In today’s world of printing, there is an increasing need to create designs that transcend the ordinary. One such technique to achieve this feat is through laser cutting and engraving. This cutting-edge technology is gaining traction due to its ability to craft precise and intricate designs on a wide spectrum of materials.
Unlike traditional methods of printing, Laser cutting and engraving allow for the creation of more intricate and precise designs that would be difficult to achieve with other methods of printing. It is a highly efficient method that can generate designs swiftly and accurately. Also, the versatility of this technology means that it can be employed on a wide array of materials, creating almost limitless potentialities when it comes to designing unique patterns.
Laser cutting and engraving is a state-of-the-art technology that harnesses a high-powered laser to sever and engrave a diverse assortment of materials, ranging from wood, acrylic, glass, paper, and fabric, to even metal. This technology has redefined the design sphere by allowing the creation of unique and intricate designs with utmost ease.
Laser cutting is a non-contact process that utilizes a laser to cut materials, resulting in high-quality, dimensionally accurate cuts. The process works by directing the laser beam through a nozzle to the workpiece. A combination of heat and pressure creates the cutting action.
The material melts, burns, vaporizes, or is blown away by a jet of gas, leaving an edge with a high-quality surface finish. The laser cutting process is highly accurate, yields excellent cut quality, has a small kerf width, and a small heat-affected zone, and makes it possible to cut very intricate shapes and small holes.
What is laser engraving?
Laser engraving is a process that evaporates materials into fumes to engrave permanent, deep marks. The laser beam acts as a chisel, incising marks by removing layers from the surface of the material. The laser hits localized areas with massive levels of energy to generate the high heat required for vaporization.
Types of lasers
The three main types of lasers are carbon dioxide (CO2), YAG and fibre.
- The CO2 lasers are used for engraving, and the higher-powered ones are used for industrial applications, such as welding.
- YAG lasers are used for etching and metal marking.
- Fibre lasers can be used to cut a broad range of materials.
The difference between laser engraving and laser cutting.
The main difference between laser etching and laser engraving is that etching melts the micro surface to create raised marks, whereas engraving removes material to create deep marks. Both processes use high heat to create permanent markings on metal surfaces. Both processes are heavily used for part traceability.
The relevance of laser engraving and cutting to printing
Laser engraving and cutting have brought innovation to printing in their own unique ways through the creation of mind-blowing designs that boast perfection and the fine lines of professionalism which have helped many businesses position their brands.
Printing and laser cutting.
The combination of printing and laser cutting has added more finesse to the production of print materials. Laser cutting is widely used in the signage and display industry as well as the printing of cards – business and greeting cards. In most cases, laser-cut business and greeting cards are considered premium products because of the laser’s ability to not only accurately cut the material but also replicate exquisite details that make for the perfect finish.
An example is laser-cut cast acrylic which comes with a flame-polished edge that doesn’t require post-processing. Laser-cut productions play a differentiator role in branding by helping companies and brands to stand out among their competition, thereby opening up new business opportunities.
Deploying laser cutting in the print production process has the following advantages- high precision, no material contamination, high speed, unlimited 2D complexity, a wide variety of materials, and a wide variety of applications.
Printing and laser engraving.
Laser engraving comes in two different forms: line engraving and surface engraving. While the former uses vector images to follow paths or lines, the latter vaporizes the material to create an image into the material or give the design a 3D-like impression.
The versatility of laser engraving makes it the darling of many industries because it can work with different materials and is used for achieving a wide variety of jobs such as labeling, decoration, pattern making and templates, fabrics, credit cards, ID cards, and other items that require additional security measures.
Also, it is often used for awards plaques, trophies, decorative markings on letterheads, and also barcodes. One of the significant advantages of laser engraving is the many different materials that can be used. No matter if it’s acrylic, plywood, MDF, cardboard, glass, metal, leather, or POM. Deploying laser cutting in the print production process has the following advantages – quality and accuracy, fast order fulfillment, and flexibility.
How is Laser Cutting and Engraving Employed in the Business?
Laser cutting and engraving technology have many applications and are now used across several industries, including fashion, architecture, and in the creation of promotional and gifts. In the fashion industry, for instance, designers use laser cutting and engraving to create unique fabrics and designs for clothing and accessories.
Architects leverage this technology to produce intricate and custom-made building designs, while promotional product companies utilize laser cutting and engraving to manufacture personalized gifts and corporate items.
How Can Laser Cutting and Engraving Be Utilised in Personal Projects?
Laser cutting and engraving technology is not solely confined to business applications. Individuals can also leverage this technology to design personal projects. For instance, a homeowner can employ laser cutting and engraving to produce tailored home décor, such as engraved wooden signs, picture frames, or even intricate lampshades.
DIY enthusiasts can also avail themselves of laser cutting and engraving to design patterns for personal projects, such as customized phone cases or laptop skins.
Whether it is for business or personal use, this technology avails designers with limitless potential for fabricating tailored and intricate designs. With its efficiency, precision, and versatility, laser cutting and engraving is sure to remain a popular choice for designers and DIY enthusiasts alike.
Take advantage of our best-in-class laser cutting and engraving.
If you would like to know how to get access to such a powerful technology, then you would be happy to know that digitalReality Print Limited owns several state-of-the-art laser cutting and engraving machines. Coupled with our team of experienced professionals guarantee, you are guaranteed quality delivery on every order, every time.
Other services from digitalReality Print Limited to consider are offset printing, awe-inspiring large format printing, intricate laser cut engraving, and vibrant direct-to-garment printing. Get in touch today and experience the best-in-class in laser cutting and leveraging.