The difference is as follows:
1. The working principle is different
A laser engraving machine is a device that uses the thermal energy of a laser to engrave materials. The laser is emitted by the laser and focused into a laser beam with high power density through the optical path system. The light energy of the laser beam causes chemical and physical changes in the surface material to engrave traces, or the light can burn away parts of the material to reveal patterns and text that need to be etched.
The CNC engraving machine relies on a high-speed rotating engraving head driven by an electric spindle. Through the tool configured according to the processing material, the processing material fixed on the host table can be cut, and various plane or three-dimensional patterns designed by the computer can be engraved. Relief graphics and text can realize automatic engraving operation.
2. Different mechanical structures
Laser engraving machines can be divided into different types of special machines according to their specific uses. The structure of these specialized machines is roughly the same. For example, the laser source emits laser light, the numerical control system controls the stepping motor, and the focus is moved on the X, Y, and Z axes of the machine tool through optical components such as the laser head, mirror, and lens, thereby ablating the material for engraving.
The structure of CNC engraving machine is relatively simple. It is controlled by a computer numerical control system, which enables the engraving machine to automatically select the appropriate engraving tool to engrave on the X, Y, and Z axes of the machine tool.
In addition, the cutter of the laser engraving machine is a complete set of optical components. The tools of CNC engraving machine are various solid engraving tools.
3. Different machining accuracy
The diameter of the laser beam is only 0.01mm. The laser beam enables smooth and bright engraving and cutting in narrow and delicate areas. But the CNC tool can't help either, because the diameter of the CNC tool is 20 times larger than the laser beam, so the machining accuracy of the CNC engraving machine is not as good as that of the laser engraving machine.
4. Different processing efficiency
The laser speed is fast, the laser is 2.5 times the speed of the CNC engraving machine. Because laser engraving and polishing can be done in one go, CNC needs to do it in two steps. Moreover, the energy consumption of laser engraving machine is less than that of CNC engraving machine.
5. Other differences
The laser engraving machine is noise-free, pollution-free and efficient; the CNC engraving machine is noisy and pollutes the environment.
Laser engraving machine is non-contact processing, no need to fix the workpiece; CNC engraving machine is contact processing, and the workpiece needs to be fixed.
The laser engraving machine can process soft materials, such as cloth, leather, film, etc.; the CNC engraving machine cannot process it because it cannot fix the workpiece.
Laser engraving machine is better in engraving non-metal thin materials and some materials with high melting point, but it can only be used for plane engraving. Although the shape of CNC engraving machine has certain limitations, it can make three-dimensional products such as relief.