What Distinguishes a Laser Engraving Machine from a CNC Engraving Machine?

The operational procedures for both laser engraving and CNC engraving machines are identical: first, design the engraving file, then program the computer, and finally, initiate the engraving process once the command is received. While laser engraving machines are technically a type of CNC engraving machine, there are significant differences between the two. Let's examine the distinctions:

1. Divergent Operating Principles

Laser engraving machines utilize the energy from a laser beam to generate a chemical or physical reaction on the surface of the material being engraved to create the desired pattern or text.

CNC engraving machines, on the other hand, rely mainly on a high-speed rotating engraving head powered by an electric spindle that controls the engraving knife and secures the object to be engraved to cut out the desired relief shapes and text.

2. Distinctive Structural Elements

The laser source transmits a laser beam, and the CNC system regulates the stepper motor to move the focus on the X, Y, and Z axes of the machine tool via optical elements such as the laser head, mirror, and lens to burn and engrave the material.

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

Furthermore, the laser engraving machine's tool is a complete set of optical components, whereas the CNC engraving machine's tool is composed of a variety of solid engraving tools.

3. Distinct Processing Efficiencies

Laser engraving is faster, with a 2.5 times greater speed than that of CNC engraving machines. This is due to the fact that laser engraving and polishing can be completed in a single step, whereas CNC engraving requires two steps. Additionally, the energy consumption of a laser engraving machine is lower than that of a CNC engraving machine.

4. Different Processing Precision

The diameter of the laser beam is only 0.01mm, which is 20 times smaller than the CNC tool, so the processing accuracy of laser engraving is much higher than that of CNC engraving.

5. Different Cooling Systems

Laser engraving machines require higher temperature control precision and TEYU laser engraving chillers that offer precise temperature control of up to ±0.1℃ can be used.

CNC engraving machines do not require high temperature control precision and can use CNC engraving chillers with lower temperature control precision (±1℃), or users can choose laser chillers with higher temperature control precision.

6. Other Differences

Laser engraving machines are low-noise, pollution-free, and efficient, while CNC engraving machines are noisy and can pollute the environment.

Laser engraving is a non-contact process that does not require fixing the workpiece, while CNC engraving is a contact process that requires fixing the workpiece.

Laser engraving machines can process soft materials such as fabrics, leather, and films, while CNC engraving machines can only process fixed workpieces.

Laser engraving machines are more effective when engraving non-metallic thin materials and some materials with high melting points, but they can only be used for flat engraving. Although the appearance of CNC engraving machines is somewhat limited, they can produce three-dimensional products such as reliefs.