Laser Cutting Technology
Laser cutting of production parts has become one of the most cost effective tools for all sizes of manufacturing companies. Complex cuts, repetitive cuts and prototype parts are all done easily and accurately on a Kern Laser Cutting System. Custom fabricators (job shops) and manufacturers are able to nest or group parts in their CAD software, then cut full sheet stock to maximize yield.
Kern's KCAM laser software allows up to nine different line colors to be used. This means that unique speeds and laser powers can be used on the same file setup. Advanced features such as the pierce delay and cut optimizer, have been implemented into the laser 
software for increased control and quality of your finished product. A pressurized laser nozzle will shoot air assist into your cut resulting in a clean, smooth edge quality.
Kern Lasers will custom build laser tables up to 80" x 144" to meet the customer's needs. A metal cutting option is available on all Kern Laser Cutting Systems of 150 watts or greater allowing for cutting of mild steel, stainless steel and aluminum.
A Kern Laser Cutting System can be used for:
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Laser Engraving Technology
Laser engraving, etching and marking with a sealed CO2 laser engraving machine has opened new avenues for artwork to be displayed on wood, acrylic, marble, glass, chrome, granite, Corian® and even on coated metals.
The process can be as simple as taking your artwork, and printing it to the laser using our laser printer driver. 2-D laser engraving can be effectively achieved at full speed on our laser systems. The resolution used to laser engrave will determine the quality of the finished artwork. Typically the Kern Laser Engravers use 300 - 600 DPI (dots per inch) while engraving.
Marking: leaves a contrasting color on metals by application of a water-based chemical.
Etching: removes the surface of the material, no depth of engrave.
Engraving: removes material giving depth of cut.
Resolutions from 50dpi - 1200dpi are also commonly used. Laser engraving speeds are determined by the material, size of the part, the depth desired and the size of the laser that is used. Our laser engraving machines can be customized to fit your application needs.
Laser etching photographs into mirror, wood, marble, glass and other materials can be done effortlessly. Special software is available that will automatically convert gray scale image into a .tif file with the best resolution for the material being used. Photographs with good contrast between the image and the background work the best to engrave. Metal can be marked and etched with a CO2 laser. Water-based chemicals are available to coat the metal and will leave a semi-permanent mark where the laser beam has touched the surface of the metal. Some metals that can be marked are aluminum, carbon steel, stainless steel, chrome, brass, copper, nickel and tin. Anodized finishes on metal can be removed easily without any extra steps. Many colors are available. A Kern Laser Engraving System can be used for:
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To request your Kern Samples Kit please fill out a request form.