Laser Marking
Laser marking is the process of using a laser beam to create permanent marks on the surface of a part. Unlike traditional marking and pin marking, laser marking is a contactless form of marking. They emit light at different wavelengths and ultimately transfer heat to the surface of a part. This exchange of energy can result in a quick chemical reaction or a prolonged removal of material.
Common laser marking processes include heat marks, laser annealing, laser etching, laser ablation, and laser engraving. The main difference between these laser marking processes is the displacement of material and the resulting marking depth.
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This information will give you a better understanding of how laser marking machines work so you can determine if laser marking technology is the right choice for your part marking application.
Types of Laser Marks and Laser Marking Processes
Heat marks (also known as laser annealing) is a thermo-chemical reaction. The heat from the laser alters the color of the material resulting in a visible mark with no displacement of material. This is beneficial for industries like medical device manufacturers since it eliminates the possibility of surface grooves, preventing the potential for bacteria to grow.
Laser etching (also known as laser ablation) is a form of laser marking in which very little material is displaced. Marking depth for a laser etching application can be as little as one thousandth of an inch. Usually, laser etching involves the removal of a topcoat, such as anodizing, to exposes a lower layer of the material resulting in a contrasting mark.
Laser engraving removes material from the surface of a part usually measured in thousandths and hundredths of an inch. Deeper marks are possible with high power lasers, repeated marking passes, or longer marking cycle times. This process is ideal for parts that will experience a lot of wear, extreme temperatures, or for parts that will be painted or coated after.
All laser marks are achieved through dynamic laser machine software with an intuitive interface and graphic editor that is simple to navigate. The software allows for easy adjustment of laser power, frequency, and speed to achieve the type of laser mark desired. Laser marking can be done on almost any material including metals, plastics, and organics.
Types of Laser Sources
There are several types of laser sources used for laser marking. The most common are Fiber, YVO4, and CO2. Knowing which type of laser is best for your application depends on the type of material being marked and how that material will react to different wavelengths and wattages.
Fiber lasers are solid-state diode pumped lasers that utilize fiber optics. Fiber lasers are known for their high beam quality, efficiency, and reliability. They are ideal for marking a wide range of materials, including metals and some plastics.
YVO4 laser marking systems are diode pumped solid state lasers that use a doped yttrium orthovanadate crystal as their gain medium. YVO4 lasers are known for their high-power output and shorter wavelength. YVO4 lasers are particularly effective for marking certain types of materials, such as glass and sapphire, due to their high peak power and short pulse duration.
CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) lasers use electricity to stimulate carbon dioxide and other gases to produce a laser. They operate at the 10,600 nm wavelength and are mostly used for marking applications on plastics and other non-metallic materials. These lasers are largely used in food, drug, and alcohol packaging; integrated circuits; electrical appliances; mobile communications; and electronic components.
GT SCHMIDT offers a range of laser machines for all types of laser marking processes and applications. We offer both class 1 certified enclosure systems as well as open-source laser components with a variety of laser sources, wattages, and lens sizes. GTS laser machines can be equipped with standard accessories or custom options to help support the marking process and meet your specific application requirements.
What Are The Advantages of Laser Marking?
Laser marking offers several advantages. It is a precise, permanent, and versatile marking solution. It is able to mark parts without using any type of force or contact, making it safe to use on delicate, fragile parts. It is able to make a wide variety of marks such as text, data codes, and logos, and can produce more attractive marks than traditional marking and pin marking can. Laser marking machines can also be outfitted with a variety of accessories for more efficient and safer part marking.
Which Marking Technology is Right for You?
In addition to laser marking machines, we also offer pin marking and traditional marking. Not sure which marking technology will achieve your desired mark? Let us help. Our product identification specialists and engineers are experts in marking on a variety of materials and part sizes. We work closely with our customers to determine the best and most cost-effective marking method for their application. For more information, contact us today and tell us about your marking application.