Murphy's Law - Essential Accessories for Laser Engraving and Cutting
If you’re a beginner in the laser engraving industry, you’re probably wondering how to get on the same level as the veterans. More robust machines, the ultimate setup, and awesome products—you’ve got to know what it takes to get to that point. Obviously, it takes a lot of practice and time with your laser machine to know its necessary parameters, settings, and nuances, but having the best setup for your workshop will make your life all the easier.
To truly unleash the potential of your laser engraver and create a more efficient, safe, and productive workspace, you'll need to invest in some essential laser engraver accessories. While you’ll naturally accrue more laser engraver tools over time, we’ll show you the must-have add-ons that will elevate your laser engraving and cutting experience.
Water Chiller
When it comes to your CO₂ laser machine, a laser water chiller will help prevent the laser tube inside your device from overheating, cracking, or decreasing in accuracy. The engraving laser on your machine produces a steady, heated beam of CO₂ that will increase in temperature when used for extended periods, which can crack the tube.
Water chillers circulate water through the laser machine in a closed loop, removing excessive heat from the system. This preserves the lifespan of your laser tube, ensuring accuracy and consistent temps for your laser. Because laser tubes can be a costly expense, utilizing an industrial water chiller can significantly increase the longevity of your unit.
6L Industrial Single Water Chiller
If you plan on putting your laser engraver through heavy production for more than 4-5 hours a day, we recommend investing in a water chiller to preserve the health of your laser tube and machine. Even the most efficient water-bucket system will require more maintenance and manual labor than a water chiller. Therefore, use a water chiller like our 6L Industrial Single Water Chiller to keep your laser machine cool!
Honeycomb Bed
A honeycomb bed is essential for providing a stable, level surface for your materials. If your laser engraver doesn’t come with a honeycomb bed, honeycomb cells permit better airflow for your laser, ensuring better results while reducing heat buildup. Honeycomb or even knife-blade beds are preferable over solid metal plates due to their ability to keep material flat while dissipating heat and preventing laser refraction.
Make sure to check the workbed area of your laser engraver before you purchase a fitting honeycomb bed. Honeycomb beds can be as low as $20 to as high as $400, depending on the size, quality, and company. If you want to save yourself the hassle of shopping for an after-market bed, OMTech laser engravers feature honeycomb beds that are specifically designed for each machine.
Air Assist
The air assist function is crucial for maintaining clean cuts and engravings. An air assist system helps blow away debris and smoke during the engraving process, reducing charring and improving overall quality. While you can purchase accessory air assist kits from third-party manufacturers, going with a laser engraver with built-in air assist ensures compatibility and optimal performance with the convenience of not having to set it up yourself.
Air Filtration System
When using a laser engraving machine, the amount of fumes and odors emitted by the system requires constant ventilation—especially if you are cutting or etching plastic, acrylic, and leather (amongst other materials). If you’re working in an enclosed space, an air filtration system eliminates fumes and particulates in the air, creating a safer, indoor working environment.
Filtrabox MICRO Multi-Stage Fume Extractor
Not only does an air filtration system extract fumes and odors, but it also prevents the buildup of flammable particulates—reducing the risk of fire in your workspace. Protect yourself and other workers by obtaining an air filtration system.
80W 3-Stage Filter Fume Extractor
Rotary Attachments
With water bottles being all the craze these days, a rotary attachment is an essential component for your laser engraver. A rotary attachment like the 4-Wheel Rotary Axis expands your engraving arsenal to cylindrical objects as well, allowing you to etch glass cups, wooden dowels, or even bowls.
If you are looking to engrave irregular objects, the Rotary Axis with Jaw Chuck pairs with our CO₂ laser machines to provide 360-degree engraving ability. As long as the item is between 0.8-8.6 inches long and 0.2-3.1 inches in diameter, the jaw chuck can etch custom designs onto bottles with handles or anything of the like!
Our Piburn rotary is perhaps our most versatile attachment, offering virtually unlimited space and almost no limitations for the engraved item. Compatible with all OMTech CO₂ laser machines 50W and above, the Piburn rotary is an industry-leading accessory—imperative for anyone looking for a seamless and convenient rotary.
Marking Spray
If you thought engraving metal with CO₂ laser machines was impossible, think again! While a CO₂ engraver typically does not have the power or intensity to mark thick and heavy metals, marking spray grants you the ability to etch images onto metal!
This black marking spray allows you to customize common metals like aluminum, stainless steel, brass, and more. Use this aerosol can to create exciting designs on jewelry, water bottles, and other metal objects.
Cleaners and Solutions
Engraving on any material typically means charred or dusty results. Use a cleaning alcohol solution like an all-purpose cleaner, alcohol, or acetone to wipe off your engraved goods. If you’re working with wood or leather, it’s also a good idea to keep oils or specific cleaners on hand to clean and treat the materials after engraving. Get the best results from your laser engraver by taking care of your products!
Safety Equipment
While not a direct accessory for your machine, proper safety equipment is essential. This includes laser safety glasses to protect your eyes, a fire extinguisher for emergencies, and a carbon monoxide detector if you're working in an enclosed space.
Magnets or Clamps
When working with thinner materials like leather, paper, or even thin wood, securing the product in place during laser engraving is important for consistency. Some materials are prone to warping or moving during the engraving process, so magnets, clamps, or any item can help secure the material down. Powerful magnets are available at many stores, and you can even find some free files for laser engraver pins online.
Shop Vacuum or Broom
A good-quality shop vacuum is invaluable for cleaning up debris and small cut-out pieces after engraving sessions. While a shop vacuum isn’t entirely necessary, it does have the added benefit of strong suction power and a filter to prevent fine particles from entering the air. If you’re working on a budget, a broom will work just as well for cleanup!
Conclusion
Investing in these essential accessories for laser engravers will not only optimize your CO2 laser machine’s performance but also create a safer, more efficient workspace. From preserving your system’s longevity with a water chiller to expanding your creative possibilities with rotary attachments, each accessory plays a vital role in elevating your laser engraving and cutting experience.
Now, with these essential laser-engraving machine accessories, you’re ready to tackle any laser engraving project! If you’re looking for the right tools to get the job done, OMTech offers a wide variety of laser engravers and accessories to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and safety of your setup.
Don't settle for less when it comes to your laser engraving passion or business. Visit OMTech today to browse our selection of top-notch laser engravers and accessories and take your laser engraving capabilities to the next level!
