Do you want to know more about laser marking? Learn why this technology is used to ensure part identification or traceability in a wide range of industries, from automotive to aerospace, electronics to medical devices.
What is laser marking?
How laser marking works
How to use laser marking machine
Benefits of using laser marking machine
What is laser marking?
Simply put, laser marking is a permanent process that uses a concentrated beam of light to create lasting marks on a surface. Laser marking is typically performed using fiber optic, pulsed, continuous wave, green or UV laser machines and covers a variety of applications. The most common types of laser marking applications are:
annealing
carbon migration
Discoloration
Sculpture
etching
Laser marking enables automated and high-speed processing while leaving permanent traceable marks on a range of materials including steel, titanium, aluminum, copper, ceramics, plastics, glass, wood, paper and cardboard. Parts and products can be marked with text (including serial and part numbers); machine-readable data (such as barcodes, unique ID codes, and 2D Data Matrix codes); or graphics.
How laser marking works
Laser marking works by using a focused beam of light to mark the surface of a material. When the beam interacts with the material’s surface, it changes the material’s properties and appearance. This concentrated beam of light is targeted only at a designated area, allowing laser marking machines to create precise, high-quality, high-contrast marks that can be easily read or scanned on virtually any surface. This feature makes laser marking ideal for applications where accuracy and durability are critical to success.
Laser Science and Laser Marking
The word LASER is actually an abbreviation for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. A laser beam begins as an atom that is excited to release particles of light. This light can be concentrated and directed to the laser marking area. The energy released is measured in wavelengths or nanometers (NM). The higher the wavelength, the more powerful the laser beam.
For example, UV laser marking machines with a wavelength of approximately 355NM provide lower power to mark heat-sensitive materials such as plastics and glass. Because UV laser marking machines and other machines in the “cold laser” category emit less energy, they are an excellent solution for many organic or soft products because they are less likely to burn the material. Fiber lasers, on the other hand, operate at a wavelength of 1070NM and provide higher power for marking harder materials such as metals.
Laser marking uses no consumables and requires less maintenance than other non-permanent marking processes such as printing or labeling. Our team also offers fast and reliable customer support, including two-hour response time and free marking samples for maximum uptime and system productivity.
How to use laser marking machine
There are several types of laser marking systems, each operating slightly differently. The correct process for using the machine also depends on the materials you are working with and the application you are using. laserdelta provides a range of resources, from how-to videos to detailed documentation, to help you operate your machine and resolve any issues.
When using any laser marking machine, it is important to follow all safety guidelines. Laser marking is a relatively safe process thanks to various precautions, including a Class I laser marking workstation.
Benefits of using laser marking machine
Manufacturers can gain many benefits from the laser marking process, whether it is basic part identification and branding, or complete traceability from cradle to grave. Direct part marking using a laser marking machine provides durable, readable marks. The results of these high-quality signs include:
- Improve operational efficiency and productivity, reduce waste and downtime
- Greater visibility and accountability across the supply chain
- Minimize costly threats like quality and counterfeit issues
- Ensure compliance with industry regulations