Laser engraving on the skin: description of technology, equipment and reviews

Mechanical treatment of leather products requires a delicate approach and jewelry accuracy. Do not spoil the workpiece and perform engraving in accordance with the designed pattern allows special laser equipment. It is characterized by a balanced power, sensitive mechanisms of control and regulation of rigging, as well as a whole set of auxiliary devices. At the same time engraving on the skin is available not only to experienced amateurs and professional masters, but also to ordinary newcomers who want to produce souvenirs for themselves and their friends at home.

Engraving technology on the skin

Most often, operations are performed in an automatic mode and in several stages. However, manual labor is also not canceled, allowing in some cases to make necessary author's adjustments. Before the laser engraving on the skin begins, the machine's mechanisms produce a layout of raw materials and patterns. Further, depending on the requirements to the final result, photographing of the material with fixation of possible defects and marked zones can be carried out. After this, a marking is made, according to which mechanical procedures will be carried out directly.

With the help of the laser, various operations can be performed, among which creation of a picture or an inscription, correction of a certain zone or embossing. Depending on the selected mode, one or another nozzle with clearly defined parameters of operation comes into operation. Typical engraving on the skin is realized by means of a laser head, positioned by the software. But manual processing is also common, in which the operator plays the main role.

Features of laser cutting

Traditional means of mechanical and thermal impact on the skin can not provide the same level of accuracy as laser devices. In this case, non-contact cutting is provided, which practically does not affect adjacent areas. At the same time, the whole process is implemented in short time intervals - the equipment can work without delays, even if it is a serial production release. Simple single operations are performed in just a few minutes. From the point of view of decorative artistic creativity, engraving on the skin is beneficial by its detail. The technology makes it possible to reproduce complex patterns and patterns even in small areas with a high degree of accuracy, while maintaining the required detail.

Applied equipment

As a rule, these are medium-sized machines that can be used both in the mode of independent production and as part of a multi-stage conveyor production line. The machine is equipped with an electric motor, laser installation, physical positioning mechanisms and additional devices that implement the supply and movement of material. In the newest models, various sensors and stabilizers are widely used, with the help of which the accuracy and efficiency of the manipulations with the workpieces increases. At the same time, there is no unequivocal answer to the question of how beneficial the automated engraving on the skin is. The equipment, completely switched to automation, is inevitably used in large factories, since it is also the most productive. However, machines that involve and intervene handmade, still remain in demand in the circles of private masters and fans of decorative crafts.

Features of models with numerical control

Models of laser machines with numerical program control are distinguished by close interaction with computer equipment. Such modifications allow the operator to make more accurate data on the processing technique using virtual graphic models. In fact, computer programs can act as the starting point for generating, for example, a pattern, which is then transferred to the machine's input data processing module. To make engraving on the skin on the basis of the finished model, the operator must place the workpiece in the work area and use the control panel. Typically, a complete cycle of the operation is performed by pressing several panel buttons, resulting in highly accurate processing.

Reviews about laser engraving

It has already been said that laser processing by several parameters does not have competing alternative methods. Masters indicate the accuracy of engraving, high speed and ergonomics when handling equipment. But there are weaknesses in this technique. In particular, the equipment is very sensitive to the quality of blanks, and if a material with a non-uniform density is used, the result may not justify the expectations. In such cases, manual engraving on the skin is used. With their own hands, masters vary the intensity of the impact on the canvas, taking into account the differences in depth. The same applies to working with products that require a complex cut on a thick edge with pores. The fact is that the oxygen in the pores becomes a hindrance to the operation of some laser installations, which limits their field of application.

How to choose the right equipment?

First of all, the volume and nature of the work is determined. If it is a serial production of products with the same patterns, it makes sense to purchase a fully automated powerful CNC machine. And on the contrary, inexpensive small-sized devices are recommended for authoring manual production of single units, in which automation implements only secondary functions. Also, additional optional equipment should be provided. For example, not all laser machines in the basic configuration perform forcing or embossing. Engraving on the skin is completely realized by a single laser head, but for other operations it may be necessary to have hydraulic equipment, press or stabilizing reinforcement.

Conclusion

Manufacturers of machine tools for leather, metal and wood are increasingly focusing on non-contacting technology. The laser machine optimally reveals the advantages of this processing technique, but at the same time it has its drawbacks. In terms of the quality of the result, engraving on the skin with this method suits many users. But some operations remain not covered by this technology. Laser machines require careful organization of the processing process, taking into account the smallest details. This aspect complicates the use of such equipment, and in some cases makes it unnecessarily expensive.