A group of marking methods called laser marking is well-known for their long-lasting marks and broad material compatibility. Many businesses choose it over conventional marking methods like screen printing, stamping, and hand engraving because of its productivity, dependability, and efficiency.
With the marking laser system, manufacturers may permanently brand components and machinery with text, codes, pictures, and numbers without causing surface damage. Everything you need to know about laser marking systems and their use in the production of parts and products is covered in this article.
What Is Laser Marking?
A collection of non-contact marking methods called laser marking is used to permanently label the surface of a component. Because a laser marking machine generates the laser beam used in the marking system, it is a non-contact method.
The type of laser technology you use will determine how the laser marking procedure goes. All laser technologies may, however, leave long-lasting impressions on various materials.
How Does Laser Marking Work?
 Laser marking systems emit concentrated beams of light that contain high levels of energy to make a permanent mark. When a laser beam contacts a surface, its energy is transferred in the form of heat, generating black, white, and occasionally colorful markings.
The Science of Lasers Explained
The process known as LASER, which stands for “Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation,” produces laser beams.Â
First, energy is used to excite a particular substance, causing it to emit photons. The substance is subsequently stimulated once more by the recently emitted photons, producing an increasing number of photons. As a result, the laser cavity fills with an exponential amount of photons or light energy.
By utilizing mirrors, this energy accumulation is discharged as a single, coherent light beam that is aimed at its intended target. It can very precisely etch, engrave, or anneal surfaces, depending on the energy intensity.
Different Lasers to Mark Different Materials
Wavelengths, or nanometers (nm), are used to quantify the energy of laser light. Various laser kinds are the only ones capable of producing various wavelengths, which are utilized for diverse purposes.
Fiber lasers excite ytterbium, a rare-earth metal, to produce photons with a wavelength of 1,064 nm. This wavelength is perfect for marking metals since the substance absorbs a significant portion of its energy.
CO2 lasers produce wavelengths between 9,000 and 11,000 nm by stimulating CO2 gas, which is suitable for a variety of organic compounds that have varying wavelength requirements. Organic compounds are most frequently found at a wavelength of 10,600 nm.
The Benefits of Using a Laser Marker
Whether its basic component identification and branding or full traceability to monitor and identify items from cradle to grave, manufacturers may profit greatly from the laser marking process. Using laser marking equipment for direct part marking produces legible, long-lasting markings. The outcomes of these excellent grades consist of:
- Increased productivity and operational efficiency with less waste and downtime
- Increased accountability and transparency across the whole supply chain
- Reduced expensive risks like poor quality and counterfeiting
- supervised adherence to industry rules
Final Thoughts
Laser marking is the best and most popular marking method for producing clear, crisp, and long-lasting marks on various materials. They are more user-friendly and better than the outdated, conventional marking techniques. This article discusses the procedure and why they are the best choices for various sectors. We hope this post helped you to know more about laser marker machines.
(FAQs)
Which materials can be marked with a laser?
Laser markers may leave lasting traces on most metals, polymers, ceramics, glass, rubber, and silicon. Additionally, they can engrave on rare jewels like sapphires, diamonds, and rubies.
What are the applications of laser marking?
Laser marking is widely used in industry for part identification and traceability. Manufacturers may label items with logos, bar codes, production dates, and expiration dates using a laser marker. Consequently, the food, medical, aerospace, automotive, and electrical sectors employ laser marking technology.
Does the marking wear off?
No, it doesn’t. Permanent marks are left on a material’s surface by laser markings. On rare circumstances, though, and in harsh environments, the scars may disappear when the surface of the substance is removed.
