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APALES (Automated Parameter Adjusting Laser Engraving System) is an innovative laser engraver that
seamlessly adapts to different materials. Unlike conventional engravers, APALES eliminates the need for
manual parameter input by automatically recognizing materials and adjusting settings for optimal results.
Our project goals are: (1) Material Differentiation: Achieve 85% accuracy in differentiating wood,
leather, and acrylic. (2) Efficiency: Complete material recognition within 5 seconds on average. (3)
Precision: Obtain a laser line width of less than 0.20 mm for fine engraving.
APALES employs a dual optical design. The laser system features a two-lens configuration that focuses
the diode laser beam for precise engraving. The spectroscopy system features a fiber optic cable, slit,
collimating lens, diffraction grating, and USB webcam to analyze reflected light spectra to identify
materials.
This system benefits anyone who uses laser engraving, especially those working with an array of diverse
materials. APALES improves the engraving process by automating material recognition, a feature
unavailable in any other commercial laser engraver. The laser mount is outfitted with a mount for both a
high power white LED and a fiber optic cable to collect a high intensity spectrum, which is then
transmitted to the spectrometer, and the spectrum is analyzed and compared to other existing spectrums to
predict the material. With predicting the material, APALES will automatically set the laser power and
scan speed parameters once the material is verified. This eliminates the tedious and error-prone task of
manually recalling and inputting laser parameters for each material. This process will now be speedy and
accurate to save time and reduce engraving errors from entering incorrect parameters.