suit your needs.
What is Laser Marking
A laser engraving machine uses the thermal energy of laser to carve material and the laser will be focused into a high-power density laser beam through an optical system. It works by selectively heating the material along a predetermined route to achieve the desired effect. The light from a laser beam burns off parts of the material to reveal patterns and text that need to be etched, which will cause physical changes in the surface.
Laser marking is a type of machining that uses lasers to create permanent marks on various materials such as aluminum, plastic, and steel. Laser marking machines utilize special laser technology to cut into or etch onto the part’s surface without damaging the material itself. The process can be used to mark logos, serial numbers, bar codes, or other characters onto a product. The laser marking speed is fast and no extra pressure is required on the workpiece.
What is CNC Engraving
CNC engraving is another type of machining that uses computer numeric controlled (CNC) machines to create intricate patterns and designs on the surface of the metal, plastic, wood, or other materials.
CNC engraving machines use a variety of engraving and cutting tools to physically cut and remove materials from the material surface, and they are used to carve out shapes, patterns, and symbols with extreme precision. In CNC engraving, a drill bit is used to cut away material from the surface and create an indentation or hole in the workpiece. The drill bit is guided by a computer numerical control (CNC) program which controls the speed, depths, and other parameters of the engraving process. Compared to laser marking, CNC engraving provides a higher level of precision and more detailed marks.
This technique allows for deep engraving of text, numbers, or logos on the workpiece, so they are extremely durable, which makes them a preferred choice for items that would experience high wear.
Differences Between Laser Marking & CNC Engraving
Different working principles: Laser marking utilizes laser technology while CNC engraving uses computer numerically controlled machines. Laser engraving works from non-contact processing, so the workpiece does not need to be fixed. While CNC engraving has to contact the workpiece so it needs to be fixed.
Different levels of precision: Laser marking offers a high level of accuracy and repeatability, whereas CNC engraving is capable of creating much more intricate designs with greater precision.
Different suit materials: Laser marking works best on metal and plastic surfaces, while CNC engraving is better suited for glass, stone, and other softer materials.
Different Cost: Laser marking tends to be more cost-effective than CNC engraving due to its simpler process and faster speed.
Different working efficiency: Laser marking has a faster working speed and higher efficiency than CNC engraving.
Different Durability: Laser marking creates permanent marks that are highly durable, while the marks created by CNC engraving can fade away over time if the workpiece is not properly preserved.
In conclusion, laser marking and CNC engraving are two distinct machining processes that offer different advantages and disadvantages. Both methods are widely used in many applications, such as the automotive, aerospace, metalworking, and electronics industries. Depending on your specific needs, one method may be more suitable than the other. Ultimately you should choose a machining process that can provide the highest level of accuracy and repeatability for your project.
The Advantages of Laser Marking over CNC Engraving
Laser marking offers several advantages over CNC engraving. First, laser marking is a non-contact process that requires no contact with the material being marked. This reduces wear and tear on the equipment, resulting in lower maintenance costs and longer service life for the machine.
Additionally, laser marking machines are faster than CNC engraving machines, making them well-suited for large batch production.
Lastly, laser marking is a much cleaner process than CNC engraving as there are no shavings or particles to clean up.
Overall, laser marking is more cost-effective and efficient than CNC engraving, especially when dealing with complex designs that require high precision and deep engraving. Furthermore, the laser marking process is cleaner and requires less maintenance which makes it ideal for industrial applications where time and cost efficiency are paramount concerns.
The Disadvantages of Laser Marking over CNC Engraving
Although laser marking has many advantages over CNC engraving, it is not without its drawbacks. Firstly, although the laser marking process can create extremely detailed designs with a high level of accuracy and repeatability, it cannot produce as deep of a mark as CNC engraving can produce.
Secondly, laser marking is limited to flat surfaces. Whereas CNC engraving can be used on any kind of surface, laser marking must always be done on flat materials.
Finally, due to the high intensity of the laser beam, laser marking can cause heat damage on certain materials. This is why it’s important to carefully consider which materials are compatible with the laser marking process and pre-test any new material before committing to mass production.
Overall, while laser marking has some drawbacks compared to CNC engraving, it is still a very effective and efficient machining process that offers many advantages. Depending on your specific needs, one method may be more suitable than the other. Ultimately, you should choose a machining process that can provide the highest level of accuracy and repeatability for your project.
Tips to Design Your Part Marking
Laser marking and CNC engraving are two effective methods to permanently mark parts. However, when designing your part marking, there are certain considerations that need to be taken into account, here are some helpful guidelines to make your drawings:
- Specify the depth/sizes/font of your text. When using laser marking, be sure to specify the depth of the mark. Additionally, when using CNC engraving, be sure to specify both the appropriate font size and font type for your design.
- State clearly what information to be marked, like the part number or revision.
- Tell the exact location for the marking. If this location is not important, we’ll suggest the proper area to confirm with you.
- If you want some logos or special text to be engraved, please send a separate DXF file to include this info.
When laser marking, it is also important to consider the material you will be using as some materials can be easily damaged by the heat generated from the laser beam. It is also important to consider the size and shape of the part as it may be more suitable for CNC engraving if intricate detailing is required.
When to Use Laser Marking or CNC Engraving
When deciding between laser marking and CNC engraving for your project, there are several factors to consider. If a very precise, deep mark is required with intricate detailing then CNC engraving should be considered. However, if time and cost efficiency is a priority then laser marking may be the better option. Laser marking is ideal for codes and logos, as well as simple shapes, due to its fast processing time and reduced setup costs. It is also more suitable for flat materials as it cannot engrave curved surfaces.
Conversely, CNC engraving is better suited for detailed designs such as logos with shadows or intricate patterns. The depth of the engraving can vary from shallow to deep, allowing for a great level of customization. Additionally, CNC engraving is suitable for any kind of surface and can be used with virtually any material.
Ultimately, by weighing your project’s needs, you should be able to determine which machining process is best suited for the job. With Shanghai Elue’s team of experienced technicians, you can be sure that you will get the most accurate and efficient results possible! Contact us today to learn more about our services.
Conclusion
At Shanghai Elue, we offer both laser marking and CNC engraving services to meet the needs of our customers. Our laser marking systems are state-of-the-art and offer high precision and efficiency, while our CNC engraving technology produces intricate designs with greater accuracy. Our experienced technicians can help you choose the right process for your project. Contact us today to learn more about our services!
