Laser engraver with calibration system

A method of calibrating a laser engraver, the laser engraver comprising:

• a laser;
• a camera;
• a controller;
• and
• a plate for holding a product to be engraved, the plate comprising a reference grid, wherein:
• an optical path of the laser is directed to the plate;
• an optical path of the camera is directed to the plate;
• and
• the optical path of the camera to the plate and the optical path of the laser to the plate are at least partially aligned before and when hitting the plate;
• and
• the method comprising:
• using the controller to calibrate the camera using the reference grid of the plate with no product on it;
• using the controller to engrave a pattern at a predefined position on a product on the plate with the laser to form an engraved pattern on the product and using the camera to capture a position of the engraved pattern;
• using the controller to compare the predefined position of the engraved pattern and the position of the engraved pattern captured by the camera to determine a difference therebetween;
• and
• using the controller to calibrate the laser by modifying parameters of the laser based on the difference to correct alignment of the laser for future engraving of the product.

A laser engraver comprising:

• a laser;
• a camera;
• a plate for holding a product to be engraved wherein:
• an optical path of the laser is directed to the plate;
• an optical path of the camera is directed to the plate;
• and
• the optical path of the camera to the plate and the optical path of the laser to the plate are at least partially aligned before and when hitting the product;
• and
• a calibration system comprising:
• a controller;
• and
• a comparator;
• wherein the controller is configured to:
• have the laser engrave a pattern on the product on the plate next to an existing marking on the product to form an engraved pattern on the product and to have the camera capture a position of the engraved pattern and the existing marking on the product;
• have the comparator compare the position of the engraved pattern and the position of the existing marking on the product captured by the camera to determine a difference therebetween;
• and
• calibrate the laser by modifying parameters of the laser based on the difference to correct alignment of the laser for future engraving of the product.