Laser Marking Technologies is a great option if you’re looking for a new method to mark metal parts. These technologies can create precise, high-quality marks without the use of ink or stencils. In addition, these technologies are fast, require no consumables, and offer an impressive ROI. Below are some of the benefits of laser-marking. These technologies are great for both manufacturing and assembly-line use. To learn more, read the rest of this article.
Fiber lasers
The use of fiber lasers in laser marking technologies has several advantages. These machines apply high contrast marks at extremely fast speeds, making them ideal for marking parts and products in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and food industries. The Videojet series is a series of fiber lasers that are specifically designed for this purpose. It provides code precision without affecting product aesthetics. They are compact, cost-effective and easy to integrate in existing facilities.
Fiber Lasers are able to mark non-metallic materials like plastic, unlike Nd:YAG and CO2 lasers. This type of marking is great for marking surfaces, creating smooth finishes for deep engravings and anealing medical devices. The MOPA laser arrangement of this laser has been optimized to produce high power output and high repetition rates. The laser’s high frequency allows for separate tuning to adjust the parameters. Consequently, it is a superior option for marking sensitive materials such as glass and plastics.
UV lasers
For marking delicate components, UV lasers are the best choice in laser marking technology. The Hunst Laser ET-UV3 has three power levels and can mark up 8000mm/s. The 500 ps pulse duration of the Hunst Laser ET-UV3 means it has high-contrast marking capabilities. This machine can also be easily integrated into production lines that have limited space. This type of laser also uses common design software.
The UV laser’s short wavelength is crucial for many applications. This includes marking synthetics and creating safety features for ID cards and credit cards. It penetrates materials quickly and effectively without causing any damage. Observing these chemical and physical transformations is simple, but requires a special magnification. The industry is working with UV laser manufacturers to develop new processes and improve on existing processes. Here are some of their recent accomplishments such as world’s fastest crossbow.
CO2 lasers
There are a few differences between CO2 and fiber lasers. CO2 lasers are more versatile, as they can cut through thicker materials. Unlike fiber lasers, which are limited to non-metallic applications, CO2 lasers are effective at marking a variety of materials. They are also less expensive than fiber lasers. Read on to learn the differences between CO2 lasers and fiber lasers.
Modern CO2 lasers produce a beam in a sealed glass tube filled with gas. The gas reacts with high voltage to increase its energy and produce light. CO2 lasers are used for cutting and welding, but they are less suitable for marking non-metallic materials. YAG lasers are similar to CO2 lasers, but use a crystal as a gain medium instead of a pump.
Inkjet
Inkjet and laser markers are used by industrial marking companies for marking purposes. Understanding how each one works will help you choose which one is best for your needs. Laser marking is permanent and does not require consumables. It also has a lower cost of ownership, since the marking process does not require any further processes. Inkjet is best suited for marking plastics, fabrics, and ceramics. Laser marking is most effective for marking metals.
Beam-steered fiber lasers have several important characteristics that affect their performance. They have different power density and contrast. This is because the laser manufacturer’s hardware and software can make a difference in how well the laser marks. The primary attribute of a fiber laser is the power density at the mark surface, not the raw output power of the laser. Beam-steered lasers also differ in the mode of the laser beam, which controls the speed of beam divergence and power distribution across the diameter of the beam.
Chemical etching
According to this website, both laser etching and chemical etched processes produce identical results, but chemical etching is quicker and can treat a greater number of parts at once. While laser etching can create intricate designs, it requires multiple passes to achieve the depth that chemical etching can accomplish. This allows the process to go from prototyping up to full-scale production in much less time. For larger production runs, chemical etching is a better choice.
In addition to producing identical results, chemical etching requires a wastewater filtration system and stencils. Additionally, it is less environmentally friendly than laser marking. Furthermore, using chemicals can present liability issues. Chemical etching requires a power outlet and space to park parts, but laser marking is environmentally friendly and is free of these costs. Laser etching can be used in place of chemical etching to reduce initial and ongoing costs.
