“Can I Etch Laser Plates with my CO2 Laser?” – This is a very common question we get from pad printing companies. Indeed, if a company already has a robust laser engraver, it may be able to enjoy the benefits of fully digitized pad printing plate-making – simply by purchasing the laser plate material and getting some instruction.

The short answer is as follows: you are likely to get the best results with laser plates if the wattage of your CO2 laser engraver is between 10Watt and 20Watt, and no more than 30Watt.

The longer answer is this:

1. If your laser has more than 30Watt, you may still get excellent results with the Acculaze plate material, which is designed to handle fine-line graphics only (does not work for bold fonts or open etch areas). To etch Acculaze with a 30+Watt laser engraver, use the lowest power setting and make 2 passes.
2. For the Imperial and Laser Orange plate material (both of which can handle any type of graphics) you do need the laser wattage to be no more than 30Watts; 10Watt – 20Watt is usually best. With a more powerful laser, the beam diameter (spot size) of the laser is too large to achieve fine etch and sharp prints.
3. The other major factor that comes into play is your CO2 laser’s software: it will determine how well you can manipulate your graphic files.
4. Test your laser! We offer laser plate samples and etching guides.
5. Consult with Inkcups Now specialist to determine if investing in one of our specialized laser engravers and plate-makers is the right solution for you.

Inkcups Now’s Cobalt 1000 laser etching machine is a serious piece of machinery. It is important to understand what this machine can do and if you are ready to own one before you make a purchase. Follow these three easy steps to better understand if you will benefit from a Cobalt 1000.

The first step is to evaluate your business. Is volume increasing? Are orders becoming overwhelming? The Cobalt 1000 etches faster than any other laser we offer because of its powerful ND YAG laser technology. Co2 lasers are weaker than YAG and require more passes over the plate or part, taking up to 10 times as long to make an etch.

Do you require a higher quality image? The spot size for the Cobalt 1000 laser etcher is significantly smaller than Co2 lasers, by about 10% or more! The smaller dot size results in a finer etch, ideal for small text or a high quality print.

The second step is to evaluate how this machine will grow your business. There is no question that the Cobalt 1000 will give you higher quality etches, however it is up to you to determine how you will use it to your advantage. If you are currently using a laser engraver, photopolymer plates, or want to start etching, the Cobalt 1000 will increase production speed and quality.

The third step is to contact an expert. Do not act out of instinct or by internet research, talk to an expert that can provide you will all the information you will need to know. Talk to the Inkcups Now laser experts who build and install these machines!

As always, ICN engineers are busy with several new projects… Among them is building a new machine – Cobalt laser engraver equipped with a belt conveyor. Here is the drawing…

We are going to bring the new machine to the upcoming SGIA show. This particular conveyor will be tailored to pen engraving. Read more