Laser marking can be used to mark or change many different kinds of materials. There are also many different marking and processing options. Laser marking systems and other tools need to be adapted to the material used and the type of processing done. The type of laser light used is also not set in stone. This page talks about some of the most important parts of laser marking.
What is laser marking?
A concentrated laser beam is used to make a permanent mark on the surface of an object with laser marking. An oscillator makes the laser beam, and another mirror called a “scanning mirror” moves it around before a lens focuses it on the target, permanently changing the surface.
Laser marking uses light to change the surface being marked permanently. This makes it more durable and less likely to wear and tear than marking with ink.
Laser marking on metal:
Lasers can mark metals in three ways:
- Black-annealed marking, in which the laser causes oxidation.
- White marking, in which the laser is used to scrape away the target surface.
- Engraving, the laser is used to cut deeply into the target surface.
Every strategy has its time and place. In this part, we talk about each strategy in more detail.
Laser marking machine processing:
Lasers can also be used to cut, drill, and change the surface of something, which are all forms of processing. By scanning the light into the right shape, target areas can be worked on very precisely.
- Cutting
The laser light is moved to the right spot to make the cut that is needed. This method can do many different things, such as cutting complex shapes easily, getting rid of gates and burrs, and many more.
- Restructuring on the surface
This method uses laser light to take off paint, film, or plating from an object. When you change the surface, you also change how wet the substance inside is. This makes the connection stronger and stops any paste from escaping.
- Drilling
When using a laser to drill, the light is focused on a small spot on the target. This melts and evaporates the material until a hole is made. It changes how the laser light works and allows us to drill holes of different sizes and strengths, depending on the job.
Instructions for Operating a Laser Marking Device:
You’ll need a laser marking machine, but you’ll also need something to put the marking target exactly where you want it. One laser marking machine is a stand-alone system in which a single target is placed and marked. Another type is an indexing system, in which several targets are placed separately and marked. A third type is an inline system, in which targets are moved and marked as they go. This part talks about the benefits and uses of each system category.
- Stand-alone systems
During a laser marking process that uses a stand-alone system, each target is marked as it is put on the stage. This method is perfect when working with targets of different sizes and shapes that require a lot of tool changes (like adjusting the height). Two configurable system features are foot switches that let you know when a show is about to start and an automatic stage lift and lower.
- Indexing systems
Indexing systems have a positioning mechanism that moves targets on a turntable to where they will be marked. Marking can be done in the back while targets are set in the front. This makes cycle times shorter compared to systems that work on their own.
- Inline systems
An inline system is the best way to mark a target while moving down a manufacturing line. Sometimes, the marking process can be done without stopping the target. In other cases, stopping the target is a must. Inline systems are very important for high-volume production because they can automatically place targets along the assembly line.
