Laser marking is a marking that uses light. Laser marking is a way to mark a surface using a concentrated beam of light permanently.
There are a variety of laser marking machines available, including fibre, pulsed, continuous wave, green, and UV laser machines. They are used for the following purposes:
- Announcement
- Climate change
- Exploration
- Illustration
- Embarrassment
In addition to leaving permanent traceability marks on steel, titanium, aluminium, copper, ceramic, plastic, glass, wood, and paper, laser marking is automated and processed at very high speeds. In addition to text (including serial numbers and part numbers), products and parts can be marked with machine-readable data (such as barcodes, Unique ID codes and 2D Data Matrix codes) and graphics.
HOW LASER MARKING WORK
An intense beam of light is used to mark a surface with laser marking. When the beam interacts with the material’s surface, it alters the material’s properties and appearance. This concentrated beam targets only a specified area, allowing the laser marking machine to create precisely, high quality, high-contrast marks that are easy to read or scan on virtually any surface. This feature makes laser marking ideal for applications where accuracy and permanency are critical to success.
LASER SCIENCE
The word LASER is actually an acronym for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. A laser beam begins as an atom that is stimulated to release particles of light. This light can be concentrated and directed toward a laser marking area. The energy that is released is measured in wavelengths or nanometers (NM). The higher the wavelength, the more influential the laser beam.
For example, a UV laser marker, which has a wavelength of around 355NM, offers a lower power for marking heat-sensitive materials such as plastic and glass. Because UV laser markers and other machines in the “cold laser” category emit less energy.
They are great solutions for many organic or soft products, as they are less likely to burn the material. On the other hand, a fibre laser operates at 1070NM, delivering significantly higher power to mark more complex materials, such as metal.
Compared to other non-permanent marking processes such as printing or labelling, laser marking uses no consumables and requires less maintenance. Our team also offers fast and reliable customer support, including two-hour response times and free marking samples, for maximum up-time and system productivity.
HOW TO USE A LASER MARKING MACHINE
There are several types of laser marking systems, and each operates slightly differently. The correct process to use the machine also depends on the material you’re working with and your application. MECCO offers a list of resources to help you operate your machine and troubleshoot any issues, from how-to videos to detailed documentation.
When using any laser marking machine, it’s important to follow all safety guidelines. Thanks to various preventative measures, including safety enclosure options, laser marking is a relatively safe process.
THE BENEFITS OF USING A LASER MARKER
Manufacturers can benefit from the laser marking process, whether essential part identification and branding or complete traceability to track and trace parts from the cradle to the grave. Direct part marking with a laser marking machine delivers durable, readable marks. The results of these high-quality marks include:
- Greater operational efficiency and productivity with less waste and downtime
- More visibility and accountability throughout the supply chain
- Minimized costly threats such as quality and counterfeiting issues
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations
Laser engravers for sale
These laser engraving machines will help you find the suitable laser:
- You can integrate custom solutions yourself or work with an integrator by looking at our OEM marking systems, including multiple types of lasers for industrial applications. These include CO2 lasers and fibre lasers.
- On our integrated laser machines page, you will find turnkey automated or semi-automatic laser solutions.
- Scroll through the list of metals to find information about the metal you want to mark.
- Whenever you need guidance, you can always consult an expert.
Is Laser Engraving Better Than Laser Etching?
Consider these three factors when selecting a laser marking process:
- A marking’s resistance: its ability to remain legible under harsh conditions
- Marking time: the laser marking speed that prevents production bottlenecks
- Marking material compatibility with marking method
Typically, laser engraving technology is used for engraving metal workpieces exposed to wear or surface treatments. Steel and aluminium (including anodized and die-cast aluminium) can be engraved using metal engraving.