How many materials can be engraved using a UV laser machine? The UV laser technology is quite distinct from CO2 and fiber laser technologies. In this post, we will explore the main differences and shed light on the materials that can be engraved using a UV laser machine.
Cold Laser Engraving: The UV laser, has the remarkable ability to engrave with minimal heat. Due to the specific UV light spectrum, this technology can engrave various materials without causing excessive heating. It is particularly effective on plastics and other materials that react negatively to heat, allowing for clear and precise markings.
Plastics: The versatility of the UV laser machine extends to thousands of different plastic compositions. Remember to have proper exhaust running when marking plastics. Here are some commonly engraved plastics using our laser engraver machines:
- Polyethylene (PE)
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
- Polypropylene (PP)
- Polystyrene (PS)
- Polylactic Acid (PLA)
- Polycarbonate (PC)
- Acrylic (PMMA)
- Acetal (Polyoxymethylene, POM)
- Nylon (PA)
- ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
- And many other plastics not mentioned here.
Garments: Our UV laser machines can also engrave certain types of garments, especially those made with synthetic fibers. If you have specific clothing you’d like to engrave or cut, we can perform a test to ensure optimal results before making a purchase.
Glass: One of the unique capabilities of the UV laser technology is its ability to engrave glass surfaces without causing breakage or excessive heat. With a UV laser machine, you can create stunning engravings and intricate patterns on glass materials.
Paper and Cardboard: Engraving and cutting cardboard and paper materials using a UV laser machine yields different results compared to CO2 machines. While CO2 machines typically carbonize the surface of cardboard or paper, the UV laser keeps the material free of soot, resulting in a marking that doesn’t need a clean-up afterwards.
If you have any further questions regarding the engraving of specific materials or the capabilities of our UV laser machines, please feel free to contact us. We are here to assist you throughout your laser engraving journey.
Metals: While the UV laser can engrave and mark metals, it may not achieve the same depth and clarity as a fiber laser engraver machine. However, it still demonstrates excellent performance on various metals. Here is a list of metals compatible with the UV laser:
- Aluminium
- Gold
- Platinum
- Silver
- Titanium
- Brass
- Stainless steel
- Chrome
Wood: The UV laser machine is a versatile technology that excels not only in engraving plastics and metals but also in non-metal materials like wood. UV is capable of cutting plywood with multiple passes and it can create light and beautiful markings on different wood surfaces. Some examples include:
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- Mahogany
- Walnut
- Oak
- Ash
- Birch
- Maple
- Cherry
- Pine
- Spruce
- Cedar
- Fir
- Larch
- MDF
- Plywood
- Fibreboard
