What is The Laser Marking Machine? How Does it Work?

What is the laser marking machine? How does it work?

Laser marking systems are used for cost -effective brands, serialization and product tracking. It involves the use of laser beams on the surface of parts and machines to mark text, numbers, logo or patterns. It can be used to mark or process various types of materials without damaging the surface. The correct method of label depends on your materials and marking methods. One of the key aspects of understanding the advantages of laser marking machines is to understand their working principles.

What is laser marking?

Laser marking is the process of marking parts or workpieces using laser technology. The laser beam hits the material and its energy reacts with the material, leaving a permanent mark. The speed, power, and focus of this laser beam on the part will result in different laser processes. Laser energy is measured in wavelength or nanometers (nm). Certain wavelengths are used for different applications and can only be produced by certain types of laser generators. The most common types of laser marking include:

Fiber laser marking: The fiber laser marking machine uses a solid-state laser generator. In this system, an optical fiber doped with rare earth elements is used as the laser source. Their high power makes them ideal for applications such as annealing and engraving. Fiber laser marking machines offer a lower cost of ownership, greater versatility, and faster marking than other machines. It also has minimal maintenance and zero consumables requirements.
CO2 Laser Marking: The wavelength of CO2 laser marking machines is 10 times that of standard wavelength systems. The CO2 laser marking machine is usually a sealed tube marking system, and the beam controlled by the galvanometer can be used to mark non-metallic surfaces. CO2 laser generators have a wavelength that provides the best marking results on organic materials such as paper, wood, and some plastic polymers, they are also suitable for marking leather and glass. the
UV Laser Marking: UV lasers use a highly absorbing wavelength (355 nm) to mark parts. This high absorption rate allows the UV laser to perform “cold marking”, ensuring that no additional thermal stress is placed on the material, including highly reflective materials such as gold, silver, and copper. This minimizes fumes and dust from typical marking and processing.

How does the laser marking machine work?

Laser marking is a marking method that uses a focused laser beam to alter the surface of a target. A laser beam is emitted by an oscillator and scanned using a scanning mirror, then a focusing lens is used to focus the beam on the target and mark it by changing the surface. Since laser marking involves using light to alter the target surface, this method is more wear-resistant than ink-based marking, and the markings will not fade over time.

Different laser marking methods are suitable for different applications. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and your choice will depend on budget, quality requirements and application. Let’s examine some of these methods.

Laser marking metal

The following laser marking techniques can be used on metals. Each technology has a specific function, the following are laser marking methods related to metals and their properties.

Laser Engraving: Laser engraving is the most common marking method used in part manufacturing and prototyping, primarily for metals. This laser marking technique alters specular reflection by removing surface material. There is an optimum frequency and speed so that evaporation of the material can occur, forming the mark in the form of a depression. Marking lasers with short pulses and high peak power generally provide the best results and are best suited for these applications.
Laser Etching: Unlike laser engraving, laser etching has no depth in the surface and therefore requires less energy. This laser marking method removes the coating or lacquer layer on the substrate. For example, ablation of the oxide layer of anodized aluminum exposes the underlying metal. Due to the high temperature generated by the ablative marks, they heat the surface beyond its vaporization point. Make your marking graphics or text visible without damaging the substrate.
Laser Annealing: Laser annealing is a non-subtractive process typically used for products with critical dimensional accuracy. It involves slowly heating and cooling metal surfaces using a laser beam to change their color (yellow, red or green) depending on the temperature of the metal surface. The laser annealing process is not suitable for non-ferrous metals and aluminum because their color is not affected by heat and oxides.

Laser marking other materials

In addition to metals, laser marking systems can also be used on plastics and other composite materials, such as ceramics, paper, etc. Three techniques can be used when marking plastic materials. They are:

Foam: When you need to make light colored markers, foam is more suitable for such applications. In laser foaming, a laser beam heats the polymer to a given value and some components start to foam. When the air bubbles oxidize, they form a foam that causes them to reflect light, producing clear and textured marks.
Coloring: Laser coloring works by heating plastic in precise spots to darken (eg, carbonize) or lighten (eg, bleach) the color. Exact results will depend on the type and composition of the plastic or polymer. Other materials suitable for coloring are laminates, films and foils.
Carbon Migration: In this method, thermal energy from a laser breaks plastic bonds and releases oxygen and hydrogen. This reaction causes the target area to darken, appearing as a gray to blue-gray mark. Carbonization or carbon migration is always ideal for labeling synthetic polymers and organic materials.

Why Choose Laser Marking in Part Manufacturing?

Laser marking has become the technology of choice for high-quality marking, offering numerous advantages over older marking methods such as dot peen and inkjet printing. Here are a few reasons why you should choose a laser marking system.

Fast

Traditional labeling methods use specific tools, making the process time-consuming. Laser marking combines laser technology with computer technology to create different designs and patterns on materials with just one command. This is the perfect choice to shorten product development cycles, speed up the process and save you a lot of money.

High Contrast

Laser marking is very precise. One can use it to mark very small objects and get consistent results. For example, lasers mark printed circuit boards. High-quality markings are legible, meaning near-perfect readability.

Compatible with most materials

The same laser marking system can be used for multiple materials, which provides greater flexibility. The list of materials suitable for fiber laser marking is extensive and includes metals such as steel, aluminum, titanium, copper, and stainless steel. The CO2 laser can engrave all non-metallic materials, such as leather, wood, label paper, etc. UV lasers are more suitable for marking glass and ceramics.

These are just a few examples of the many materials that can be laser engraved or laser etched marked. Laser marking is also suitable for marking other complex shapes, such as wire and tubing, making it an ideal tool for serializing or tracking products in a customized manner.

Marking Durability

Laser-created marks are usually permanent and have high-contrast properties. These waterproof and fade-resistant markers can withstand abrasion, heat, and acid. Therefore, parts manufacturing industries such as automotive and aerospace favor its use for its permanent marking. Permanent and durable markings enable these manufacturers to track and identify their products.

green

Marking processes such as chemical etching and inkjet use chemicals and inks to mark. These consumables are often expensive and have a negative impact by releasing harmful gases into the environment. However, laser marking does not use any consumables. It is a clean, energy-saving, and environmentally friendly process.

Summarize

Laser marking is a versatile process that encompasses a wide range of techniques to produce precise, permanent, and high-quality marks. Laser marking is also an excellent alternative to traditional marking techniques, ensuring high production speed, high contrast, material compatibility, marking durability, and environmental friendliness. Therefore, it is an excellent choice for your application.

Whenever you need a high-quality laser marking machine, please contact AccTek Laser and let us help you get started! AccTek Laser manufactures the latest technology to manufacture high-quality laser marking machines that balance power and precision. If your company wants to do custom engraving and marking in-house, our laser marking machines will give you the edge you need so you can be sure of getting the best results.