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LASER CUTTING / ETCHING MACHINES - 2
V. Ryan © 2007-2023
Laser cutting / etching machines are quite simple
in the way they work. The lens system that controls the position of
the laser is itself moved by a motorised slide control system. This
allows movement in any direction. The control system moves according
to the programme being used by the machine. The diagram shows the LID
open - however, the laser will not operate unless the lid is closed.
This is a safety feature.
THE LENS IS CLEARLY SEEM ON THIS DIAGRAM - MOST ARE ENCLOSED / HIDDEN FROM VIEW
The work/material being engraved or cut by the
laser is held firmly in position on a vacuum bed. The work/material is
normally positioned in the top left corner as shown on the diagram
below. The machine operates with three axis, X, Y and Z. The top left
corner is regarded as coordinates (0,0,0), this is sometimes called
zero point or the start point.
The diagram below shows a coat of arms being etched on a sheet of
transparent glass. The lens unit focuses the laser in exactly the
right position as it cuts / etches.
THE LASER CUTTER BELOW, HAS A LENS THAT IS HIDDEN WITHING THE LENS SYSTEM (ADDITIONAL SAFETY)
MAGNIFIED VIEW OF ENCLOSED LASER LENS SYSTEM
A close up of a basicl lens system can be seen
below. The lens system slides up and down the motorised slide control
system.
The laser is deflected from it source within the
machine through a series of precision lenses/mirrors and focussed
accurately on the area to be cut/etched. The laser removes small dots
of material, up to 1200 dots per inch. This means that it is able to
cut extremely accurate shapes and produce astonishingly detailed
etchings. The laser cutter is similar to an ink jet printer. The
printer sprays ink onto the paper in a series of dots that make up a
picture or text. The laser cutter removes material in a series of dots
producing pictures / etchings and shapes cut away from the surface of
the material.
The microprocessor controlled height guide ensures
that the laser cuts to the correct depth.
If a circular or curved product such as a glass
container is to be etched then a motorised roller system is used. The
rollers are controlled by the microprocessor, rotating the glass at
exactly the right speed and direction. This allows etching to be
produced accurately on the surface. The height guide ensures that the
laser is set to the correctly at all times. This system allows uneven
surfaces to be etched as well as surfaces that are uniform.
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