In simplest terms, laser marking is a permanent process that uses a beam of concentrated light to create a lasting mark on a surface. Typically performed with a fiber, pulsed, continuous wave, green, or UV laser machine, laser marking encompasses a wide variety of applications. The most common types of laser marking applications are:
Laser marking can be automated and processed at high speeds, while leaving permanent traceability marks on a range of materials, including steel, titanium, aluminum, copper, ceramic, plastic, glass, wood, paper, and cardboard. Parts and products can be marked with text (including serial numbers and part numbers); machine-readable data (such as barcodes, Unique ID codes, and 2D Data Matrix codes); or graphics.
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 alters the material&#;s properties and appearance. This concentrated beam targets only a specified area, allowing the laser marking machine to create precise, high quality, high-contrast marks that are easy to read or scan on virtually any surface. This feature makes laser marking ideal for applications where accuracy and permanency are critical to success.
The word LASER is actually an acronym for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. A laser beam begins as an atom that is stimulated to release particles of light. This light can be concentrated and directed toward a laser marking area. The energy that is released is measured in wavelengths or nanometers (NM). The higher the wavelength, the more powerful the laser beam.
For example, a UV laser marker, which has a wavelength of around 355NM, offers a lower power for marking heat-sensitive materials such as plastic and glass. Because UV laser markers and other machines in the "cold laser" category emit less energy, they are great solutions for many organic or soft products, as they are less likely to burn the material. A fiber laser, on the other hand, operates at NM, delivering significantly higher power to mark harder materials, such as metal.
Compared to other non-permanent marking processes such as printing or labeling, laser marking uses no consumables and requires less maintenance. Our team also offers fast and reliable customer support, including two-hour response times and free marking samples, for maximum up-time and system productivity.
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There are several types of laser marking systems, and each operates slightly differently. The correct process to use the machine also depends on the material you&#;re working with and the application you&#;re using. MECCO offers a list of resources to help you operate your machine and troubleshoot any issues, from how-to videos to detailed documentation.
When using any laser marking machine, it&#;s important to follow all safety guidelines. Thanks to a variety of preventative measures, including Class I laser marking workstations, laser marking is a relatively safe process.
The Benefits of Using a Laser Marker
Manufacturers can gain many benefits from the laser marking process, whether it is basic part identification and branding or complete traceability to track and trace parts from cradle to grave. Direct part marking with a laser marking machine delivers durable, readable marks. The results of these high quality marks include:
Greater operational efficiency and productivity with less waste and downtime
More visibility and accountability throughout the supply chain
Minimized costly threats such as quality and counterfeiting issues
Ensured compliance with industry regulations
Laser marking is the process of permanently marking a surface using a focused beam of light. It can be performed using different types of lasers, including fiber lasers, CO2 lasers, pulsed lasers, and continuous lasers. The three most common laser marking applications are:
Laser marking can mark a variety of materials such as steel, aluminum, stainless steel, polymers, and rubber. It is often used to identify parts and products with 2D barcodes (data matrix codes or QR codes), alphanumerical serial numbers, VIN numbers, and logos.
To create a lasting mark, laser marking systems generate focused beams of light that contain high levels of energy. When a laser beam hits a surface, its energy is transferred in the form of heat, creating black, white, and sometimes colored marks.
Laser beams are generated by a reaction known as LASER, an acronym for &#;Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation&#;.
First, a special material is stimulated with energy, making it release photons. The newly released photons then stimulate the material again, generating more and more photons. This creates an exponential number of photons (or light energy) in the laser cavity.
This energy build up is released as a single, coherent beam of light that is directed at its target using mirrors. Based on the energy level, it can etch, engrave, or anneal surfaces with extreme precision.
Laser light energy is measured using wavelengths, or nanometers (nm). Specific wavelengths are used for different applications and can only be generated by certain types of lasers.
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Laser marking has become the technology of choice for manufacturers looking for high-quality marking, offering a multitude of advantages compared to older marking methods like dot peen marking, inkjet printing, and printed labels.
Laser marking is used to permanently identify various automotive parts such as drivetrains, engine components, EV batteries, brakes, suspension components, seat structures, and stampings.
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Laserax has developed optimized laser marking processes for metals. They are used in plants all over the world to mark all types of metals, including aluminum, steel, stainless steel, magnesium, led, and zinc.
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Laserax has developed unique processes to etch or engrave identifiers that maintain traceability through post treatments like shotblasting, heat treating, powder coating, and e-coating.
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Each marking method has its benefits and drawbacks. Between dot peening, inkjet printing, and laser marking technology, you need to choose the method that best fits your needs.
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To find the right laser marking system, you need to have a few pieces of information that will set you in the right direction. You can then choose the type of laser, the laser power, and the laser machine that you need.
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Fiber laser markers are at the core of our solutions. In this piece, we answer several questions. When was the fiber laser invented? What are the types of fiber lasers? How long do they last? What are their components and parameters?
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Knowing the difference between the main types of lasers is useful when choosing a system for your marking application, especially if you don&#;t know whether you need a fiber laser, a CO2 laser, or an ND:YAG laser, and whether a pulsed or continuous laser is appropriate.
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Want more information on laser marking software? Feel free to contact us.