LASER MARKING
Laser marking technology has brought innovation to numerous industrial sectors thanks to new, precise and efficient solutions suitable for a variety of applications.
In this post, we'll briefly introduce laser technology applied to industry and explore the features and practical benefits of laser marking in various sectors, such as automotive, aerospace, machining, energy, white goods, mechanical engineering, and electronics.
We'll explore key technical aspects such as laser power, marking speed, applicability with different materials, and the main customization options available that allow laser technology to be used for each customer's specific needs.
WHAT IS LASER MARKING?
Laser marking is a permanent and indelible engraving technology performed on a surface using a specifically focused beam of light.
The laser marking machine is simple yet effective: after emitting a laser beam focused on the surface of the component to be engraved, the surface is thermally excited. Depending on the characteristics and power of the laser, the surface can melt, burn, oxidize, change color, be cut, undergo surface engraving, deep engraving, fusion, welding, etc.
Depending on the application needs, laser marking machines can mark various elements, such as logos, sequences of letters and/or numbers, product codes, serial numbers, model identification or part numbers, graphic layouts, etc.
Depending on the type of source, each laser emits a beam at a specific wavelength that can be suitable for a wide variety of materials, such as metals, plastics, wood, glass, etc.
LASER MARKING ADVANTAGES
Laser marking offers several advantages, including:
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HIGH QUALITY
Laser marking machines use a focused laser beam, enabling precise and detailed marking on various materials. This is particularly important in applications requiring high precision, such as marking QR codes or identifying electronic components, as it achieves high-quality results.
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PERMANENT AND INDELIBLE IDENTIFICATION
Laser marking produces high-resolution, durable marks that are resistant to wear, chemicals, humidity, and harsh environmental conditions. This ensures that codes or information remain legible for the entire life of the product, which is essential for reliable traceability over time.
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HIGH PRECISION AND ACCURACY DOWN TO THE FINEST DETAIL
It allows you to engrave Datamatrix codes, barcodes, serial numbers, and other information even on small and complex surfaces, ensuring clear and precise data for detailed tracking of each component.
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COST-EFFECTIVE
The laser marker engraves directly on the component, eliminating the need for consumables such as labels, solvents, ink, paint, etc.
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PRACTICAL and EASY-OF-USE
The laser spot is extremely small, meaning it can mark even hard-to-reach parts of the product.
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FLEXIBILITY
Material versatility: The laser marker can mark a wide variety of materials, including metals, plastics, wood, glass, and ceramics.
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DURABILITY and RESISTANCE
Durability and resistance: Laser marking is a permanent process that creates long-lasting, wear-resistant marks, ensuring that the marked information remains legible and does not fade over time.
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HIGH CUSTOMIZATION OPTIONS
It is fully programmable and allows you to adjust, among other options, the depth, dot spacing, font, size, arc marking, Data Matrix marking, serial numbering, and date and time stamping.
LASER MARKING LIMITS
No technology is perfect, even laser marking has drawbacks and disadvantages, including
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COMPLIANCE TO SAFETY PROCEDURES
For safe use, any laser source must be integrated by a specialized Class I company.
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NECESSITY TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SOURCE FOR THE MATERIAL
Each material reacts to a specific wavelength, and therefore to a specific laser source. During the engineering phase, it is therefore essential to perform engraving tests to choose the laser source that will allow you to achieve the desired result.
LASER SOURCES
Today, various types of laser sources are available to choose from based on your application needs.
The most common laser marking source types include:
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FIBER LASER MARKER
Fiber lasers are widely used in laser marking due to their high efficiency and beam quality. Technically, fiber laser markers are primarily suited for marking metal and some types of plastic.
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HYBRID LASER MARKER
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Laser CO2
LASER MARKER CO2 lasers are an entry-level solution for laser marking on organic materials such as wood, glass, leather, cardboard, and some types of plastic. CO2 laser markers are also often used for cutting plastics, extruded plastic, and bonded plastic laminates.
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GREEN LASER
The green laser is the best for engraving plastics and recycled materials.
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UV LASER
Decidedly less efficient than green laser technology, UV sources are used to mark certain types of plastics, rubber, and silicone.
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MOPA PULSED LASERS
Pulsed lasers are characterized by the emission of high-energy laser light pulses over a short period of time. Typical industrial uses are for applications requiring high peak power or laser beam modulation.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT LASER MARKING MACHINE
Every laser application is different because the laser source is chosen based on the component to laser mark and the technical specification to comply. On a general basis, the choice of laser source is based on the following factors:
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MATERIAL
It's important to consider the material being marked.
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POWER
Laser power is a design parameter, on a general basis a greater power doesn't always guarantee better quality or faster processing. Contact us and we'll help you determine the right power!
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MARKING AREA SIZE
It's a mistake to assume that a large part requires a large marking area! The technically correct approach is to size the marking area based on the size of the area to be marked on the component! For the same laser source, the marking width is sized by choosing the right lens focal length.
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SAFETY
In any laser marking application, safety is a crucial consideration. Ensuring that the machine complies with safety regulations and the Machinery Directive is key.
SECTORS WHERE LASER MARKING MACHINES ARE OFTEN USED
Laser marking machines are used in many industrial sectors to produce high-quality, permanent markings on a wide variety of materials, such as:
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AUTOMOTIVE and EARTH MOVING MACHINERY
In the automotive sector, laser marking is frequently used to mark vehicles and components such as gears, transmissions, electric vehicle components, buttons, wheel rims, chassis, fastening systems, valves and injectors, brake discs, safety devices, and mechanical components with elements such as serial numbers, data matrix codes, QR codes, logos, and part numbers. As we will see in the dedicated section of this website dedicated to traceability, this use of laser marking ensures full product traceability, with obvious advantages for both component manufacturers, assembly companies, and end users, who are protected and benefit from higher product quality.
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AEROSPACE
In the aerospace industry, laser marking is used to mark components, critical parts that are critical to the proper functioning of complex systems, engines, and mechanical parts, facilitating product identification and traceability.