What is Laser Marking and Engraving Machines?
Laser marking is the method of marking visible characters or codes onto the surface of a part with minimal or no penetration into the surface of the material.
Conversely, laser engraving is when we use a laser to produce information with significant penetration below the surface of the material. Laser marking, or engraving, uses a focused beam of light to create permanent marks on a surface.
Varieties of laser types can complete this task (e.g for example: fiber lasers, CO2 lasers, pulsed lasers, or continuous wave lasers)
Laser marking (or engraving) is used to create permanent mark labels on surfaces by using a concentrated light beam. The laser system to be used for marking/engraving, will consist of pieces that include an oscillator, scanning mirror, and focusing lens.
How Laser Marking and Engraving Machines Operate?
Laser marking technology relies on focusing beams of high-energy light to make permanent marks on the surfaces of components. This focused energy is actually focused light energy that is transported to the surface of the material by mirrors.
When the energy beam hits the material, heat energy is transferred to the material and changes the properties of the material, along with the materials unique appearance. Depending on the energy levels, the laser can engrave, etch, anneal or discolor the target material surface.
The focused laser beam provides high contrast and marks are of good quality, which allows it to mark specific areas of material, while ensuring that the marks are readable and scannable. Because of its accuracy, durability and versatility, laser marking can perform well across a wide variety of applications.
Considerations for Selecting Laser Marking and Engraving Machines
- The first consideration is the material to be marked. Materials can be of two types; organic and non-organic. Organic materials would be things like wood, glass, plastic, and paper. Non-organic materials would be metals, steel, and cast aluminum, basically anything that would spark in a microwave.
- Once you have identified the material, you also need to consider the look of the mark. Is there a desired depth to the mark? Is there a required contrast? Marks can be placed to create a dark, or a frosted mark. To ensure a vision system will read a barcode clearly, for example, you might specify frosted marks with dark lettering. In the final appearance of the user’s project, the specific situation will rely on a number of factors.
- Safety: It’s important to consider the location the engraving machine will be installed. Is it in its own secured spot, or on a shop floor near operators? Will it be taking over another technology (i.e. an inkjet)? If it is being set up for an open floor, the laser supply should help with establishing a Class I laser safety system, which would have a laser safe enclosure, warning lights, and lasers safe doorway curtains. A small laser workstation has a Class I safety enclosure combined with a laser source. For a Class IV laser, the room must meet safety standards. Safety must include protective eyewear, warnings signs, and key switches to activate.
What materials and techniques are used in laser marking and engraving?
Materials Used for Laser Engraving and Marking
Metal
Metal surface laser marking and engraving has become one of the most common applications for industrial manufacturing, product identification, and traceability.
Lasers effectively vaporize coatings on metals like stainless steel, aluminum, copper, brass, and titanium, making laser engraving of serial numbers, barcodes, company logos, and QR codes effective on these cumbersome and durable surfaces.
The laser either removes the coating on the surface or oxidizes the surface of the metal itself for a lasting, high contrast mark that makes it perfect for applications in the aerospace, automotive, and electronics industries where long-lasting, and often highly precise identification is required.
The primary attribute of metal marking and engraving by lasers is that the process is non-contact, wear resistant, and chemical free while maintaining compliance and regulatory requirements.
Wood
Wood is a multifunctional medium for many types of laser cutting, marking, and engraving methods, which is why it is so popular with artists, architects, and artisans.
Provided the proper power and speed settings of the laser marker, many types of wood, such as plywood, MDF, hardwoods, and cardboard can be laser cut and engraved without fires and with little charring.
Wood is a great substrate to engrave because when it is laser engraved, it produces very sharp, more permanent marks that do not fade, making it an excellent material to utilize when developing custom signage, awards, decorative panels, customized gifts, and branded giveaways.
Furthermore, the latest laser-cutting and marking technologies enable a very high degree of resolution and accurately create the same detailed marks with each repeated session while supporting endless ideas across many custom woodwork applications such as furniture design or product packaging.
Marble and Granite
Granite and marble are well-suited for laser engraving elaborate images, memorial plaques, signage, and commemorative headstones; therefore, granite and marble can create a good contrast while providing permanence.
Black granite or black marble works particularly well, with intrinsic contrast that does not require color filling or coloring the final engraving; thus, the high-contrast stone appears color white or dark gray.
In addition, because granite is more durable and has a higher Mohs hardness rating (granite 7; marble 3), granite is suited for outdoor applications where one is subject to weather conditions while utilizing the laser engraving at higher than normal rates of use.
Marble, with its unique texture and veining, is a classic design option in indoor space, awards, and artistic pieces. Laser engraving on stone is used primarily for architectural uses, complex outdoor dedications because the designs and inscriptions are graceful and weather-resilient.
Glass
Laser engraving can be used on a variety of glass products, including wine bottles, drink ware, trophies, mirrors, vases, and promotional items.
Many famous breweries, wineries, and glass companies utilize laser engraving machines to place a permanent logo, artwork, or personal information directly onto the glass to create updated glass merchandise.
A significant benefit of glass laser marking is the ability to achieve a frosted, etched effect in fine detail that is very consistent, enhancing value and uniqueness in customized products.
Careful control of the laser settings is needed to prevent chipping or thermal cracks that may cause shredding or thermal cracks in the glass.
The latest laser technology guarantees clean, crisp, and aesthetically pleasing results, making laser marking a superior method of branding for glass items, whether it is for creating personalize products, small batch products, or large production possibilities with full industrial glass style marking capabilities.
Fabric
Laser engraving has proven to be effective across a variety of textiles, both natural and synthetic, such as cotton, microfiber, polyester, denim, felt, twill, lycra, velvet, and fleece. Cotton and microfiber are frequently chosen for their uniformity and very good performance.
The CO2 laser machines or fiber laser systems provide excellent fine control to fabricators, apparel designers, and branders to generate precise and repeatable logos on fabrics with high-quality clearance, detailed logos, and intricate patterns.
When laser engraving cotton, it is advisable to use a tightly woven fabric (to minimize excess threads) as loose threads can affect engraving quality. Laser marking is a very quick, contact free and an efficient sustainable solution that will not significantly distort or waste material.
This good use of laser technology is widespread in fashion, clothing/sportswear, branded corporate uniforms, upholstery, automotive interiors, and custom promotional items. The general practice of laser engraving samples is always recommended prior to full production runs.
Samples of the fabric should be burned to optimize the machine settings and minimize damage to the material (typically if the textiles are very delicate or prone to damage from heat).
Acrylic
Acrylic sheets, or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), are strong, lightweight, and shatter resistant, making them an excellent alternative to glass. PMMA can be manufactured using either cast or extruded methods, and both manufacture methods produce varying results with laser engraving.
Cast acrylic, when engraved, produces a bright icy white, contrasting against the transparent base sheet, and is optimal for illuminated signs, plaques, LED displays, and decorative panels.
Extruded acrylic is generally clear when engraved; therefore, it is less distinguishable because of less contrast, but it offers good laser cutting features due to its uniform consistency.
For cast acrylic, the method of mirror reverse engraving (which is reversing the image and engraving from the back side of the sheet) offers an impressive, look-through effect that has commonly used for point of sale displays, trophies, and museum displays.
Another method in order to achieve engravings involves using paint then laser engraving the surface and letting the layers be revealed for colorful, multi layered artwork.
Chemical etching and rotary tools can be used on acrylic in addition to laser engraving; however, laser engraving is most favored for the speed, safety of the user, detailing precision, and possible wear of the tool.
Laser technology will cut and mark smoothly and precisely on model for architecture, retail displays, and custom designs for interior signage including.
Bricks and Stones
Bricks, stones, and ceramics are suitable materials for laser engraving when permanently marking high-durability outdoor surfaces, including donor recognition bricks, garden walkways, park benches, commemorative plaques, and architectural signage.
Laser-engraved bricks are weatherproof and abrasion-resistant, and are clear and readable for many years after donor recognition and typically very affordable. Laser engraved bricks are common in community fundraisers, universities, governments, and public displays.
Lasers have distinct advantages over sandblasting materials that are brittle, unreproducible, labor intensive involving multiple tools, unprecise, and potential to damage while creating text and image designs.
Additionally, laser engraving allows design-design including complicated designs including custom text and image size and logo engraving without petrifying or breaking the substrate.
Prior to lasers, most businesses depended on sandblasting to engrave stone. In the current time, natural stone can be processed much faster and more efficiently with automated laser ablation technology, which provides a clean, dust-free vapourized stone end product, that is computer controlled and delivered in both large-scale replicable runs, and unique smaller runs.
Laser engraved stone offers crisp details in contrast for long term and durable cut markings and engraved designs for both indoor and outdoor use from branding to lasting memorials.
Laser Engraving Techniques
Laser Engraving
The process of laser engraving takes place when focused high-powered laser beams vaporized specific areas of material from the workpiece to create an incredible permanent mark with high accuracy and contrast (Nist, 2021).
Permanent applications where the standard is proper finish and permanent are where laser engraving excels, such as product serialization, component traceability, engraving trophies, and labeling industrial parts.
Laser engraving is compatible with many substances such as metals, plastics, ceramics, glass, leathery, and composites. Laser engraving typically does not rely on consumables supplies, contributing to lower operational costs.
Luaer engraving may trail variable data marking capabilities for traceability. Laser engraving is useful for its accuracy, speed, and repeatability, especially in high volume applications, because of its non-contact method and computer controlled/recorded process that lessens operation variance.
Laser Etching
Laser etching is a versatile marking method which utilizes focused lasers in a rapid manner to heat/melt the material surface in the desired areas, and creates a shallow or raised mark.
The heating process and generating thermal impact to the surface changes the properties of the material, which may change the color and create lasting marks in a white, gray, or black color.
Laser etching is often utilized to create sirial numbers, data matrix codes, logos, and barcodes for inventory and compliance reasons. Laser etching is ideal for marking metals including stainless steel, aluminum, magnesium, and coated pieces, as well as some plastics and ceramics.
Laser Ablation
Laser ablation utilizes highly accurate, efficient technologies to remove paint, coatings, or any contamination from the exterior surface of a substrate.
The laser ablation process is useful where surface cleaning, paint removal, rust removal, micro-patterning, etc. occur in the Aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, and electronics industries.
Laser ablation allows for the quick production of high-resolution barcodes, more durable supply and inventory identification marks, decorative graphics, etc.
By preparing, cleaning, or removing surface coatings, laser ablation allows manufacturers to proceed with their production processes without using chemical or abrasive products.
The non-contact nature of laser ablation, combined with its relatively easy automation, provides an impressive opportunity to create a consistent, reproducible, and productive process within industrial manufacturing.
Rotary Laser Engraving
This method employs a single or multi-fluted rotary cutting tool to remove material from cylindrical or flat metal parts and create grooves or incised characters with exposed core material. Rotary engraving can produce of precise, deep cuts.
Ideal for marking metal plates, trophy plaques, jewelry, electrical panels, nameplates, and industrial tags, rotary engraving can be used for two-dimensional or three-dimensional designs, and you can vary the depths or effects by choosing an appropriate tool and using an adjustable spindle speed.
Rotary engraving systems are still the predominant systems in industries that require particularly deep or tough markings, such as aerospace, oil and gas, or military situations, but they require appendage tooling and maintenance.
A key element of rotary engraving is that it is able to produce designs from simple to very complex forms and it has an ability to create a wide variety of letter sizes and styles, making the process flexible and robust.
The process of rotary engraving also requires a wide variety of specialized cutting tools, its resultant processes require steady maintenance, and parts require cleaning after processing.
Diamond-Drag Scratch Engraving
Diamond-drag engraving employs a cone-tipped diamond tool that does not rotate, allowing it to score or scratch the surface of the treated or soft metals with detail.
The engraving tool travels across the surface of the workpiece, creating a permanent mark through thin line detail while the stroke width remains uniform.
The diamond-drag engraving process is often used when custom engraving of jewelry, trophy engraving, engraving on glassware, and personalizing awards and trophies are a priority because of its ability to create small fancy text and simple graphics.
The benefits of the scratch engraving process include high speed, cost effectiveness, and the ability to engrave complex scripts in softer metals, such as gold, silver, brass, and aluminum.
Although the width of the stroke is restricted and the depth of the detail may not reach that of rotary engraving or laser engraving, diamond-drag engraving is ideal where fine markings requiring a delicate touch need to be cut—such as for watches, badges and nameplates.
Laser Marking
Discoloration
This process depends on the ability of the laser to accurately remove layers from a workpiece so the lesser contrasting layer underneath is visible.
When the top layer vaporizes quickly, a noticeable color change occurs, creating a high-contrast mark that is durable, an ideal option for labeling, brand marking, and identification marking.
Discoloration marking works well with coated metals like anodized aluminum and painted steel, as well as laminated films, foils, and plastics.
Users of discoloration marking are common in electronics, medical devices, automotive parts, and packaging, due to its fast, clear, and high wear resistant marks.
Laser Annealing
Laser annealing is a marking approach that is also a non-ablative process. Instead of removing material to create contrasts on a surface, it relies on the application of local laser heat to induce color changes below the surface of metals.
Laser annealing is commonly applied to stainless steel, titanium, chrome, and similar “passivated” metal finishes. The laser does not ablate any material, but forms permanent marks – which are also resistant to rust as a result of the annealing – that can withstand sterilization, autoclaving, and high organized cleaning efforts.
The ability to create highly contrasting, abrasion resistant markings resulting from laser annealing, while preserving critical surfaces of bass personnel, is considered an industry standard across very stringent medical devices, surgical devices, food processing equipment and aerospace hardware.
Laser annealing is considered superior in regulated industries where durability and trace-ability requirements of durable marks produced through anodized or solvent marking stamps or alterations are non-issue.
Carbon Migration
Carbon migration, which is also called carbonizing or carbonization, is a laser marking technique assessed from the technology perspective whereby a laser produces localized heat which either causes a carbonized reaction or a melt mark.
The localized heat provided by the laser activates the molecular reaction which cleaves the molecular bonds that produce byproducts from the original material.
The gases such as oxygen and hydrogen are emitted from the organic and/or synthetic material to provide the dark, high contrast mark of the original material that is shades of gray or blue-gray (most effective on light color plastics), particularly effective used in marking leather, paper, wood, foams, and metal.
Carbon migration is most commonly used in packaging, branding, leatherworking, and flexible electronics as it changes the surface chemistry of the material creating a method of identification that is permanent and fade resistant.
Comparatively, carbon migration is less advantageous and/or useful when used with dark substrates as the contrast to provide a mark may be poor.
Foaming
Foaming is a specialized laser marking method for specific plastics and polymers. The laser melts the material from the surface layer down, resulting in lots of small gas-filled bubbles.
As the melted area cools, and the bubbles oxidize, a raised, light-colored mark is created, which has considerable contrast with the plastic’s original dark color.
Foaming marks are ideal for permanent and easily readable marks on housings for consumer electronics, automotive components, appliance controls, and medical packaging.
Additionally, as foaming creates marks without the removal of surface material, it uniquely provides opportunities to create tactile indicators, safety instructions, and durable identification features on plastic components.
What are the different types of laser marking and engraving machinery?
Fiber Laser Markers and Engravers
Fiber laser marking and engraving machines are versatile, state-of-the-art machines that are essential for production marking and permanent IDs. Fiber laser engravers use the latest in solid-state technology to mark, engrave or etch many metals, and some plastics.
The variability in depths of engraving allows both the wattage of the laser and time on target, facilitating flexibility for industries that have different applications.
Although there are cases where fiber laser systems have longer processing times on metals with significant reflectivity or thickness, fiber lasers may also not always produce deep engraving results on very hard metals.
For surface laser marking, fiber laser markers usually use power levels of 20 to 30 watts; this lower power level creates crisp, marked surfaces with excellent contrast on metallic surfaces for serial numbers, bar codes, QR codes, and logos.
When it is switched to 50 watts, or greater, it can deep engrave surfaces as well — this is useful for part numbering and traceability in industries such as aerospace, automotive and electronics manufacturing.
Fiber lasers utilize a ytterbium-doped fiber that emits laser light in the near-infrared spectrum (1,090 nm). The wavelength of the fiber laser is well suited for directly marking and engravings on metals such as aluminum, brass, copper, stainless steel, titanium, and precious metals.
The laser beam quality produces fine resolution engravings with very small spot sizes down to 20 microns make it doable to engrave very intricate designs.
Fiber lasers are efficient as well, allowing for larger marking areas and larger scanning lenses and fields, making batch productions or marking small precision components at high throughput more practical.
Due to their low maintenance, low overall cost, and efficiency, fiber laser marking systems generally exceed traditional engraving methods and are more effective than CO2 lasers for most metal marking needs.
With their monochromatic light, consistent use, and broad material marking capabilities covering anodized aluminum, titanium, and a variety of coated metals, they are complementary to industries requiring permanent traceability, anti-counterfeiting measures, and product labeling compliance.
Fiber laser technology can be used for both direct part marking and surface treatment, and does not employ consumables like inks or chemicals and allows permanent signatures in a clean, eco-friendly manner.
Most modern fiber laser engravers are supported by simple programs that can easily be integrated into automated production lines for regulatory compliance, batch identification, and serialization.
For these reasons fiber laser technology is often seen in industries like medical device manufacturing; defense; electronics; automotive and tool making; and jewelry.
CO2 Laser Markers and Engravers
CO2 laser marking products use sealed-tube equipment or glass-tube systems. These products are very reliable and often very efficient in industrial laser coding applications.
CO2 laser engravers are designed primarily for non-metal materials (with metals being a notable exception) and use an infrared beam (wavelength around 10.6 μm) to mark and engrave organic substrates.
Their non-contact marking process produces a permanent mark on a wide range of surfaces including packaging, plastics, wood, textiles, leather, paper, glass, ceramics, and rubber.
CO2 lasers are also ideal for marking packaging for food and beverage, medical, and pharmaceutical products, where products called lot codes, expiration dates, and barcodes are essential for permanent and readable markings.
CO2 lasers also see extensive applications in electronics for marking printed circuit boards (PCBs), integrated circuits (ICs), and component housings.
There are certain circumstances where the CO2 laser can provide deep, intense engravings (not just for marking) on non-metallic materials just by using an output wattage of 30, 50, or 100-watts maximum. Some companies will offer custom designs using CO2 laser engraving for logos or signs from a large format.
CO2 laser technology represents a low-cost option for high-speed, contactless marking applications, especially where organic or natural products are involved.
Because no consumables are used and if engineered correctly, they will require very little maintenance (reduced labour and parts), CO2 lasers significantly reduce the operating costs and support sustainability efforts in the marking and engraving industry.
UV Laser Markers
UV (ultraviolet) laser marking systems are powered by a 355 nm wavelength and they have the unique ability of “cold marking” them minimizing heat input during marking.
This means when marking you will not distort or damage the material. This is important because in applications that need high contrast, the umbilical materials are often fragile, and conventional lasers will damage the material.
Heat sensitive and fragile materials such as plastics (e.g. ABS, PVC, PET), glass, silicon, ceramics, medical products, and thin films are excellent candidates for UV lasers.
The minimal heat vs. ultra-fine spot size of UV laser systems allows for micro-marking, micro-engraving, and fine part identification with exceptional precision.
Therefore, UV lasers are essential in many industries that require micro-engrave real estate such as electronics (e.g. “board component marking”), medical device manufacturing (e.g. “coding syringes/catheters”), and security (e.g. “ID card personalization,” “anti-counterfeiting marks”).
Green Laser Markers
Green laser marking equipment utilizes a green beam (wavelength 510-570 nm) optimally used in applications with reflective materials or sensitive substrates that require marking high quality.
They emit typically 5-10 W of power, can have excellent results when marking gold, copper, silver, and silicon wafers. They mark electronic parts that would likely absorb too much power from invisible light sources, therefore, relying on the visible happenstance.
Green lasers have optimal absorption and negativity to thermal loading, allowing more maximum throttle, while still producing fine high-resolution marks without damage and deformation.
Applications abound in semiconductor manufacture, electronics, medical device manufacture, and microelectronics – significant for cultivating markable legacy in chart long-form, creating and codifying programs in assignment with data patterns, Bar codes, and QR codes.
Green lasers are present in every current industry – biomedical instrumentation, microscopy, digital projection systems (RGB), spectroscopy, and other even scientific investigations.
Uniquely, the ultrahigh reflectivity of metals as an aspect of high absorption creates opportunities that make for more productive processing performance with a significantly lower power supply footprint. Here are some examples:
- Argon Green Lasers: Argon ion lasers emit a very intense green light around 514.5 nm. These are commonly found in scientific research, spectroscopy, and advanced medical imaging, where high amounts of green output are necessary. As with all lasers, argon ion lasers produce a lot of power, but they are rather inefficient considering the amount of electrical power used and also require an advanced cooling system or high-heat capacity.
- Green Laser Diodes: Laser Diodes are relatively complicated to manufacture and only provide a limited output for a limited duration. Nevertheless, due to advances in laser diodes and semiconductor engineering, green laser diodes are being used for marking, pointing devices, and display technologies as they become available.
- Erbium-Doped Lasers: Erbium-doped laser fibers and crystals, as mentioned, can produce very high quality, narrow green beams (around 550 nm) and are used in photonics, scientific instrumentation, and micro-lithography.
- Gas (He-Ne) Laser: Gas lasers are widely, used with red sources of light, but they also emit other frequencies such as green at 543.5 nm. Green lasers are also useful in some very high precision alignment or interferometry applications.
- Copper Vapor Lasers: Peak powers are generated at 510.6 nm with a pulse duration of about nanoseconds. Copper vapor lasers have laser pulses with high peak power green pulses used in micro-machining, bar-code inscription, and in scientific studies or experiments.
YAG Laser Markers
Nd:YAG (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet) laser markers are celebrated for their small, portable characteristics, fast, and precise metal marking capabilities.
The laser systems can marks on thin sheet metals, aluminum anodized surfaces, steel, and similar coated or plated metals without warping, which you will find invaluable in watchmaker, jewelry cladding, auto parts, aerospace and other relevant industries.
Because of the fine bestected light generated, you could mark areas with fairly unknown and permanent markings. These will be also suitable for engraving dataplates, handtools, and tags where applicable, especially those needing durable finish and visible identification.
MOPA Laser Engravers
MOPA (Master Oscillator Power Amplifier) laser engravers represent the next evolutionary step forward in pulsed fiber laser technology.
By combining a seed laser (oscillator) with a power amplifier, MOPA technology gives users the ability to precisely manipulate pulse duration and pulse frequency, creating marking quality unlike anything seen with any other type of laser technology, as well as color marking, and the ability to mark on difficult materials.
With MOPA engraving lasers, users can control pulse duration and frequency much better than traditional Q-Switched lasers; MOPA technology can produce a much larger range of pulse frequencies and durations.
This also allowed MOPA lasers to engrave and achieve high-contrasting marks on metals, color laser engraving on stainless steel, and repeatable results on anodized aluminum.
An example of a unique capability of MOPA fiber lasers is annealing, or the ability for complete use of oxidation-based color marking on stainless-steel parts and tools, which raises the potential for traceability and branding use cases.
Although full 350nm and 532nm laser welding often purposely removes material, annealing leaves material intact and surface structurally unchanged.
With the use of MOPA technology, enhancing corrosion resistance – a critical aspect of medical device, aerospace component, and automotive component manufacturing where manufacturers are concerned about rust and wear resistance – directly results.
Additionally, with lower heat input and targeted energy delivery, MOPA laser markers are suitable for applications with minimal thermal effect, such as the marking of barcodes, serial numbers, or logos on medical/surgical instruments, electronic housings, and other sensitive components.
The MOPA approach allows for marking that mitigates the substrate from being ruined, delivers a high-speed speed and legibility, and is the most precise method on the market.
Laser Coding Machines
Laser coding machines are a common category of marking systems that employ the use of lasers to print variable data (serialization, batch/lot numbers, expiry dates) onto packaging, parts, and products.
These high speed coders are implemented in modern production lines using methods such as ablation, deep engraving, and surface-etching to produce indelible, permanent marks.
Laser ablation removes some form of paint or coating from the outer surface of packaging or parts, exposing a contrasting material underneath to produce highly readable codes yet maintains the integrity of the underlying substrate.
Laser engraving, on the other hand, alters the surface in a physical way to create durable codes, symbols, or barcodes that ensure readability in difficult manufacturing, logistics, and field environments.
Laser coding is durable, non-contact, and environmentally friendly which enables compliance with worldwide regulations and traceability specifications of customers across industries such as consumer packaged goods (CPG), pharmaceuticals, electronics, and automotive manufacturing.
The two most common laser coding technologies are vector marking and dot matrix marking:
Vector Marking
Vector laser marking produces complex, high-resolution codes and graphics. In this method, a focusing lens, dual axis galvanometer (rotating mirrors), and scanning controller build the artwork point by point.
While vector marking is not the fastest or most energy efficient method, it is preferred to mark logos, graphics, serial numbers.. or UDI (Unique device Identifier) codes where clarity, accuracy, and permanence are the most important .
Dot Matrix Marking
Dot matrix laser marking employs a high-speed rotating polygon and synchronously driven scanning optics to create alphanumeric text, batch codes, or simple logos with a matrix style pattern quickly.
Dot matrix marking has a lower resolution than vector marking this method can be very beneficial in high-volume packaging and Manufacturing environments where marking speed, traceability, and cost are the foremost considerations.
When selecting laser marking and laser engraving equipment remember to consider your application requirements, substrate material, production speed, and compliance requirements.
Having a good understanding of the laser technologies and marking methods available to you today such as fiber lasers, CO2 lasers, UV lasers, green lasers, YAG lasers, MOPA lasers & laser coding techniques etc., will help to ensure complete success in developing a system for promoting permanent identification, traceability, security, and brand equity.
Advantages of Laser Marking and Engraving Machinery
- Many of the methods that utilize chemicals and inks for marking, such as inkjet and chemical etching, frequently use consumables that are expensive and can generate hazardous vapors that are not healthy. In comparison, laser marking requires no consumables. This means laser marking is clean, efficient, and environmentally friendly. Because it is a non-contact marking method, yet another sizable advantage of laser marking is that it allows a clean processing and avoids contamination of the work material. Compared to other marking/printing methods, laser marking has almost no material penetration, and does not compromise the integrity of the material.
- Lasers are capable of no-contact marking. Since there is no mechanical wear between the workpiece and the laser marking system, downtime and maintenance are guaranteed to be at a minimum. And little maintenance is required by the user to remove any accumulated dust from the serviced mirrors.
- Marks made by lasers typically are at least very good contrast, and permanent. These markings are typically abrasion, heat, and acid resistant as well as being water resistant and fade resistant. Thus these are any areas where laser marking is the best choice for permanent marking that could use a high degree of accuracy on product tracing and no fade concern.
- Laser marking uses a combination of computer and laser technology enables fast realization of products and saved time. The most modern graphic design technologies allow users to render graphics on computers. Traditional marking techniques include various equipment that adds even additional processing time to manufacture a product. But with laser marking machines, the user just needs to send a command to complete the task very quickly. Overall, this technology is a great option to reduce time in preparing to make a product, accelerate processing, and result in significant cost and time savings for the user.
- Every laser marking machine has the potential to mark a number of different materials, and there are many types of laser marking machines. If, for example, organic materials like papers, wood, and a number of plastic polymers were on the mark list, CO2 lasers will emit great markings. Likewise, Nd: YAG and fiber lasers work well with a variety of grades of metals (i.e. steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloys, etc.). In addition, UV lasers can mark plastics, glass, and ceramics.
- Laser markers can easily be used to mark a full product batch of a specific design in mass production system. This marking method makes it easy to add markings in one particular process step into a production line in an efficient manner. Additionally, the repeatability is reliable, accelerating turn-around times and better aesthetically appealing products.
Disadvantages of Laser Marking and Engraving Equipment
- A proficient user will utilize a laser engraver to its potential, creating top quality markings. Thus, costs of ownership is greatly increased due to the increase in knowledge utilization, especially for marking quality is dependent on proficiency.
- Marking machines are consistently higher in price than other marking system equipment. Engraving machines cost a lot to run and maintain. This cost indicates that if you are employing an engraving machine, you will be making a solid initial and ongoing investment. Once you consider outsourcing to a laser engraving service, it is advisable due to the higher costs in associated running and maintenance costs.
- The marking process lets out bad chemicals and vapors. Thus, the user requires good ventilation and a properly fitted safety system to create a safe working area.
Maintenance of Laser Marking and Engraving Machines
- Cleaning Lenses and Mirrors: Cleaning the optics (mirrors & lenses) every week is one of the best ways to care for a laser engraver to ensure that it is performing at its best. The mirrors & lens can become obstructed with smoke, glue, and other contaminants which reduce the output of the laser, and can also damage the optics. Cleaning the optics simply requires a quality cotton swab and optics cleaner. It is a simple task to pull out and clean the lens, and mirror, as one assembly, from the machine. After wetting the swab with cleaner, dab the optic. After each dab, rotate the swab to expose clean cotton onto the surface until the optic is free of visible contamination. Once you have finished with the swab, get a new one to finish cleaning, and gently dab without rubbing anything too hard so that you do not damage the optics. Once you are completed with the cleaning of the optics, allow them to dry before using the engraving machine.
- Clean the Crumb Tray: The crumb tray is part of the laser engraver that is used to catch any small pieces that may drop through the machine’s vector cutting table while it is being used. The crumb tray sits under the vector table, and it should always be kept clean, and the debris that drops through the table should be emptied regularly. To clean the crumb tray, open the front access door to the laser, slide out the crumb tray from the front of the machine, and dispose of the debris. If the crumb tray is not kept clean, the build-up of soot and debris may eventually cause a fire hazard.
- Vent Maintenance: Just like any machine that is used all the time, the vents of laser engravers will accumulate dust and other contaminants, and must be cleaned regularly for the engraver to function properly. To clean the engraver’s vent, use a flexible plastic or wire brush that can fit into the vent. The downdraft ports will require a similar method to clean.