The difference between CNC router machine and laser cutting machine

In the advertising industry, wood industry, handicraft processing industry and many other fields, CNC router machine and laser cutting machines have been widely used. When many startups choose machines for the first time, they know little about these two products. If you do not understand the difference between them, it will be difficult to accurately use them in production. IGOLDEN has sorted out the differences between some CNC router machine and laser engraving machines, so that you can choose the right machine according to your processing needs when choosing a machine.

The main difference between CNC router machine and laser machine is the different engraving method. The CNC router machine uses a metal cutting machine for engraving. It has high requirements on the type and specifications of the tool. The appropriate tool must be selected according to the type, thickness, hardness and processing method (mainly engraving or cutting) of the material being processed; the laser machine uses a laser source as the engraving energy for engraving or cutting. This is a heat-based non-contact processing process that uses a focused high-power laser beam to rely on heat to perform precise cutting.

Other differences between CNC router machine and laser machine are as follows:

1. The fineness of carving

The engraving accuracy of the laser engraving machine is higher than that of the CNC router machine, because the light source diameter of the laser machine is very small, and the CNC router itself has a certain width, so in addition to the quality of the machine itself, the accuracy requirements of the tools are included.

2. Engraving materials

When selecting engraving materials, laser engraving is difficult to achieve deep engraving on metal materials, and can only engrave coatings on metal surfaces. The CNC router machine can achieve a certain engraving depth and even cut.

3. The processing method of the machine

The laser machine is used for non-contact processing of materials. For flat engraving, there is no need to fix the workpiece. The CNC engraving machine uses tools that contact the engraving, so the workpiece needs to be fixed. The current CNC machine is mainly based on a vacuum table, which relies on suction to fix the material on the table, which is more stable.

4. Machine parts are missing

The laser tube of the laser machine is a consumable. No matter which brand of laser tube has a certain service life, it needs to be replaced regularly according to the use of the machine; cnc engraving machine does not have the problem of using time limit, but tool wear will also occur. When the wear is severe, the tool needs to be replaced.

5. The impact of different treatment methods on the environment

Since the laser machine relies on heat to process materials through the laser beam, toxic gases may be generated during the engraving process. An exhaust device or air purification system must be installed to purify the gas. The CNC router machine will not pollute the air, but when carving with tools, it will produce wood chips or waste residue. After the engraving work is completed, the processing table and the surrounding environment need to be cleaned up in time. A vacuum cleaner can also be installed on the engraving machine to collect debris and garbage in the dust bag in time when engraving materials to reduce environmental pollution.

6. The laser machine has more advantages in engraving pictures. It can directly engrave pictures in JPG format on the board, but the CNC router cannot do so.

The above are some differences between the CNC router and the laser cutting machine, in addition to these, there are other differences between the two. If you don't know how to choose engraving equipment, you can contact our staff online, we will provide you with free consultation. If necessary, you can also make an appointment to go to our factory to understand the types and differences of the current machines, and hope to help you choose the right engraving machine.