Given the wide use of laser marking systems special care is always given to evaluating the hardware, system specifications and performance. What is often overlooked is the software that runs them. Visit here : https://www.cnlasercutter.com/product-category/laser-welding-machine/


If the hardware is the heart and soul and the limbs of the system, the software is the brain. The bottomline is "If the brain doesn't work, the body doesn't perform". There is a large assortment of laser software features to consider. In this article I'll try to absolutely nothing in on some of the most important aspects to consider as well as why just one item may be more attractive to you, based on your individual needs as well as wants.

Firstly, there are two basic kinds of software this drive laser marking systems. One is a print driver/post processor type that functions very similarly to the drivers you have on your printer. The other is commonly referred to a "scripting" type where the marking program is developed within the program and launched directly to the marker. There are 3rd party server scripting packages such as ProLase and SCAPS but also many laser beam manufacturers like Kevron and Control Laser develop their own personal proprietary software which functions with their equipment only. With evaluating software, I like to break it down into three features; Machine control, user interface and image manipulation.

Machine management is defined as the flexibility to easily adjust lasing parameters such as wattage, speed and frequency, interface with external I/O, screen with programmable axis drivers and the ability to communicate with listings and host networks. Machine control is all about power in addition to productivity.

User interface refers to the GUI (Graphical User Interface) if not more clearly the look and feel of the software. This comprises the visual interaction between the operator and operating system. The education included relate specifically to the efficiency of setting up programs and initiating the marking cycle.

Image manipulation may be the access to the image to be lased and how that image can be adjusted for optimum output. This can include things like font selection, font sizes, editing barcodes and fine tuning graphics to be function. Image manipulation is the most important part of the final marking level of quality result.

As we compare the print driver type together with the scripting type of packages, the first question that should be asked is "what do you yourself, deem to be the most important features of the software". In other words what is the key feature that you absolutely, must have? Consider your application. Is the most critical thing the final appearance of the paying attention to or is speed the biggest issue? Do you have a lot of graphics to apply or do the parts in question need to be lased along with a great deal of variable information?

Generally speaking the benefits of the print new driver type are that often these packages have extensive graphical editing tools embedded. This means you can quickly and easily adjust the image settings for logos, photos and other objects. The editing and enhancing tools could be similar to those you see in a traditional images package like CorelDraw or Adobe and the screen present provides a true depiction of what the actual part will look like. When you are satisfied with the result the final job is sent to the actual print driver which then communicates with the laser control system. This compiling and demand on the PC itself doesn't lend itself as well to high production processes in that , the program is working hard to develop the marking file and force feed it through the print driver. Print car packages are best suited for high part changeover job merchants and marking where the aesthetics are the most important criteria.

And the second is the scripting type. These usually have the communication capabilities in place that make them the better choice for high amount applications. Integrators prefer scripting type packages because of the vast number of tools included that allows them to interface with task automation, PLCs and networks. It is very common, for instance, to have the precise data to be marked automatically downloaded from a host laptop or computer directly into the laser controller and automatic initiation of the marking sequence to be triggered by a command from a PLC. In some cases there is not even a PC at the machine. The tools to get automatic serialization, date coding and barcode development tend to be better constructed within scripting type packages. Scripting software package can certainly be operated in a standalone fashion however the image mau tools are usually not as sophisticated as the print driver packages.

So all this being said laser suppliers are recognition of that their software must be user friendly, flexible and potent. Consequently there is a crossover happening between the two types. The printer drivers are becoming leaner and meaner and the scripting deals are adding more graphics manipulation tools. Where does this leave the potential buyer in his purchasing decision?

The very best assistance I can offer is to get a real time demo of the software programs where the salesperson shows you some "canned" programs but then helps you have some hands on time also. If a salesperson is too ashamed to demonstrate the software this should throw up a red flag. Some critical questions to ask during the demo include;

• Is the applications developed by the laser supplier or a 3rd party and who all provides the support?
• How good is the documentation for the application?
• Can programs be generated offline at a far off location?
• Can portions of the program be code protected at different levels?
• If programmable axis control is required, how many axes can be programmed and is the item limited to certain motors or motor types?
• Exactly what graphic file formats can be imported?
• What barcodes are supports and can they be edited and altered?
• Are proprietary fonts required or can the software accept standard True Type fonts?
• What applications does the post processor recognize if a print driver?
• Does the program require a dongle or software key?
• Demonstrate program development in "ring mode"?
• Does the software allow the lasing parameters to be saved with the employment?
• What operating systems does the software run within?

You will discover certainly other factors to consider in your decision, but don't price cut the importance of the software. The goal should always be to get the most out from the laser system and the software and user interface are take a moment to meeting that all important goal.