What Are Laser Engraving, Laser Etching, and Laser Cutting?

How Does A CO2 Laser Engraving and Laser Cutting System Work?

A CO2 Laser uses a sealed cartridge that contains a mixture Carbon Dioxide, Nitrogen, and Oxygen. When the laser system passes an electrical current into the cartridge, the molecules inside become excited. They then release small light particles called Photons.  When enough Photons are released, they form a stream (i.e. a laser beam).  The stream of Photons then leaves the chamber and travels along a pathway directed by mirrors until it is channeled through a lens.  The lens focuses the stream into a beam that can Laser Engrave, Laser Cut, and Laser Mark many kinds of objects and materials. This laser beam vaporizes or permanently chemically alters the material it comes into contact with, having an approximate temperature of 2500 degrees. That is about the same temperature as a kiln for heating molten glass.