Permanent Marking Using Laser Marking Machine

By Author: Reena Gupta
Total Articles: 17
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ISO quality standards require that the parts in a machine assembly are traceable and appropriately marked for identification. Laser marking technology is one of the most reliable methods used for permanent marking. Laser marking technology can be completely automated and provides a very high level of control over component traceability. Laser marking is preferred for high-volume production requiring high speeds and accuracy. The impressions created by laser technology on the materials are precise, clear and easily readable to the human eye.

Laser technology: how it works?

The signal generated by using the laser technology is amplified in a fiber optic cable. This signal is then passed through a collimator that aligns the beam and reduces its diameter to 7mm and then made to enter the galvanometric head. The galvo head id built with two rotating mirrors that used to focus and direct the laser beam for fast and rigidly precise marking. At the final stage, a lens concentrates the signal’s power into a 30µm beam.

There are three types of reactions that happen in the material marked constituting three different ...
... processes:

1) Engraving: this creates a groove in the first layers of the material.
2) Annealing: In this reaction, the color of the target material is altered so that the contrast is enhanced.
3) Foaming: In this reaction, the coating aspect of the material is altered.

There are several types of Laser marking machine available:
The integrated laser systems available are built around a small marking head, which conveniently integrates in any position. The i103 I-g laser head that is fitted to the machine is controlled via a comprehensive command rack that includes a laser source, control board and security loops. The i103 I-g can operate in standalone mode. It can be connected directly to a PLC or from a computer through a dedicated software. The fiber unit is capable of managing up to four axes. This makes the machine very easy to handle and reliable.

The L-Box laser marking system caters to the need of vigorous hustle and bustle of industrial environment. The heavy power, pulsed wave ytterbium-doped fiber laser fitted into the machine are easy to handle for workers with only a little training in the technology. The machine is made of 100% solid steel making it extremely robust. The machine is very sleek to make it easy to handle. The ergonomically designed handle ensures user comfort by reducing fatigue. The machine has an integrated safety loop that automatically terminates the laser when the door is opened.

The XL- BOX system is specifically designed to cater to the needs of increased manufacturing and production lines. Its enhanced internal dimensions can accommodate larger sized components. The machine is entirely made of solid steel enabling the worker to work comfortably when loading and unloading the parts to be marked. The systems can be used to create deep or shallow markings of alphanumeric codes, 2-D data matrix codes and barcode on any type of metal and plastics.

The Laser technology is popular in industries like automotive, aerospace, metal working, medical & surgical, defense and oil & gas. This is essentially because laser technology is suitable for marking a wide variety of metals, plastics irrespective of hardness or surface textures. Laser technology has advantages over other means of permanent marking in being a state of art technology and being highly durable. Its operation in maintenance free and offers high contrast marking.