Laser Engraving/Engraver/Cutting/Cutter Machine (FDA) 400 x 300

Vector Cutting Different from raster engraving, vector is a continuous path that follows the outline, or profile of an image. Vector cutting is normally used to cut completely through materials such as wood, acrylic, paper, etc. It can also be used for quick marking of characters and geometric patterns.

Resolution Resolution is a measure of the image quality that can be achieved with a laser engraver. Resolution is expressed in dots per inch (DPI) and is determined by the number of lines or dots that are engraved for every inch of movement. The higher the resolution, the finer the detail that can be achieved.

Raster Engraving Raster engraving can best be described as very high-resolution dot matrix printing. Used to create highly detailed graphic images, the laser head scans back and forth, left to right, engraving a series of dots one line at a time. As the laser head moves down, line by line, the dot pattern begins to form the image that was printed from your computer. Scanned images, text and clipart are types of graphic images that are normally raster engraved at resolutions up to 1200 DPI.

Engraving Speed The speed at which the engraving head travels is expressed in inches per second (IPS). High speeds mean high productivity. Speed is also used to control the depth of cut. For a given power level, the slower the speed, the deeper the laser will engrave or cut. The speed is adjustable in 1% increments and can be controlled either from your computer or from the control panel on the laser engraver.

Engraving Power The amount of laser power that is applied to the material surface. For a given speed, the higher the power setting, the deeper the cut or engraving. Adjustable in 1% increments, the power can be controlled from either your computer or from the laser control panel. Power can also equate to speed. For a given depth of cut, a 50 watt laser can travel significantly faster than a 25 watt laser and achieve the same depth of cut without a subsequent loss in quality. This means with a higher watt laser, you can produce more products faster. In addition, a 50-watt laser will also cut through thicker materials than either a 12 or 25 watt laser system.

Bitmaps In general terms, bitmaps are patterns of dots that blend together to form pictures. They are dot-like computer images designed to display on computer screens and print in ink. Collections of dots make up raster images, which do not have vector outlines, and therefore cannot be engraved without "vectorizing". A computer scanner creates raster images, as well as most paint-type computer programs. Grayscale or monochrome bitmaps are used when engraving photographs. Color bitmaps are not recommended for laser engraving.

Air Assist The optional air assist package directs a constant stream of compressed air across the engraving or cutting surface at the point of burn. An invaluable tool for deep, clean engraving and cutting, the air assist removes the heat and combustible gases from the surface of the material. This allows you to use all of the available laser power to cut deeply into materials such as wood, acrylic, rubber or other materials that are susceptible to burning and scorching.

Related Software and Technique Terms

YAG Laser Systems These systems operate with a shorter infrared wavelength and are substantially more expensive than CO2 laser systems. These systems are used largely in industrial applications such as cutting, welding, heat treating, perforating and marking. YAG lasers are also used to engrave (mark) bare metals that under normal conditions cannot be marked by a CO2 laser system.

CO2 Laser Systems CO2 refers to the gas mixture used to generate the laser beam. CO2 laser systems used in the engraving and marking industry can range from 10 watts of power to over 1000. Most compact laser systems are offered in the 10 100 watt ranges. These units are capable of marking or engraving wood, glass, Plexiglas, acrylic, rubber, ceramics, coated metals and marble. In the higher wattage (25 or greater), material such as acrylic may be completely and accurately cut out to form various shapes.

Two types of laser systems dominate the commercial laser market. Each has its strengths in various cutting and marking applications.

Bell Laser Systems Available

AC 110 - 220 V 

Best Value Laser Machine. Built in China under direct USA supervision. USA technology upgrades included and optional.