Choosing a laser machine is not an everyday decision. Whether you are an entrepreneur, designer or technician, a good match between the machine, the material and the application ultimately determines the result. In this article, we explain what to consider: from the choice of the laser source to safety aspects, and from ease of use to service.
Different laser sources
The laser source is the heart of the machine. Each source has its own features and applications:
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CO₂ lasers: ideal for organic materials such as wood, leather, paper, acrylic and glass. Highly versatile, used for both engraving and cutting.
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Fiber lasers: best suited for metals such as steel, aluminium, copper and precious metals. They create sharp, permanent marks without damaging the material.
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MOPA or DPSS lasers: offer more control over pulse duration. They allow fine engraving and even colour marking on certain metals or delicate plastics.
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Green lasers: operate at a different wavelength and are particularly suited for transparent or reflective materials such as glass, ceramics or specific plastics.
The choice of the source is directly linked to the material you want to work with.
Gantry or galvo: which system fits your needs?
In addition to the laser source, there are different system types:
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Laser tables (gantry systems): the source moves across the work surface. Perfect for large pieces, such as cutting wood panels or engraving large acrylic sheets.
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Laser stations (galvo systems): the beam is guided by fast mirrors. Extremely fast and precise, perfect for small objects or serial production, such as jewellery, components or electronics.
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Integrable lasers: built directly into production lines, ideal for industrial traceability and series production.
Safety: laser classes and protection measures
Laser machines are divided into classes 1 to 4:
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Class 1: fully enclosed systems, safe to use.
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Class 2: low-power lasers (visible light), generally safe unless looking directly into the beam.
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Class 3B: more powerful lasers requiring protective eyewear.
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Class 4: the most powerful class. These lasers can cause severe eye and skin injuries and even fire hazards. Protective glasses, proper clothing and extraction systems are mandatory.
Other important aspects
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Work area: does it match the size of your projects?
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Ease of use and software: intuitive software makes a big difference, especially if several people use the machine.
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Maintenance and support: a machine is a long-term investment, so reliable service is crucial.
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Expandability: think ahead – a modular system is a smart choice.
Examples of systems
Gravotech offers a wide range of solutions. From the compact LS100 for versatile engraving, to industrial workstations such as the LW2 or LW3 for high-precision series marking. For larger surfaces, the LS series laser tables are perfectly suited for both engraving and cutting.
Conclusion: AdFortem helps you choose
Selecting the right laser machine requires careful thought. Material, application, speed and safety are all decisive. As an official Gravotech dealer, AdFortem is here to help you make the right choice. Whether you need a compact desktop machine or an industrial solution, we make sure you invest in the equipment that perfectly fits your needs.
