Laser engraving vs CNC engraving is both popular methods of engraving text or images into various materials. Laser engraving is a process that uses a laser to engrave an image or text into the surface of a material. CNC engraving is a process that uses a computer-controlled router to carve an image or text into the surface of a material.
Both processes have their advantages and disadvantages, making one or the other more suitable for a particular project. In this article, Byboe will show you the ideal for your job.
Table of Contents
CNC Routers
A CNC router can cut materials using contact, similar to handheld routers. However, a CNC router has the advantage of automated CNC cutting, which allows for greater flexibility and versatility.
CNC routers are capable of cutting and engraving materials quickly and precisely. It can be used to cut plastic, foam, wood, and composites, as well as acrylic.
The CNC cutting machine can program designs to cut or carve material precisely. According to specification, the computer controls the precise velocity and position backward and sideways on the axes. Increasing productivity and improving product quality, speed, efficiency, and ease of use are critical.
A CNC router produces much less material waste when performing subtractive precision cutting. Lower material costs are achieved by reducing waste. This, combined with increased productivity, results in time and money savings.
Laser Cutters
A CNC cutting machine guides the laser cutter, much like CNC routers. How the cutting is done is what is most important. This non-contact, thermal-based method uses a laser ray to cut custom shapes from stock material.
It does not require any custom-designed tools. Heat is used to cut precisely. A high-energy beam heats the material and burns it instead of carving.
You can use the fabrication process for many materials, including metal, glass, plastic foam, and gemstones. Multiple operations can be performed by one laser cutter.
Laser cutting uses CNC machining to produce complex shapes and parts that can be repeated and maintained over time.
It can also make intricate parts with high tolerances and smooth finishes. The high-quality laser cuts create such smooth-edged surfaces that they don’t require further treatment or cleaning.
Lasers can cut through even the most difficult metals and hardest gemstones efficiently. They are also ideal for rapid prototyping, which allows you to see every detail.
This is a fast and efficient way to cut designs from wood or other plastic materials. Prototypes can be made in just a few minutes. You can produce different versions almost as fast as you can test them.
Laser Engraving Vs. CNC Engraving
CNC Engraving Vs. Laser: Method
Laser engraving uses a laser to change the material at high temperatures. Similar to combustion, different materials can produce different chemical reactions that result in discharge.
This will depend on the material’s melting point. It will have other laser cutting effects and oily smoke during the industrial process.
The CNC router works by using the spindle and bit. It is similar to a drill bit. However, the CNC router will not emit smoke or smell. Non-contact engraving can protect the surface from scratches by 3d laser engraving machine.
The laser beam is skinny and can be used for precise cutting. The router bit’s diameter determines the laser cutting seam of the CNC engraving machines. There are many different types of router bits. Other materials require various router bits.
Laser Vs Cnc Engraving: Principle
Laser engraving machines emit laser light from a laser and focus it through an optical path system to create a high-power laser beam.
The laser beam heats the surface to make the workpiece melt or boil. The shaft is also accompanied by a high-pressure gas that blows out the molten and vaporized metal.
The relative positions of the beam and workpiece will affect the formation of a cut mark. This is necessary to accomplish the purpose of engraving.
The CNC engraving machine is powered by high-speed rotating engraving heads driven by the motor spindle. The laser cutting tool can be configured to cut the material.
Through the automatic engraving operation, various 2D and 3D designs can be created in the computer using embossed graphics, text, or both. Laser engraver and CNC router are two different laser cutters.
The tools of the laser engraver are made up of complete optical components. While the CNC router machine’s tools are pieces of many entities, this is the most crucial difference.
Laser etching machines use a high-energy laser to complete the laser cutting or engraving of material. CNC carving machines use high-speed rotating cutter heads to cut and engrave material. The two types of action on an engraved object are therefore different.
Engraving CNC Vs Laser: Applications
Laser engraving machines can only do shallow cutting and sculpting on the surface of an object. Shadow carving can be done, such as marble tombstone portraits carved.
CNC engraving machines can make or cut reliefs, like the relief carving of wooden furniture. The two main types of laser engravers are non-metal laser machines (CO2 laser engraving machinery) and metal laser engraving machines (fiber laser machines).
The non-metallic engraving machine can also be broken down into ordinary engraving machines or non-metallic marking machines.
Metal engraving machines can be broken down into two types: metal laser marking machines or metal engraving and laser cutting machines.
Metal laser engraver materials: Metal sheet, acrylic, and plexiglass. Glass, cloth, leather, Pape, bamboo, and wood products.
The film, canvas. The non-metallic laser cutter is compatible with materials such as wood products. CNC laser machines can be used in many industries and fields.
They can engrave and cut various materials, except those with low melting points. The CNC laser engraver is suitable for furniture, decoration, musical instruments, and souvenirs.
We also compare laser engrave with other machines, let’s check out its right now:
Laser Etching Vs Laser Engraving 2023: What Is The Difference?
CNC Vs Laser Engraving: Conclusion
Laser engraving and CNC engraving are popular methods, but there are some critical differences between the two. Laser engraving is a process that uses a laser to create text or designs on a surface. In contrast, CNC engraving is a process that uses a computer to control a laser cutting tool that removes material from a surface. We hope that our comparison was helpful for you.
