why is there no information on laser machines for marking metal?

[Ron H]

Very interesting, but some lasers require special dedicated and high-priced software. Some of these are available only by monthly subscription. Discussions of lasers should also mention the required software.

There seems to be a lot of missing information around the purchase and use of many of the out there. I have not found anything requiring a proprietary software yet. I have read a lot of people talk about Corel programs for operating their lasers. Anyone know which one of the Corel products they are talking about?

 

[Ron H]

Ideally, you’ll have a good fume collection system and you don’t have to smell or breathe whatever is being vaporized.

If it smells like a coal forge I can enjoy it. It’s a forging thing.

 

[Goldjockey]

I

If it smells like a coal forge I can enjoy it. It’s a forging thing.

It’s actually pretty toxic, Ron. The microscopic metal particles created when the laser vaporizes metal can make you very sick.You really need a good fume extraction unit to do anything serious with a laser.
Coreldraw is used because the laser works with vector rather than raster files to create tool paths. I’ve used Corel for decades for design work, but didn’t find it ideal for laser output. There is dedicated laser software like EZcad, or Lightburn used specifically for laser output. I use similar software from Laserstar for my work.

 

[monk]

Ideally, you’ll have a good fume collection system and you don’t have to smell or breathe whatever is being vaporized.

yes. my laser has a separate fume exhausting system. without such, half of what i do would likely lill me !

 

[Ron H]

I

It’s actually pretty toxic, Ron. The microscopic metal particles created when the laser vaporizes metal can make you very sick.You really need a good fume extraction unit to do anything serious with a laser.
Coreldraw is used because the laser works with vector rather than raster files to create tool paths. I’ve used Corel for decades for design work, but didn’t find it ideal for laser output. There is dedicated laser software like EZcad, or Lightburn used specifically for laser output. I use similar software from Laserstar for my work.

Again the lack of information. Nowhere in the sales information for various open laser systems do they say that there are airborne particles that are hazardous. It of course makes sense when someone says it out loud. Thank you for helping me not make an serious error.

 

[Goldjockey]

Most consumers are really on their own when it comes to the nuts and bolts of safely operating these machines. The system I use is from an American manufacturer (Laserstar), and comes with an entire in depth online training program, and three days of in person professional hands on instruction at the company HQ. Most systems don’t offer anything like this, and it’s completely up to you to figure all this out for yourself.

 

[Sinterklaas]

Again the lack of information. Nowhere in the sales information for various open laser systems do they say that there are airborne particles that are hazardous. It of course makes sense when someone says it out loud. Thank you for helping me not make an serious error.

And don't forget about eye protection. With an open laser you can get the laser reflecting in to your eyes. Not good at all!
So you must wear suitable eye protection. Or buy or make an enclosure. An enclosure will also help with the vapours. It makes it easier to extract the fumes from the enclosure vs from the entire room.

 

[monk]

Most consumers are really on their own when it comes to the nuts and bolts of safely operating these machines. The system I use is from an American manufacturer (Laserstar), and comes with an entire in depth online training program, and three days of in person professional hands on instruction at the company HQ. Most systems don’t offer anything like this, and it’s completely up to you to figure all this out for yourself.

my,my, my--you're lucky.a tech was only at my place for one day !!

 

[Goldjockey]

my,my, my--you're lucky.a tech was only at my place for one day !!

lol. No luck involved, Monk. The training was part of the package, and while I‘m grateful for it, in retrospect it was also very expensive. Knowing what I know today, I would have opted for a system more suited to my specific needs with far fewer whistles and bells. That being said, most of the systems out there don’t come with any training, and a full day with a tech is pretty awesome!

 

[EngraverHand]

I have an xTool 20W diode laser.. I have used it for transferring to copper and stainless steel. But read, "I have used it".. to be honest it is much faster to transfer a print, or even draw directly. Of course when I do more complicated (for me) scrolls I need a transfer, but I transfer the outlines. The transfer doesn't have to be really good, as long as I can see the lines or shades of the lines.

A diode laser like this will not remove any metal as background or anything. It can cut plastic, wood and leather but not any metal except for transferring..

Here is one where I made a guitar pick.

Jewelry Guitar Pick - XTool transfer

A few new things to try in this project..First I finally got to experiment a little more with my XTool D1 Pro 20W laser from @xToollaser Works great for tra...

youtube.com

It should be some more videos, but..