With the help of a CO2 laser machine, you can cut paper and cardboard, as well as apply laser engraving on these materials.
Laser cutting of paper and cardboard
CO2 laser cutting machines allow:
Laser machines for paper and cardboard can be used to cut out final or intermediate products that require further assembly or processing. With the help of laser cutting of paper and cardboard, the following can be produced:
This past weekend I attended Metavak 2023 in the Netherlands, an exhibition showcasing the latest developments in metallurgy, metalworking and materials science. The event brought together leading companies and industry representatives, and I was pleasantly surprised by the scale and variety of equipment on display.
Among the many interesting companies that presented their products and technologies, the young company Virmer especially caught my attention. They presented laser CO2 machines, laser markers and laser welding systems. What pleased me was the high power and reliability of the Wattsan machines, which are manufactured in China. The popularity and potential of these machines are as good as their European competitors.
I received detailed information about Virmer's products and service, and couldn't help but appreciate their own warehouse and office in the Netherlands, as well as their ability to deliver equipment throughout Europe. This is convenient and cost-effective for customers, especially when you consider the complexities of shipping from abroad.
During my visit to the exhibition I also familiarized myself with powerful robotic systems of large companies. Their power and precision are impressive, and I can well imagine using such equipment for my future business project.
Metavak 2023 proved to be a useful and interesting exhibition where I learned about the latest trends and latest developments in the field of metallurgy and metalworking. It is a place where opportunities for cooperation and partnership with leading companies in the industry are opening up. I am confident that this exhibition will become a stimulus for the development and implementation of new technologies in my business.
Engraving with a CNC router is an effective way to create beautiful and accurate designs and texts on various materials. However, to achieve the best results, you need to have some knowledge and experience. In this article, we present 10 useful tips to help you improve your CNC milling engraving skills.
CONCLUSION:
Engraving with a CNC router is a fun and creative endeavor. By following these 10 tips, you can improve your skills and achieve high quality engraving. Don't forget to practice and explore new techniques to gradually become an experienced CNC router operator.
Industrial machine tools play an important role in manufacturing plants, providing the ability to perform a wide range of tasks including metalworking, plastic and wood parts. However, over time, these older machines can become outdated and lose efficiency and productivity. In such cases, rather than completely replacing the equipment with newer models, many businesses choose to modernize older machines. In this article, we'll look at the benefits and opportunities that modernizing old machine tools offers, as well as outline the necessary steps for a successful equipment upgrade.
The benefits of modernizing old industrial machines are as follows:
1. Cost savings: Replacing old equipment with new equipment can be much more expensive, so modernizing old machines can reduce costs and save the financial resources of the company.
2. Increased productivity: With new technology and improved components, older machines can become more efficient and productive, which contributes to the overall productivity of the company.
3. Experience retention: Workers who are already familiar with working on older equipment may have a wealth of experience. Modernization allows this experience to be retained, bypassing the need for additional training.
4. Waste Reduction: Through modernization, scrap and waste can be reduced because updated equipment is able to provide more accurate and reliable work.
5. Compliance: New safety and environmental sustainability requirements may require upgrading older equipment. Modernization helps the plant meet these standards.
Steps to modernize older machines to improve their performance and efficiency:
1. Condition Assessment: Start with a thorough assessment of the current condition of the machine tool to determine which components need to be upgraded.
2. Selecting the appropriate components: After the assessment, select the components that need to be replaced or improved. This could be the CNC controller, motors, measuring systems, and others.
3. Installation and adjustment: Install the new components and adjust them for optimum performance. Consult professional technicians if necessary.
4. Testing and Training: Test the machine after modernization to ensure it is operationally ready. Train personnel on the new features and capabilities of the upgraded equipment.
5. Regular Maintenance: Keep the machine in good condition through regular maintenance and replacement and worn parts.
Modernizing older machines can bring significant benefits to a company, including cost savings and increased productivity. This helps companies stay competitive and efficient in today's industry.
Perhaps you own brass or bronze jewelry that has a green patina over time. Or you may have noticed that these metals can stain your skin green. But why does this happen and why is patina necessary?
Brass and bronze contain large amounts of copper. When copper oxidizes when exposed to oxygen, a greenish patina forms that protects the metal from further corrosion. The higher the copper content of the metal, the greater the chance of a green patina.
WHY BRASS, BRONZE AND COPPER TURN GREEN
The greening process of copper takes different amounts of time depending on the conditions. In very dry climates, copper can take up to 20 years to turn green. The transition from normal color to green occurs in stages. First the copper dulls, then turns brown, dark brown and eventually green. If ammonia is used, this process can take as little as a few hours. When you see a green layer on these metals, commonly called a patina, it means that a chemical reaction has taken place. The copper has reacted with oxygen, water, and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Copper oxide is something like "rust", although rust is the word used to define iron oxide. This means that if there is no iron, there is no rust. But both are types of oxides.
When you see a green layer on these metals, usually called patina, it means that a chemical reaction has occurred. The copper has reacted with oxygen, water, and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Brass is an alloy that is usually made up of 67% copper and 33% zinc. Bronze is made up of 88% copper and 12% tin.
Both of these metals have a very high copper content, so they develop the same patina when oxidized.
USES OF COPPER OXIDE
Copper oxide is a popular material for finishing various decorative items such as brass door handles, copper roofing and others. But aside from the aesthetic aspect, there are practical reasons why patina finishes can be useful.
First, it provides protection for the metal.
Copper oxide is an interesting substance that adheres well to the base metal and is durable. The thickness of the copper oxide layer determines the degree of protection against corrosion. Unlike iron oxide, which flakes off, exposing a new layer of metal that is susceptible to rust, copper oxide prevents further oxidation.
An example is the Statue of Liberty, erected in 1886. Even after more than 130 years of exposure to natural factors, the copper oxide layer is only 0.005 inches thick. That's about the thickness of two sheets of paper.
WHEN COPPER OXIDE IS NOT SUITABLE
There are several situations where copper oxide may not be desirable.
For example, if you wear copper jewelry, you probably don't want your skin to get a greenish tint. Also, if you prefer the bright look of copper instead of a dull greenish color, a patina finish may not be appropriate.
Copper oxide is also not a conductor of electricity. Given that copper is widely used in wires and electrical connections, copper oxide buildup can cause problems.
WAYS TO GET THE GREEN COLOR OF COPPER
Copper or other metals with high copper content will turn green on their own over time when exposed to air and water, but what if you want to speed up the process?
Here's one way to quickly patina small pieces of copper:
First, thoroughly clean the metal of grease with a degreaser. Oils can prevent oxidation and patina from forming. Then fill a quarter of an airtight glass jar with ammonia.
Hang the copper on a string over the ammonia inside the jar. Close the jar. Within a few hours, the ammonia vapors will cause a thin patina to form. If you want a thicker coating, leave the metal in the jar for a longer period of time.
HOW TO REMOVE COPPER OXIDE
It is actually very easy to remove, and there are a number of ways to do so.
For example, if you are trying to remove green oxide from coins, you can simply soak them overnight in acid. Also, simple brushing and scrubbing will help get rid of the patina. There are also several cleaners (usually containing acid) designed specifically for cleaning copper-containing metals. You can also simply use an abrasive disk if the copper has a matte surface.
To clean electrical connections, it is common to use a wire brush and a strong acidic copper cleaner, which will take care of the problem quickly.
Copper oxide is actually very dangerous to cookware. It is toxic and you need to avoid ingesting it in food. Copper cookware is quite popular and needs to be cared for regularly. Since it is usually polished, you will need special cleaning products.
If the problem is a slight tarnishing rather than green oxide, using household acids such as lemon juice and a sponge will usually remove the problem areas without too much trouble. It is a good idea to polish the copper with an inhibitor afterward, as acids can etch the metal and make it prone to oxidation in the future.
HOW TO PREVENT THE FORMATION OF COPPER OXIDE
The easiest way to prevent copper, brass and bronze from turning green is to simply clean them regularly. Under average conditions, it may take a few weeks for the patina to form.
Nevertheless, caring for the item is a hassle. So, if you don't want to remember to clean copper, there are several alternatives.
Clear coated options are most popular for items such as findings and jewelry. There are hundreds of products designed to protect against tarnishing or patina formation to keep copper looking shiny.
Clear nail polish is also good for protecting copper. This method is more popular for things like jewelry.
A very old-fashioned way to preserve copper is to polish it with beeswax, it protects the metal very well from moisture and oxygen.