2.5D and 3D, how can i choose?
For the 3D laser relief on metal, there are mainly two laser galvanometers in laser market. But what’s the differences and how should we choose?
Firstly, both of 2.5D and 3D laser galvanometers can do 3D relief, their working theory is really different.
2.5D laser galvanometers.
This 2.5D type galvanometers is created based on the 2D laser galvanometers. As we all know that the 2D machine only have X,Y axis. 2.5D machine also with X,Y axis,only add a motorized lifting pillar as the Z axis. So machine can move to X,Y,Z direction when engraving. This is the working theory of 2.5D machine.
Processing procedure：In the procedure of processing, every layer of the file will be processed, the auto lifting pillar is keeping re-adjust to make sure the focus is on the every layer surface, so that machine can achieve the 3D effect on metal. But during the whole processing,the Y axis is on the focus all the time.
3D laser galvanometers.
3D laser galvanometers is different as 2.5D machine. 3D fiber laser machine with 3D galvanometers which have Z axis mirror,this laser galvanometers can moving forward and backward. The X,Y,Z axis are inside of laser galvanometers, but 2.5D just auto lifting pillar as a Z axis.
Processing procedure:
3D laser galvanometers is different process way as 2.5D machine.3D machine is dynamic focusing system, it has special system to achieve the 3D effect on metal. Inside of laser head, there are three axis, the Z axis is keep moving to adjust and keep the exact focus. But the 3D machine X,Y,Z axis is control by software, you just need to input the parameters, machine will process by the parameters, the lifting pillar will not move.
the 3D galvanometer is fully coordinated with the Z axis and X,Y axis in convex and concave processing, It can achieve the forward and backward motion focus compensation of nearly microseconds. It will not be limited by the external lifting pillar and table size, the efficiency and precision is higher than 2.5D laser galvanometers. 3D laser galvanometer can avoid the step pattern, the material will be more smooth. Also for curve surface process is perfect.
In general, if you need to process a sample with higher efficiency and precision,at the same time, you need to mark and engrave the curved surface, a 3D is a great choice.
If you just do some 3D effect sample, but not very high demands of it, 2.5D is suitable. Anyway, there are big difference on price, we can just comprehensive consideration.