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A multi head laser engraving machine offers several head configurations to improve engraving productivity and efficiency. The kind of machine chosen depends on market needs, and the most common types are sometimes called multi head laser marking machines, multi laser head engraving machines, or even dual head laser engraving machines.
The multiple head machines are the most complicated in the series as they have three or even more laser heads mounted on a single frame. The heads can work independently or be coordinated to do the same job faster. This has the effect of increasing throughput while decreasing the constant attention required by the operator since several tasks can be completed at once.
As the name implies, a dual-head engraver comes with two laser heads so that two tasks can be accomplished simultaneously. This effectively doubles production rates for many engraving jobs because the two heads combined can cover more ground in any given time than a single head on its own.
This type incorporates two or more heads per job setup but usually keeps each head assigned to a different part or aspect of the work at hand. This allows one machine to tackle many jobs at once, albeit in a less structured manner than those rigs with independent, freely movable heads.
For industries demanding cylindrical object processing - such as bottles, mugs, and tubes - rotary machines with multiple laser heads mounted around a rotating drum offer a compelling solution. These machines can mark all sides of the item in one pass without needing to flip or reload it, which is prudent when dealing with long production runs of homogenous items.
This variation employs one of the most frequently used laser types for engraving organic materials like wood or acrylic - the CO2 laser - and a solid state, short fiber optic laser source that is ideal for metals. Having both lasers means one machine can address practically any engraving need while still maintaining production efficiency.
Multi-head laser engraving machines are highly valued due to their ability to increase output with very fine engraving precision. This makes them very useful to different industries, including:
The signage industry is one area where different types of multi-head engravers find broad application in the mass production of custom graphics panels, nameplates, labels, plaques, and more. Using multiple heads allows several signs to be engraved at once, considerably cutting lead times for big orders.
In the automotive sector, multi-head laser engraving machines are used to mark VINs, labels, and manufacturer's data on various surfaces and parts. The accuracy and consistency achieved by lasers are required in meeting legislation on tracking and quality control. The multiprocessor heads help meet the demand for high-volume production while curbing costs.
The jewelry industry employs multi-head engravers for tasks like naming items, branding, and emblems, as well as intricate designs. Jewelry requires very accurate engraving, and lasers can produce small and precise cuts on metal or other material without harming the item due to heat or pressure.
Multi-head engraving lasers are used in electronics manufacturing to add branding, instructional etchings, and even serial numbers on components like PCBs, and casings. Greater throughput is enabled by multicores, which allows marking to be done as installations of the electronics are completed without delays.
Etchings on fittings, containers, and other consumer goods are done with multihead engraving lasers. Different graphics, including brand logos and usage instructions, can be added to glass, metal, and plastic with great consistency using laser technology.
In the aerospace and defense industries, ID labeling, calibration markings, and certification records need high accuracy, which engravers with multiprocessor heads can provide. Multi-head machines improve productivity and make it easier for aerospace manufacturers to meet tight production schedules.
Medical devices require etching of size, usage data, and traceability codes and are usually made of difficult-to-mark materials like surgical steel. Engraving with multi heads ensures compliance with legislation on permanent and clear markings while sterilizing tools.
Some of the major features of multi-head laser engraving machines concern their hardware or software architecture. Some key specifications include:
Installation of a multiple head laser engraving machine requires a few important steps for its proper functioning.
The place of placement should be chosen before anything else, as the area should not only have a power supply but also enough space for the machine itself, ventilation, and access to it. Because the laser used is powerful, proper shielding from accidental laser exposure is required.
After placing the machine, the customer should level the working platform to ensure that engraving accuracy is not compromised. Since laser engraving machines are generally heavy, the beds are normally made of metal, which calls for leveling with a spirit or laser level. The leveling process takes about 10-30 minutes.
Next, the customer needs to connect the laser engraving machine to power. Most laser machines run on high voltage, so users should ensure that they have a transformer to reduce voltage if they use it at home. The user's manual should be referred to so that all errors do not occur when connecting the engraving machine to power. After that, the machine should be e-stitched to the computer. Most multi-head laser engraving machines use USB or Ethernet to communicate with the computer. After the connection, users should set up the engraving area on the computer. This task is done by opening the software and setting the size of the item to be engraved.
The machine should first be started and its engraving area ensured to be free. Then, the item to be engraved is placed onto the machine bed, and the working area is set using the machine control.
Initially, the material was tested with a test run to avoid mistakes. It supports design files in popular formats such as DXF or SVG, which can be used after editing or converting. After loading the file, engraving settings like speed and power were adjusted depending on the material.
Engraving started after securing everything. The multi-head machine can engrave multiple areas concurrently, boosting efficiency. Close monitoring ensures the engraving remains precise and safe, requiring minimal user intervention from start to finish.
Common maintenance practices include daily checking of laser heads and lenses for debris to ensure efficient operation, running of engraving tests to check for power and speed adjustments, lubricating essential moving parts like rails weekly, inspecting belts or chains monthly, replacing worn laser tubes every 1-2 years, and professional servicing after intense continuous usage for long industrial hours. Users are advised to refer to their specific machines' maintenance schedules for optimal performance.
Several quality issues have to be addressed when employing a multiproduct laser engraving system and various safety concerns due to the high-power nature of the laser energy used.
A1: The largest advantage of multiple heads is productivity. Single heads can make just one engraving at a time, while several can do multiple engravings simultaneously, thus doubling or tripling output. This is especially useful when engraving items in bulk, as the machine's capacity and speed will be significantly enhanced.
A2: Multi-head lasers are pretty versatile in what they can engrave but may not work well on particularly thick materials like cast iron or very reflective surfaces like polished silver. These settings were designed primarily with an entry-level market in mind, so they feature smaller lasers that might not have the strength required to etch through industrial-grade thickness material.[JP1] . engraving machines suited for heavy-duty work have more powerful, often industrial-class lasers that can handle thicker or more solid metal surfaces.
A3: Generally, one head would be used for engraving and the other for cutting, at least in the machines designed to have such dual functionality. This would be most useful in situations where the same material needed to be both cut through and marked, such as with name tags or metal ID plates.
A4: The major focus with multi-head lasers is kept on the laser source since this is what delivers the engraving power. Pneumatic systems, on the other hand, are often overlooked because there is so much attention given to all the other different areas. Things like mirrors and lenses should also be checked for cleanliness, alignment problems fixed, and engraver rails periodically lubricated. It's always best to consult the manufacturer's maintenance schedule for specifics.
A5: The engraving machine should be placed in a location where it can obtain a continuous supply of power. The surface area should also be large enough for laying down materials to be engraved. Before starting any work, the user must wear protective eyewear when operating a laser machine.
