Laser Cutting & Engraving Blog

According to Digital Journal, paraphrasing a Market Research Future analysis, the laser cutting machine market is on track to reach a nearly $6 billion value by 2030. Growth in the industry is driven by a number of factors, including growth in several manufacturing sectors that rely on laser cutting. At the local scale, we see trends among our customer base too. In this post, we’ll

Foam is one of the easiest materials to cut with a laser cutting machine, and Kern laser systems are some of the best machines you can buy for cutting foam.

A common application for laser cutting machines is cutting and etching metal and plastic plates for ID nameplates and labels. Laser processing offers the user tremendous time savings over manual processes in this area, and our laser systems are excellent choices for this kind of work.

In CO2 laser systems, there are two common types of power supply that can be used to excite the gas molecules in the laser module: direct current (DC) and radiofrequency (RF). In this article, we’ll take a look at the differences between these two power supply types.

In CO2 laser systems, there are two common types of power supply that can be used to excite the gas molecules in the laser module: direct current (DC) and radiofrequency (RF). In this article, we’ll take a look at the differences between these two power supply types.

Here are five business categories that should consider using laser-cutting machines in their production processes, as well as descriptions of the ways these machines can benefit them.

A current AI-related concept with relevance to manufacturing is I/O (input/output), which refers to the transfer of data between systems. I/O allows machines to communicate with each other during the manufacturing process.

In this blog, we dispel some common myths and misconceptions about lasers, specifically about laser-cutting machines like those we manufacture and sell.

A good laser cutting or engraving system is a versatile machine that will allow a knowledgeable operator to produce a high-quality product using a variety of materials. That being said, a single laser may not be the appropriate choice for every application. You don’t necessarily need a high-powered CO2 laser system if you’re only using it to cut sheets of foam for furniture padding. Depending

Sheet metal cutting lasers are complex precision tools. When they are working at their best, they should be consistent: doing the same job to the same standard of quality, day-to-day. However, some components on a laser system are designed to be replaced, and failure to keep up regular maintenance can lead to a lower-quality product. In addition, a complex system like a laser cutter presents

To the layperson, the word “laser” can bring to mind some exciting, but perhaps not altogether comforting images out of popular culture: lightsabers and other sci-fi weapons from Star Wars, lasers used for security or intimidation in spy thrillers, laser-guided missiles, and submarines. And of course, lasers bring a more modest set of real risk factors associated with their improper use or malfunction—eye injuries, burns,

MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) is a strong, engineered material made of wood fibers, wax, and resin. The ability to laser cut profiles and engrave deep numbers and logos has much money-making potential in the crafting, signage, interior design, and furniture industries. Laser cutting is an easy way to process shapes with minimal scrap material. A common problem I see from customers who are trying to

Cutting mild steel with a CO2 laser isn’t just possible, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking clean, consistent and precise cuts. In this post, we’ll be discussing tips for laser cutting mild steel. When equipped with the laser cutting option, Kern’s CO2 lasers are quick and efficient at mild steel cutting. The following tips will help operators be successful: 1. MATCH MATERIAL THICKNESS AND

For small business owners and entrepreneurs, it can feel like long days and late nights spent working is just part of the gig. But sometimes, getting more done doesn’t have to mean working more time. In fact, by investing in the right equipment, it’s possible to improve manufacturing efficiency and give yourself some much needed time to breathe. HOW TO IMPROVE MANUFACTURING EFFICIENCY While it’s

Depending on the material you are engraving—whether it’s wood, acrylic, laserable plastics, marble, granite, aluminum, anodized aluminum—you’re going to have different settings for DPI (dots per inch), air pressure, speed, and power to create the best resolution on the end product. So, creating the best resolution is a combination of the right settings and the right application. In this article, we’re going to share some of

What do we want our monuments to do? Should they be an open and honorable representation? Should they provide an emotional response within those who view them? Should they showcase the love and appreciation we hold for the people, places and pets who impacted our lives? Whatever it is you want a stone monument to accomplish, you can do it with laser engraving. CO2 LASER

Aluminum is one of the more challenging materials to laser cut. That’s not to say it can’t be done, but it does require a bit of expertise. Among other things, it can be difficult to create a clean-cut edge when laser processing aluminum. In this post, I’m going to cover some of the properties that make aluminum a challenging material for laser processing and provide

We know lasers are excellent at cutting and engraving smooth, flat surfaces, but what happens when the material or object you want to work with is round? With the pipe rotary attachment option, flat table laser systems can process all sorts of cylindrical items like pipes, rods, canes, walking sticks, flashlights, tumblers and liquor bottles. Basically, if it is cylindrical in shape and made out

Laser engraving can take some getting used to. Even seasoned operators will find themselves confronted with the occasional head-scratcher during a laser engraving project. Below, I’ve outlined a handful of laser engraving tips and techniques to help you avoid costly mistakes. What are some of the common mistakes laser owners and operators make that end up costing them in the long-run? Here are four laser

Kern laser systems are used within a wide range of industries. Here’s a list of the industries we serve, along with some examples of the materials and products lasers processed for these industries. AEROSPACE Within the aerospace industry, laser cutting is heavily relied on. Parts and components that go on to support aircrafts, military defense and space exploration rely on the accuracy, cleanliness and precision

At Kern Laser Systems, we’ve cracked the code on combining low wattage CO2 lasers and metal cutting applications. Our customers have been doing it for years! Request a demo to see it for yourself or keep reading to learn more. Here at Kern Laser Systems, we’ve developed metal cutting technology that enables CO2 lasers of 100 to 650 watts to quickly and efficiently cut metal. This technology

Camera vision systems are nothing new. Various areas of industry have been using them since the 1980s-90s. Why? Because industrial camera systems can perform quality assurance checks and support consistency among mass produced products and components. On lasers, vision cameras go a long way in supporting quality and consistency via course correction. Here at Kern Laser Systems, we offer a machine vision camera called k-vision.

When laser cutting an acrylic sheet, the last thing you want to see is an uneven cutting edge or surface — or even worse, your cutting kerf turning white while processing colored acrylic. Armed with a few quick tips, anyone can increase their skills in cutting thick acrylic with a laser cutter. Acrylic is one of the top materials chosen for laser processing. That’s partly because

When it comes to cutting or marking metal, there are multiple options to choose from, the two we carry are CO2 and fiber laser systems. Our fiber lasers are going to be a good choice when you’re looking to cut thicker metals and when you want to operate at faster speeds. However, if what you’re looking to accomplish is to cut thinner gauged metals,such as

When it’s done well, 3D laser engraving yields stunning results. Here’s an inside look at the process of 3D wood laser engraving, along with some examples of what others have created. First, let’s discuss how 3D engraving is different from surface engraving. WOOD LASER ENGRAVING: SURFACE VS 3D Surface engraving is a way to mark or etch materials, and it relies on a lighter wattage.

The COVID-19 crisis has placed intense pressure on companies as we strive to maintain (and potentially future-proof) bottom-line revenue amidst possible shutdowns, corporate mandates, and operational changes. As the pandemic is teaching us, unique challenges require unique solutions as well as pivoting where required. At Kern Lasers, we’re always impressed with the work our customers do and appreciate where our efforts help them achieve theirs. Now, more

MN Laser Technology Family Business Kern brothers combine two related laser-tech companies with growing international market From their headquarters in rural Wadena, Kern Laser Systems and  Kern Technologies are family businesses that have partnered with national players as large as Lockheed Martin, Boeing, NASA, and the U.S. military. They even have an international presence in Australia, the United Arab Emirates, and Japan. “We have a machine in every continent

We hope this article helps you better understand the purge requirements of your laser system. With proper purge gas setup and consideration, your lasers performance and lifetime will be improved. WHEN TO PURGE Kern’s 250 watt and greater laser systems require a purge gas connection. This includes Kern’s CO2 and fiber laser systems. WHY PURGE? The purge gas serves two ultimate purposes. First, is prevents

I can only imagine what it was like a hundred years ago. I often find myself captivated by old technology, rich landscapes, and unique faces as I stare into timeworn magazines. Why do we love images so much? They say a photo is worth a thousand words and I believe a large mural can convey, with just a single still image, a story in spirit

The k-vision package is a fully integrated hardware and software solution that allows for accurate cutting of printed materials. This process starts with a nozzle mounted camera which automatically measures the dimensions between registration marks on printed materials. The following are a few tips to consider when creating registration marks. SHAPE The shape of a registration mark is a critical factor. The K-VISION camera can recognize a

Nozzles Do you know when and why to switch nozzles on your optic assembly? Did you know there are different nozzles for your optic assembly that allow for better quality cuts? Depending on what substrate you are cutting or engraving, choosing the right nozzle may help you in processing your material, improving your quality while minimizing wear and tear on your equipment.  From acrylic to

Paper Honeycomb This product is an alternative solution to using standoffs, acrylic slats or aluminum honeycomb. Paper absorbs the laser’s energy and does not result in flashbacks or tick marks on the backside of the materiel being processed. Kern’s paper honeycomb features a flame retardant coating which reduces the chance of fires and prolongs the honeycombs life. This product is best used for applications with

HOW TO CREATE A MIXED MEDIA GIFT USING A LASER How do you say “Thank You” to an outstanding client or customer? Nick Caito of SBC Laser demonstrates his take on adding a personalized touch to a unique gift. In this Platinum Partner build, Caito mixes steel, acrylic, and brass with a combination of laser cutting and engraving with his Kern 400W HSE laser system.

A Custom Trophy Build Do you have a need to process wood, plastics, metals and foams with one machine? Kern offers this versatility for a wide spectrum of customers and ultimately their imagination is their only limitation. MX Trophies, a Kern customer, uses their creative skills daily to produce custom awards, plates and medals. The ability to personalize individual products to each event allows them

Custom tool kit We can all agree that a well organized workspace is key to getting the job done quickly and efficiently. Because every profession requires specific tools for the job at hand, it’s important to have them arranged in an order that works best for you. Today’s tip will show you step-by-step how easy it is to create a custom foam tool kit using your Kern

Reducing Back Splatter / Reflection Many of you have likely experienced the disheartening feeling of opening up a lens assembly and finding pits or a complete rupture of your focusing lens. These special optics can be an expensive maintenance item, especially when processing materials that tend to generate high levels of back splatter. SPLATTER 101 Splatter refers to small particles of metal that are released

TARGET FIELD – HOME OF THE MINNESOTA TWINS A long time Kern customer, Tim Pawelk, recently completed a multi-piece project for the new Target Field baseball stadium. Large format murals, stone etching and plastic panels were just a few of the tributes that comprised this job.