With laser marking, you can mark any surface or object with different characters, numbers, logos or graphics.

Laser marking machines come in a variety of sizes ranging from small to huge. The small machines are useful in handling small batches of printing while another type of machine can be useful for large production units.

The laser marking system can be better than printers as it makes it possible to add attractive markings and produce permanent results.

• Complex artwork becomes possible including marking or engraving with laser technology
• Marking/Engraving is faster compared to printing
• More accuracy and precision compared to printer
• Easy cleaning process
• Laser marking is apt for engraving or marking on buttons

As buttons come in small sizes, designing them might seem like a difficult task. That’s when laser engraving or marking comes in picture. 

It not only makes designing these buttons an easy task but there are many other benefits of using laser engraving machines:

1. Precise cut:

Precision is the USP of laser engraving. The designs you form with laser engraving give you precise, perfect, and beautiful results.

And as accuracy is one of the most important factors while marking buttons, engraving is one of the most useful ways of designing the smallest of the things.

To upgrade your laser machines with new parts you can look online for Mitsubishi parts or Mazak spare parts for quality results.

2. Powerful Stable Output:

You can see a remarkable improvement in the production power of laser technology. In terms of delivering results, they are more advanced than other options that make the production process easier and faster. The continuous detection of power makes sure that there is an uninterrupted supply of production during the button engraving.

3. Meeting the demand:

Laser marking machines make it easy to fulfill high demands of your customers. With these automated machines, all you will need to do is just click and the engraving process would start. In turn, it helps you to finish these tasks on time and fulfill the demand.

4. Easy to operate:

It is easy to operate and get the perfect results in a short time. Its advanced technology makes any laser engraving machine easy to operate and possibly the best form of marking compared to any other way of marking.

5. Ease of maintenance:

Laser marking helps in providing a permanent mark on different types of buttons in a short span of time. The process of laser marking is flexible and makes the process of engraving buttons easy irrespective of the type of material used.

The best part of the laser marking system is, it is not complex and does not require any timely maintenance.

6. Low cost:

Laser marking is an investment in your system. Once implemented successfully, you

would not need to make any other investments which make it cost-effective for your business. Additionally, laser marking even helps in making designs in bulk at low cost and fulfill maximum orders.

If you are looking to upgrade your laser machines with new parts you can look online for Mitsubishi parts or Mazak spare parts for quality results.

Let’s have a look at the type of buttons that you can include in your laser engraving project:

1. Cloth buttons: 

Laser marking on the cloth buttons makes an elegant looking design that can enhance the overall look of any piece of cloth. Engraved buttons with unique designs will make your clothes and other type of merchandise unique.

2. Glass buttons:

Engraving glass buttons can be a little sensitive task due to its fragile behavior. Therefore, engraving them with a laser would lessen the possibilities than any other type of engraving process.

3. Metal buttons:

Laser technology can help in etching the metal button. Since the process follows similar steps, it will make the overall process easy for the users.

4. Polyester button:

Polyester buttons can be the best choice when it comes to engraving. The output of laser engraving would look better on this type of material.

5. Wood button:

The blend of laser marking and wood buttons is always a hit.  Laser marking gives an ethnic look to these wood buttons when engraved. You can easily carve graphics, different designs, particular letters, etc. easily on wood buttons.

Conclusion:

If you are new to laser engraving and thinking of where to start or even if you have a flourished business in this field,  it can never be too late to explore new things and produce new designs. 

Laser engraving provides you with the freedom to explore different patterns of designs and explore various materials. Engraving on buttons is one of the ways to begin your laser engraving business. 

Source: https://www.evernote.com/shard/s548/sh/323a56b5-bef8-41d4-9bc8-178708f3adea/8ebf2dc26e2937250c2dc4a77e953bc9

The craze for laser engraving, marking and etching is increasing day-by-day because of the regulations set by the government regarding product identification.

All of them provide permanent marking solutions that can add that distinct mark on your products.

But, there are only a few people who understand the difference between them. While these three techniques look similar, their applications set them apart.

The major difference between laser marking, engraving and etching lies in what they could do to the marking surfaces. The difference also lies in how deep the laser goes and the way it changes its overall appearance.

Laser marking damages the surface of the material, whereas laser etching and engraving removes the portion of the area it marks.

The other difference between laser engraving and etching is the depth at which it enters the surface.

Without any further ado, let’s explore more differences between them.

1. Laser Marking Process

Laser marking is the process when beam comes in contact with the surface of any material and alters its properties or appearances. You should use laser machines having parts like Mazak parts, Fanuc spare parts, and Fanuc CNC parts for best laser marking results.

Here we have mentioned steps for laser marking which will give you some insights on how it works.

• It uses a method called distortion by moving a low powered beam across the material.
• This creates high contrast marks without damaging the material.
• Laser heats the material and causes the oxidation under the surface turning the material black.
• It uses low temperature to solidify the surface.
• The major advantage is that all these steps do not damage the surface.

Now, let's look at some of the characteristics which make it different from the other two:

• Laser marking is not a common thing and there are only a few that provide these services.
• It is known as laser coloration, laser dark marking or charring when it works with plastic materials or annealing metals.

There are four types of laser marking:

                 - Annealing

                 - Carbon migration

                 - Foaming

                 - Coloration

Laser marking is popular in the medical device industry for marking stainless steel and titanium parts, but you can use it on other materials as well.

A laser market is perfect for bar codes, UID codes, QR codes, logos, etc.

2. Laser Engraving Process:

In laser engraving, the laser beam physically removes the surface of the material and exposes a portion of the image at the eye level.

Let’s look at laser engraving steps:

• Laser releases excessive heat during the engraving process which results in vaporization of the material.
• It is a quick process that vaporizes materials at each pulse.
• This makes the surface vulnerable and noticeable to eyes and you can touch it too.
• If you want deeper marks on the material then make sure that you repeat the process several times.

• Below mentioned are features of laser engraving which will help you know the difference between them and the other too:

There are three types of laser engraving:

                 - Etching

                 - Deep laser engraving

                 - Laser ablation

The major difference between the above three engraving types is the surface you are engraving and how much you remove.

• Maximum engraving depth for metal is 0.020” but it can even go as deep as 0.125” in materials like graphite.
• Mostly, people use engraving when they want to create personalized items.
• It is not suitable to mark the critical parts.
• It is the fastest way to create a mark with a laser.
• It’s suitable for parts expected to experience high wear and tear.
• You can use it to engrave serial numbers and logos, among other things.
• You can engrave on almost any kind of surfaces like metal, plastic, wood, leather, and glass.

3. Laser Etching Process:

It is a subset of laser engraving. It occurs when the heat from the beam melts the surface of the material. For best results, invest in parts like Mazak parts and Fanuc CNC parts.

Below mentioned are some of its characteristics:

• It uses excessive heat to melt the surface of the material.
• It expands material to create a raising mark.
• The depth here is 0.001”.

The major difference between laser etching and the other two are:

• Laser etching changes the reflectivity and increases the contrast of the metal and so it is preferable when you want to provide a better finish.
• It removes 0.001” or less from the material.
• Etching works on bare, plated metal surfaces, polymers or ceramics.

Wrapping it up:

I know there’s a lot of confusion about these terms among people which is common and people use it interchangeably very often, but there are wide differences between them and their applications. After selecting the process, make sure you are choosing a laser machine with the right laser parts like Mazak parts, Fanuc spare parts, etc.

Bending a metal sheet is a pretty difficult task and as a fabricator, you might know just how challenging it is. But there are press brakes now. They have definitely made this task a little less difficult.

Being a proud owner of press brake, you might know the details of its evolution.

No? 

Don’t worry, because we are going to talk about just that in this article. The evolution of press brake machines.

Technology advancements have brought immense growth and expansion for every industry. Be it automotive, travel, education, metal fabrication, you name it; technology is there.

Digitalizing the automotive industry has helped companies to increase competitiveness among themselves. Additionally, it is even enhancing customer satisfaction and provides them with an excellent quality of service.

Similarly, in education, digitalization helps in making sure that education reaches everyone. Not only this but online learning also benefits people a lot as it makes knowledge easily accessible.

But we are here to talk about digitalization of the metal fabrication industry.

So, let’s look at how the evolution of technology provides ease to a fabricator.

Fabrication technology plays a vital role in changing the metal forming and welding. One tool which has changed a lot is Press Brake. Do you remember the time when you would bend sheets using manual press brake and how difficult it would be? Now there are hydraulic or electric press brakes that increase productivity and decrease costs.

So, let’s see how they evolved and where we stand with press brakes today.

This evolution of press brakes took place in three parts:

• Drive Systems
• Automation
• Coordinated Flow

In this article, we will explore the evolution of drive systems and automation which led to invention portal press brakes.

1. Drive Systems

In the early 1960s, there was mechanical press brake. The system had a motor with clutch, flywheel, eccentric crank and brake and can generate only 30 strokes per minute.

The mechanical press was popular for sheet metal industry’s mass production for a long time but then the needs were changing which, in turn, led to changes in press brakes.

By the time production became the new craze in metal fabrication, fabricators demanded their machines to be flexible in function and to have better capabilities to create custom products for consumers in a short time.

The change in consumer production led to the development of hydraulic press brake. It had controls for ram speeds, stroke lengths, applied force, and angle controls. Despite the slow pace, these brakes were useful until electric press brakes replaced them.

The introduction of the electric press brake was needed because of high demands, needs and constant change from customers’ behavior. It helped in increasing production speed for fabricators.

The electric press brake and the hybrid hydraulic electric drives have the approach speeds of 700 inches per minute (IPM) and bending speed as low as 5 inches per minute (IPM).

The different capabilities of these machines permit better functioning, efficiency, and precision in every bend.

2. Automation

The Industrial Revolution went on for over 150 years and played a vital role in the way we see manufacturing.

Before, press brake operators spent a large amount of time in programming, test bending, inspecting and adjusting the products and machines.

Current press brakes can perform accurate measurements and solve angular errors if any. It offers precise bending and better customization without you having to pay a lot of attention. All thanks to technology and parts like Mitsubishi laser parts and Mazak laser parts.

This revolution has improved the storage and the use of computer programs has made it easy to design and setup machines. It also helps in speeding up the designing process making the fabrication process faster and precise.

3. Ease of Use

Portable press brake comes with improved speed and makes the fabrication process easy. These machines are smaller and occupy little space in shops. Their size makes it easy to transport and use it.

Regardless of the fabrication project, the usage of press brake allows work to finish with less production time and ease. Once the sheets are ready, they are cut into sizable sheets using laser cutting with parts like Mitsubishi laser parts and Mazak laser parts.

Wrapping it up:

Digitalization has always helped mankind. Be it in automobiles, education, fabrication industry, etc. It brings ease to human life. The technology revolution which happened in the fabrication industry made the bending of materials and lives of fabricators easier. Apart from technology, quality parts like Mitsubishi laser parts and Mazak laser parts have also played a vital role in the improvement of press brakes.

Bricks are probably the oldest building blocks humans invented. The first bricks date back to 800 BC when Palestinians would dry clay mud in the sun to make simple bricks. Since then, bricks have been an important part of the construction industry.

Brick marking methods have been in use for years. What makes bricks a popular choice for fundraising or donor campaigns is their durability. Though traditional methods like sandblasting and pantographing are still in use, laser engraving is the latest and most promising.

How to Start with Laser Engraving Bricks

The very first requirement for laser engraving bricks is a brick engraving machine. The brick engraving machine you choose should be reliable.

A good engraving machine will help you save time, eliminate additional costs and make long-lasting fundraising bricks.

When you buy a brick engraving machine, you must consider these points in mind.

1. Power Before choosing a brick engraving laser machine, make sure that it is a CO2 laser. Also, ensure that it is of at least 80-watt power. Though you can engrave bricks with a lower power laser machine, it will take more attempts to get the look you desire.

2. Size You should choose a bigger size engraving machine with a large bed. This will facilitate the engraving of multiple bricks in one go. And it will escalate productivity.

3. Experience Ensure that the company you have chosen to buy the laser machine has experience with brick engraving.

4. No Additional Costs Make sure that your laser machine comes with all the accessories and software you need to start brick-engraving. Minimizing additional costs is what you should focus on.

5. Warranty and Support Ask everything about the warranty period, support and other facilities you’ll get post the purchase. It is better to know everything beforehand rather than facing issues later.

6. Proper Maintenance Once you buy a laser machine, it is important to maintain it properly. Take care of accessories that wear out. And replace them to reduce losses. Even after the warranty period gets over, never compromise with the quality of spare parts. Always use good quality spare parts FANUC parts, Mazak spare parts, or any other good company’s spare parts.

How Can You Earn Huge Profits with Laser Engraved Bricks?

Earning huge profits by laser engraving bricks is simple. Many different places like hospitals, memorials, zoos, universities, etc. need brick engraving for various purposes. For instance, schools sometimes may require laser engraving for alumni recognition, displaying school pride through engraving a mascot or other custom artwork. Also, schools can make pathways, patios, and gardens, etc. with laser engraved bricks.

Even one or two orders for a walkway or garden can bring in great income in a shorter span. This way, you are sure to earn huge profits with brick engraving technology.

Advantages of Brick Engraving

1.  A Simpler and Faster Process Brick Engraving with laser is much simpler than traditional brick marking methods of pantographing and sandblasting. All you need to do is create a design of your choice and push start after sending it to the laser. Further, it is possible to engrave multiple bricks simultaneously, thus making it a faster process.

2. Eco-Friendly and More Stable Unlike sandblasting and pantographing, laser engraving doesn’t require epoxies, chemicals or fillers. Hence, it is eco-friendlier. Further, sandblasting uses fillers to fill the areas that get chipped away during the process. However, these areas under constant sunlight, harsh weather conditions, or acid rain cause bricks to deteriorate. And even if you avoid fillers in sandblasting, moisture will go down deep into the bricks and break them down.

3. Integrity Remains Intact While some brick areas get chipped away during sandblasting and pantographing, it doesn’t happen during laser engraving. Their structural integrity remains intact. And they are stronger and durable throughout.

4. Low Maintenance Once set up, laser engraving machines require low maintenance. And good quality spare and replacement parts like Mazak spare parts, Fanuc parts, or spare parts from any other good company are easily available.

Summing Up Thus, you see that brick engraving is an easy source of huge income and profits. All you need is to select a suitable brick engraving laser machine for your job. And maintain it with proper measures and good quality spare parts like FANUC parts and Mazak spare parts, etc.

Having a laser engraving business is just so perfect in today’s world. There are hardly any disadvantages we can think about in the engraving business. The basic requirement of any laser engraving business owner is to find the perfect material for their business which also provides the best possible profit as well.

Well, the answer to their requirements is easy.

Bamboo.

Yes, you heard it right.

Bamboo is one of the most multipurpose materials that has been useful throughout the history of mankind. Be its uses in building roads, houses, bedsheets, accessories, etc.

You’ll find them in every industry.

So, if you are thinking about how to go about laser engraving work in bamboo, then we have just the right article for you.

In this article, I have covered seven amazing things you can create with bamboo using a laser engraving machine equipped with Mazak parts and Bystronic parts.

People use bamboo because of its strength and renewability. But there are many other reasons why people choose this amazing material for their laser engraving projects. Bamboo is light and soft in nature which helps in beautifully engraving it.

Now, let's look at the creative and profitable products you can create with bamboo engraving.

• Engraved Bamboo Cutting Boards:

Engraved bamboo cutting boards are the perfect wedding gift. They provide a personalized touch to the gifts which can add long-lasting memories to your loved one’s special days. The wedding industry is big, growing, and full of opportunities. Hence, it will be a smart move to open up on this side of the laser engraving industry. Also, make sure to choose the right laser engraving machine with the right parts like Mazak parts and Bystronic parts.

• Bamboo Engraved Tumblers:

Tumblers are always in fashion. They make for excellent insulators and are extremely useful to carry your liquids on the go. But when you want to gift someone tumblers you avoid it because of its simple design. But they can be one of the best gifts if you add a little bit of personalization. Yes, you got it. You can engrave these tumblers and turn them into personalized proper gift material. They are perfect wedding gifts, fundraising return gifts, and even corporate gifts.

• Customize Price Tags:

If you are a retail store owner and looking to provide a unique experience in your store, then having customized price tags can be your secret weapon. They are a perfect example of classic luxury touch and can reflect what your store could provide. Having these custom-made price tags might seem like it requires a lot of time but in reality, it’s not so. With a perfect laser machine and Bystronic parts, you can make them in a short time and it also helps your store to stand out of the crowd.

• Retail Display:

Thinking of entering the retail market? Then it’s just perfect for you to enter with the unique display settings. With the help of bamboo, you can cut and engrave them just perfectly. You can make displays in unique structures like honeycomb or a zigzag stand to display various products. It is very obvious that’ll grab your customers’ attention.

• Laser Cut Bamboo Rulers:

Thinking to gift something unique to your teachers? Be it the teacher’s day or their birthday, customized rulers are just the perfect gift for any teacher. Engraving their names or anything related to them on these rulers makes it more personalized and can help you connect with your mentors better. Such personalized gifts make sure that your professor remembers you forever.

• Engraved Birth Announcements:

Child of birth is as big and important as a wedding. These custom-made birth announcements will always be special for any parents. Because we know how special children are to their parents. So, if you are looking to open yourself to the array of new opportunities then this could be just right for you. Once you enter this market it is for sure you are going to get the orders around the year. Make sure you let parents decide the design and all the minute details as this could be an extremely special moment for them.

• Bamboo Engraved Home Decor:

Untapping the power of the home decor is just a perfect decision as a business owner. It is a huge market and includes lots of opportunities for your business to grow. You can make many things for home decor like a customized opener, basic things for keeping in showpiece and what not.

Final Words:

Well, bamboo is useful for many things and many of its unique characteristics and offers high value for which your consumers will ready to pay. Additionally, these bamboo material is very easy to customize and provides proper finishing and perfect designs.