What is the difference between laser engraving machine and CNC engraving machine?

What is the difference between laser engraving machine and CNC engraving machine? Many friends who want to buy an engraving machine are confused about this. In fact, the generalized CNC engraving machine includes a laser engraving machine, which can be equipped with a laser head for engraving. The laser engraving machine can also be a CNC engraving machine. Therefore, the two intersect, there is an intersection relationship, but there are also many differences

In fact, both laser engraving machines and CNC engraving machines are controlled by computer numerical control systems. First, you need to design the engraving file, then open the file through the software, start the CNC programming, and after the control system receives the control command, the engraving machine starts to work.

The differences are as follows:

1. Different working principles

Laser engraving machine is a kind of equipment that uses the heat energy of laser to engrave materials. The laser light is emitted by a laser and is focused into a high-power density laser beam through the optical path system. The light energy of the laser beam causes chemical and physical changes in the surface material to engrave traces, or light energy burns off part of the material to display patterns and texts that need to be etched.

CNC engraving machine relies on a high-speed rotating engraving head driven by an electric spindle. Through the tool configured according to the processing material, the processing material fixed on the host table can be cut, and various flat or three-dimensional patterns designed by the computer can be carved. The embossed graphics and text can realize automatic engraving operation.

2, the mechanical structure is different

Laser engraving machines can be divided into different types of special machines according to their specific uses. The structure of these dedicated machines is roughly the same. For example: the laser source emits the laser, the numerical control system controls the stepping motor, and the focus is moved on the X, Y, and Z axes of the machine tool through optical elements such as the laser head, reflector, and lens, thereby ablating the material for engraving.

The structure of CNC engraving machine is relatively simple. It is controlled by a computer numerical control system, so that the engraving machine automatically selects the appropriate engraving tool to engrave on the X, Y, and Z axes of the machine tool.

In addition, the cutter of the laser engraving machine is a complete set of optical components. The tools of the CNC engraving machine are engraving tools of various entities.

3, the processing accuracy is different

The diameter of the laser beam is only 0.01mm. The laser beam can carry out smooth and bright engraving and cutting in narrow and delicate parts. However, the CNC tool is not very helpful, because the diameter of the CNC tool is 20 times larger than the laser beam, so the processing accuracy of the CNC engraving machine is not as good as the laser engraving machine.

4. Different processing efficiency

The laser speed is fast, the laser is 2.5 times the speed of the CNC engraving machine. Because laser engraving and polishing can be done at one time, CNC needs to be done in two parts. Moreover, the energy consumption of laser engraving machine is less than that of CNC engraving machine.

5. Other differences

Laser engraving machine is noiseless, pollution-free and efficient; CNC engraving machine is relatively noisy and pollutes the environment.

Laser engraving machine is non-contact processing, no need to fix the workpiece; CNC engraving machine is contact processing, and the workpiece needs to be fixed.

Laser engraving machine can process soft materials, such as cloth, leather, film, etc.; CNC engraving machine cannot process because it cannot fix the workpiece.

Laser engraving machine is better for engraving non-metal thin materials and some materials with high melting point, but it can only be used for flat engraving. Although the shape of the CNC engraving machine has certain limitations, it can produce three-dimensional products such as reliefs.