Laser heads for CNC machines differ due to the intended use. CNC lasers can be used:
- typically amateur,
- universal – for commercial use as well as for advanced hobbyists, and
- mainly industrial.
Amateur heads are characterized by less power or simplified construction. As a result, they offer a lower price, but at the same time, less efficiency.
Heads for both professionals and advanced amateurs are designed for efficiency and convenience of work. They also have a universal character, making them suitable for as many applications as possible. Such heads already have a fairly high price, however, ensuring reliability.
The last group of heads is specialized lasers for industrial applications. This type of laser is mainly suitable for specific applications, they lose their versatility. On the example of the Opt Lasers brand, you can look at two versions of specialized laser heads:
PLH3D-6W-μSpot laser head
CNC laser with special optics. It has a very small spot and increased optical power, which makes it engrave and cut very quickly. The spot size was achieved at a fixed focal length that cannot be adjusted. The short focal length also means that μSpot is predestined for cutting very thin materials such as textiles. The specialized design also affects the price, which is higher than a standard CNC laser. A detailed comparison of the specialist head for industry and the universal head for professionals can be found here.
PLH3D-6W-LC engraving laser head
This head is a liquid-cooled CNC laser. The integrated water cooling system makes the fan superfluous. This head is also capable of long-term continuous operation due to more effective walking. The lack of a fan:
- improves the comfort of working with textiles and powders,
- reduces noise and the need for electricity.
However, water cooling requires a permanently connected coolant circuit.
It is worth noting that even heads for the industry due to their small size can be integrated with already used CNC machines. It reduces the costs of modernization of production lines.