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LASER CUTTING / ETCHING MACHINES -1
V. Ryan © 2007-2023
 
Laser cutting and etching machines are relatively new in schools and colleges although the first industrial machine was introduced in 1988 by a USA based company called EPILOG. Laser cutters/etching machines are capable of very accurate work as a laser is used to etch or cut material precisely. They can be used in the cutting/ shaping of precise parts for prototype architectural models and etching a range of materials such as glass, marble, woods, plastic and even stainless steel.
 
A framed engraving of a family coat of arms is shown below. Inside the wood frame is a small sheet of glass and the coat of arms has been engraved/etched into the top surface using a laser cutter / engraver. Before the introduction of laser cutters this process would have taken a considerable amount of time and the coat of arms would have been engraved by a skilled craftsperson, using a range of sophisticated glass engraving tools.
The laser cutter / engraver uses a laser ‘beam’ to etch the shapes to precisely the correct depth. The laser machine takes a fraction of the time to manufacture a piece of work of this type compared to traditional methods.
 
 
 
 
LASER CUTTING STEEL PLATE
 
 
LASER CUTTER
 
More examples of objects engraved / cut using a laser cutter/etching machine are shown below.
 
 
 
 
 
A basic image of a typical Laser Cutter / Etching Machine is shown below. The example shown is no larger than a typical photocopier. A vacuum bed holds the work to cut/ engraved securely and the lens system directs the laser as it cuts / etches the material.
 
 
ALTERNATIVE DETAIL IMAGE OF AN ALTERNATIVE LASER ETCHING / CUTTING MACHINE
 
 
DETAILED LABELLED DIAGRAM
 
 
 
 
LASER ENGRAVING AND CUTTING MACHINE
Comparative size
 
 
 
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