3 Things to Know Before You Buy a Laser Marking Machine
Before buying laser marking machines, you should know what it is and the purpose it serves. Laser marking is an approach of labeling different things via a laser. It works on the principle that a laser beam alters the optical appearance of any surface it hits.
Once the laser beam is scanned, you can quickly write letters, symbols, any design, graphics, or bar codes. The method is easy, quick and simple and can be used even on moving workpieces.
There are different processes such as removing, engraving, foaming, and annealing. Depending on what the surface is and the quality you need, the procedures can be used.
#1 Benefits of Laser Marking Machine
Top-notch marking at consistent quality: As laser marking is a high precision, it can even engrave the most delicate graphics. Even the small geometries and tiny fonts are legible. Laser marking also ensures top-notch results.
Speed: Laser marking is the quickest marking procedures present in the market with efficient productivity and cost-effective benefits. According to the material structure and size, one can use laser sources such as fiber laser, galvo lasers, CO2 lasers, etc.
Durable: Laser marking is permanent and heat and abrasion-resistant. According to the laser parameter settings, specific materials can be used without harming the surface.
#2 Applications of laser marking machine:
Laser marking machine has a plethora of applications
- Adding numbers such as dates on food items or beverages
- Adding information about quality control
- Markings are done on electric components and circuit boards.
- Marking bar codes, logos
In comparison to its contemporaries like mechanical marking or inkjet printing, laser marking has several benefits like quick processing speeds, low cost of operation, consistently high quality, and long-lasting nature of the results.
#3 Different processes of laser marking machine
Annealing is a special kind of laser etching done on metals. The laser beam leads to an oxidation procedure below the surface of the material causing a change of color on the metal surface.
Laser engraving: In this, the surface of the material is melted and evaporated through the laser beam. The material gets removed and an impression made on the surface is the engraving.
Removing: In this, the topcoat is removed through the laser beam. It produces a contrast because of the different colors of the top and substrate layers.
Foaming: In this, the material is melted through the laser beam. The procedure involves the production of gas bubbles that reflect light diffusely. The marking is light in comparison to the areas which aren’t etched. This marking is done on dark plastics.
Carbonizing: It allows strong contrasts on vibrant materials. In this procedure, the laser heats the material surface and emits oxygen, hydrogen, or both. As carbonizing produces dark marks, the contrast is very low.
Color marking: It used MOPA fiber laser for marking colors on metallic surfaces.
3D marking: It is one of the latest processes of marking machines done via a software control optical expanded beam lens.
Hope the article clarifies all your queries about laser marking machines.
