An Exploration into CO2 Laser Marking Systems

The allure of CO2 laser marking systems is undeniable, given their versatility and the myriad of projects they can undertake. From personalizing gifts and crafting unique smartphone cases to engraving mugs and a plethora of other items, these systems have become an indispensable tool for hobbyists and commercial users alike.

As the demand for laser technology escalates, so does its evolution, making it more accessible due to decreasing prices. CO2 laser markers come in a variety of models, each differing in features, table sizes, and laser powers. This guide aims to demystify these systems, providing you with the knowledge necessary to make an informed investment decision.

Understanding CO2 Laser Marking Machines

A CO2 laser marking machine is an automated, precision laser engraving system that utilizes a gas laser with a wavelength of 10.64 μm. This system is capable of permanently etching graphics and text onto the 2D/3D surfaces of non-metallic materials. Additionally, it employs a high-power CO2 RF laser tube to precisely cut out personalized greeting cards, invitation cards, and Christmas cards from paper, cardstock, and cardboard.

Applications of CO2 Laser Marking Machines

CO2 lasers can mark a wide array of materials including wood, plywood, MDF, bamboo, leather, fabric, paper, rubber, PMMA, ABS, PVC epoxy resin, plastic, acrylic, glass, architectural ceramics, and organic materials. They can also cut certain paper products.

These systems find use in industries that require precision and accuracy, such as medicine, watches, glasses, instrumentation, clothing, bags, shoes, buttons, glass products, beverages, cosmetics, food and beverage packaging industries, textile industry, handicraft supplying industry, printing industry, and manufacturing industries for electronic components and communication products.

The Working Principle of CO2 Laser Marking Machines

CO2 laser marking machines are gas lasers that operate on a carbon dioxide gas mixture with a wavelength of 10.6 micrometers. They are known for their high efficiency and excellent beam quality.

These machines use carbon dioxide gas as the medium to amplify the laser energy, generating a high-energy beam. A computer controls the vibrating mirror to change the optical path to the material, converting the light energy into heat energy instantaneously. This process causes the material’s surface to melt or even vaporize, forming a mark.

Specifications of CO2 Laser Marking Machines

The Hymson Laser brand offers a range of models including the Handheld series, Portable series, Mini series, 3D series, Desktop series, and Flying series. The laser power varies from 20W to 300W, and the price range is between $4,500.00 and $70,000.00. The laser source is a CO2 laser with a wavelength of 10.6 μm.

Features of CO2 Laser Marking Machines

1. High precision, rapid speed, controllable marking depth, long continuous working time, and maintenance-free.
2. The carbon dioxide radio frequency laser adopts the rear focus method, the optical system can be lifted and moved freely, and the service life is as long as 45,000 hours.
3. Dedicated industrial control computer, strong anti-interference ability, strong adaptability, stable operation, can help you achieve 24-hour continuous and stable operation.
4. The red light positioning system is used to make the processing positioning more accurate and avoid waste.
5. Compatible with commonly used image formats (bmp, jpg, gif, tga, png, tif), and commonly used vector graphics (ai, dxf, dst, plt). Commonly used image processing functions (grayscale conversion, black-and-whiteimage conversion, dot processing) can process 256-level grayscale images.
6. A variety of control objects, users can freely control the interaction between the system and external devices.
7. Easily support multiple languages.

Pros & Cons of CO2 Laser Marking Machines

Pros

1. Non-contact processing is adopted without damaging the workpiece.
2. The depth of engraving can be controlled at will, the processing cost is low, no consumables are needed, and it is controlled by the computer system.
3. The marking software is powerful and compatible with the files of Coreldraw, AutoCAD, Photoshop and other software.
4. Support automatic coding, printing serial number, batch number, date, barcode, two-dimensional code, automatic skip number.
5. Support flying marking, rotating marking, large-area XY platform automatic split marking.
6. The mark is clear, permanent and indelible, beautiful, and can be effectively anti-counterfeiting, with long service life and no pollution.
7. Good directivity and controllability, stable monochromatic frequency, low gas density and low output density.
8. Good beam mode, stable system performance, maintenance-free, fast marking speed, good effect and high efficiency, which can fully meet the mass production needs of customers.

Cons

CO2 laser marking machines have certain limitations in the marking materials, and they cannot engrave metals. The laser can burn human skin and cause direct damage to the retina of the eyes, so you must wear safety glasses and goggles during the operation.

Pricing Guide for CO2 Laser Marking Machines

The average CO2 laser marker costs around $6,000. Entry-level marking tools start at around $4,000, while high-end marking machines can cost as much as $70,000. Industrial marking systems are more expensive than hobby markers due to the higher-quality options required for commercial use.

To determine the cost of a CO2 laser marking machine, you need to consider your purpose for buying it, your budget, and the model that fits within your budget.

Buyer’s Guide for CO2 Laser Marking Machines

1. Consultation: We will recommend the most suitable laser marker machine to you after being informed by your requirements.
2. Quotation: We will offer you with our detailed quotation according to the consulted laser marker machine. You will get the most suitable specifications, the best accessories, and the affordable price.
3. Process Evaluation: Both sides carefully evaluate and discuss all the details of the order to exclude any misunderstanding.
4. Placing Order: If you have no doubt, we will send you the PI (Proforma Invoice), and then we will sign a contract with you.
5. Production: We will arrange the CO2 laser machine production as soon as receiving your signed sales contract and deposit. The latest news about production will be updated and informed to the laser marker buyer during the production.
6. Quality Control: The whole production procedure will be under regular inspection and strict quality control. The complete machine will be tested to make sure they can work very well before out of factory.
7. Delivery: We will arrange the delivery as the terms in the contract after the confirmation by the buyer.
8. Custom Clearance: We will supply and deliver all the necessary shipping documents to the laser machine buyer and ensure a smooth customs clearance.
9. Support and Service: We will offer professional technical support and free service by Phone, Email, Skype, WhatsApp, Online Live Chat, Remote Service. We also have door-to-door service in some areas.

How to Use a CO2 Laser Marking Machine?

Before turning on the machine, check the waterway and circuit. The boot sequence is as follows:

1. Turn on the incoming linepower and turn on the key switch. At this time, the machine’s air extraction and refrigeration system are energized, and the ammeter shows a value of about 7A.
2. Wait for 5 to 10 seconds, press the trigger button on the external control panel, the ammeter displays a value of zero, after 3 to 5 seconds, the krypton lamp is ignited, and the ammeter displays a value of 7A. (Refer to the operation manual of laser power supply).
3. Turn on the power supply of the galvanometer.
4. Turn on the computer and call up the required marking file.
5. Adjust the power to the working current (10～18A), and then you can start marking.

After marking, turn off the power of each component in the reverse direction according to the above sequence:

1. Adjust the working current of the power supply to the minimum (about 7A).
2. Turn off the computer.
3. Turn off the power of the galvanometer.
4. Press the stop button.
5. Turn off the key switch.
6. Disconnect incoming power.

How to Maintain a CO2 Laser Marking Machine?

For the machine to work smoothly, daily maintenance is indispensable. As long as the parts are not damaged, we can maintain it by ourselves. Here are some tips for care and maintenance.

Components that require daily maintenance: vibrating mirrors, lasers, power lines, and lifting guide rails.

1. The first is the galvanometer. There are two motors in the vibrating mirror that control the laser circuit, one is in the direction of the x-axis and the other is in the direction of the y-axis. There are magnetic components in the motor, and there are two lenses that cooperate with the motor to reflect the laser. Therefore, the vibrating mirror needs to be kept away from strong magnetism, strong Electricity, strong shock current items, avoid touching the galvanometer with hands and items. If the lens is dusty, you can use a rag and a small amount of alcohol to clean it, and wipe it in one direction.
2. The laser generates light beams, so it needs to dissipate heat. Regularly clean the dust. Use an air gun to blow along the direction of the air duct. At the same time, clean the relevant circuit boards to avoid burning out due to poor heat dissipation of the machine. The air gun is a good tool and can also clean the laser with cold water. machine.
3. Check whether the grounding of the equipment is reliable, and the power cord and plug are intact to avoid leakage accidents.
4. The guide rail for adjusting the focus of the machine is often used, so it is necessary to add lubricating oil and do a good job of sanitation once a month to avoid guide rail jamming and inaccurate focus. Regularly check whether the equipment fan is normal. The fan is used to dissipate heat. To ensure smooth rotation.

In addition, it is necessary to develop good usage habits when using the machine. Before use, check whether the software settings have changed, and whether the function buttons and indicators are normal. After use, clean the surface of the workbench, monitor, and keyboard with a clean rag, and remove the garbage in time, especially the residue or powder after marking, clean the surrounding sanitation, and keep it ventilated.

Note: When shutting down, please turn off the laser power first and then close the marking software, otherwise it will damage the life of the laser.

If the machine uses water-cooling equipment, it is necessary to replace the circulating water and clean the water tank. Clean it once a week and replace the water inside. If the circulating water inside is too long, it is not good for themachine. The water quality and temperature of the circulating water will directly affect the service life of the laser tube. It is recommended to use pure water or distilled water, and keep the water temperature below 35°C.

Troubleshooting for CO2 Laser Marking Machines

1. Abnormal light emission and heat in the light-guiding joints: This is commonly due to a loose light guide joint or improper tube installation. The solution is to replace or adjust the light guide section and correct the light path.
2. The laser power drops: This is common in tube aging. Use a multimeter to check the voltage regulator, and use a high-voltage meter to check the working voltage of the tube. The solution is to replace the aging tube and replace the damaged components.
3. The indication of the voltmeter is common when there is an open circuit in the power supply line: Poor contact with foot switch or manual switch. Measure with a multimeter. The solution is to repair or replace.
4. The voltmeter has no indication: Frequently, the fuse is broken, or the circuit is open. Measure with a multimeter. The solution is to replace the fuse, or connect the circuit.
5. The power indicator does not light up: Commonly, the fuse is broken, the incoming wire is in poor contact, the indicator light circuit is bad or the indicator light is broken. Check the fuse, check the power supply line, and check the indicator circuit. The solution is to replace the fuse, repair the wire and replace the indicator light.
6. Continuous burning of the fuse: This is usually caused by a short circuit in the machine and serious dirt in the machine. Check the wire level by level, mostly because the high voltage part has a short circuit. The solution is to repair the short circuit and remove the dirt.
7. There is discharge sound or arc light in the machine: There is usually dust, water or air humidity and corrosive gas in the machine. Observe the discharge point in a dark place. The solution is to remove dust, water, and change the working environment.
8. The laser output is unstable: It is common in the machine where there is poor contact, and there are slight intermittent short-circuit points in the machine. Check the line level by level. The solution is to replace the wire, re-weld the wire end, and clean it.