Selecting the ideal laser machine for a mobile laser practice depends on both personal and professional considerations, such as size, design, and functionality.
Contrast ratio of laser projectors has an impactful influence on image quality and their use in bright environments.
Laser Engravers
Laser engraving is the process of producing embossed marks on material surfaces by precisely applying high levels of heat in a pattern controlled by software on a laser marking machine. Laser marks can come in various shapes, sizes and depths; sometimes raised from the surface (convex), depressed into it (concave), or darkening it to create negative space; their power and path must only transfer minimal energy to avoid melting or burning of the material surface.
Portable laser engravers can work with an assortment of materials, such as plastics, glass, metals, ceramics, wood and paper. KEYENCE offers five distinct models of laser markers each equipped with its own wavelength and marking power; making it easy to select the one best suited to your business.
The MD-U series of laser markers features a short wavelength and can mark heat-sensitive materials like glass and plastic, making engraving cylindrical or spherical objects possible with its rotary attachment. Furthermore, its movement and positioning accuracy is impressive at up to 0.003mm!
Paper is another popular material used for laser engraving, as it allows users to design customized tearable tickets, paper arts and polygon objects, invitation cards, boxes and book covers. As paper may contain Volatile Organic Compounds that may release VOCs when working with it, proper guarding and fume extraction should be employed for employee safety.
The RD-Z series of laser marker machines stands out when it comes to engraving textiles, from synthetic ones such as denim to natural fabrics like wool and linen. Equipped with CO2 laser power between 25W and 150W, this type of device can etch or cut smooth fabrics precisely for superior etching or cutting results.
Laser Projectors
No matter if it’s used for movies or interactive whiteboard content, portable laser projectors offer stunning images. Utilizing laser technology, these portable projectors produce images with wide color spaces and deeper black levels compared to traditional lamp-based projectors; many even provide no-dead pixel guarantees to ensure you provide your audience with the best viewing experience possible.
Contrasting with lamp projectors that require frequent lamp replacement and air filter cleaning, laser projectors offer lower costs of ownership over time with faster start-up times and quieter operation.
Most laser projectors work by emitting an array of primary-colored laser beams that are diffused before reaching their targets before being focused by multiple lenses to produce high-quality projection. Some models even utilize one laser that splits into separate red, green and blue beams; thus eliminating the need to change out colored bulbs for extended longevity.
Lumens measure the brightness of projectors, which measures how well an image can be seen projected onto a surface or screen. A higher lumen count indicates more powerful projectors while lower lumen counts indicate weaker ones.
Projectors that feature high contrast ratios produce more realistic and engaging images; it will appear darker with lighter text on-screen. Furthermore, laser projectors must offer sufficient resolution so they can produce clear and crisp images.
Laser projectors are becoming more and more popular for front projection systems due to their superior image quality and reduced maintenance requirements. When compared with LED projectors, lasers offer more accurate colors and brightness because they only create what is required – thus saving on energy use and heat dissipation costs, as well as being better for your electricity bill and environment. Furthermore, lower maintenance costs make for even greater savings, especially at venues that make accessing projectors difficult such as venue lighting changes or air filter cleanings.
Laser Cutting Machines
Laser cutting is an extremely precise method that employs a focused laser beam to cut materials such as metals, plastics and wood. Commonly referred to as CNC laser cutting technology is it controlled using computer numerical control (CNC).
There are various kinds of laser cutters. A gas laser cutter uses carbon dioxide as its active laser medium and is the go-to choice for cutting nonmetallic materials like wood and paper. Fiber lasers, on the other hand, excel at metal cutting – they provide more accurate cuts while being capable of handling thicker metals more easily than gas laser cutters.
Laser cutters work by directing their laser beam through a series of mirrors and reflectors that concentrate it into a narrow spot, which then absorbs by the material being cut to heat it and ultimately vaporize. Finally, the laser cutter cuts along this path.
Before commencing any laser cutting project, it is imperative that the laser cutter be properly set up. This includes making sure the laser head is at an appropriate height on the material and aligned with its lens, setting focus and power levels accordingly, depending on what material will be being cut, etc.
Before beginning to cut, it is wise to test your machine by using an application that simulates engraving and cutting of various materials. This will enable you to identify which settings are most beneficial to your project and give a sense of what the finished product should resemble.
Before beginning to operate a laser cutting machine, it is wise to read its user manual thoroughly. The user manual will provide instructions for setting up and using the machine as well as safety and maintenance information. Be sure to follow all safety instructions when operating one and wear appropriate protective gear when operating one; additionally it would be a wise idea to purchase a machine with tilt/tip-over protection which automatically shuts off if struck or moved from its position.
Portable Lasers
Portable lasers, commonly referred to as laser pointers, are battery powered handheld devices that emit a small focused beam of light. Resembling pen-like pointers, portable lasers are commonly used during lectures or presentations to highlight specific objects. Furthermore, portable lasers may also be found as toys or novelty lasers, laser tag arenas, rifle scope illumination sources or search-and-rescue lasers.
NIST classifies most handheld lasers as Class IIIa or 3R devices, which are low-powered yet should never be pointed directly at an eye. However, NIST tests discovered many laser pointers to exceed this classification by emitting both visible and infrared light at higher levels than expected.
As lasers can potentially pose serious danger if misused improperly and pointed at eyes or optical instruments like telescopes or binoculars, handheld lasers should have labels with important safety information including their classification, wavelength (colour), milliwatt/mW power rating and any precautionary instructions for their safe use. To ensure safe operations handheld lasers should have such information clearly printed.
Sports medicine practitioners and other healthcare professionals working with athletes and active patients may find handheld lasers an invaluable asset when treating pain in the field. These portable lasers can be utilized at training facilities, locker rooms or events and races on game days/race weekends to provide relief from muscle spasms, inflammation and injury.
As an added benefit, portable lasers are easily stored in a backpack or medical bag for convenient transport between locations. This enables practitioners to treat athletes while playing on the field, at practice or at home for faster and more effective treatments than conventional methods.
BIOLASE’s experts can assist in helping your dental practice incorporate portable dental lasers successfully by offering online and in-office training, step-by-step tutorial videos, free live webinars, community groups, and much more! We are dedicated to supporting dentists through this technology journey and are always here as they navigate this new frontier of healthcare delivery.
