Laser Marking Machine

Introduction

A laser marking machine uses a focused laser beam to create permanent marks on a wide range of materials. These marks can include text, numbers, logos, barcodes, and complex graphics. The marking process can involve engraving (material removal), annealing (color change), foaming, or carbonization, depending on the material and laser type.

Types of Product

• Fiber Laser Marking Machines: (As discussed previously) Most common, versatile for metals and many plastics.
• CO2 Laser Marking Machines: Ideal for organic materials (wood, paper, leather, fabrics), glass, ceramics, and some plastics.
• UV Laser Marking Machines: "Cold" marking process, suitable for heat-sensitive materials, plastics, glass, and very fine marking, offering high precision without thermal stress.
• Green Laser Marking Machines: Good for highly reflective materials (gold, silver, copper) and some sensitive plastics.
• Desktop Laser Markers: Compact units for small-scale production or labs.
• Portable Laser Markers: Lightweight, handheld or wheeled units for on-site marking.
• Integrated Laser Markers: Designed to be built into automated production lines.
• Galvo-Type Laser Markers: Use galvanometer mirrors for high-speed beam steering, most common for marking.
• Gantry-Type Laser Markers: Move the laser head over a large area, often for cutting or large-format marking.

Applications, Technology in Various Industries

• Manufacturing: Product traceability, serialization, branding, anti-counterfeiting on components, tools, automotive parts, medical devices, and electronics.
• Jewelry: Engraving intricate designs, personalization on precious metals.
• Medical Devices: UDI (Unique Device Identification) on surgical instruments, implants, and pharmaceutical packaging.
• Electronics: Marking PCBs, integrated circuits, connectors, phone casings.
• Automotive & Aerospace: Permanent identification on critical parts for safety and traceability.
• Packaging: Marking batch codes, expiration dates, barcodes on various packaging materials.
• Promotional Products: Personalizing gifts, pens, keychains, etc.
• Technology: Key components include a laser source (fiber, CO2, UV), a galvanometer scanning head (for beam steering), a focusing lens, and control software. The software allows for designing the mark, controlling laser parameters (power, speed, frequency, pulse width), and often integrates with databases for variable data marking.

Material Selection Considerations

• Fiber Lasers: Excellent for all types of metals (stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper, gold, silver, titanium) and many plastics (ABS, polycarbonate, nylon, PET).
• CO2 Lasers: Best for organic materials (wood, paper, cardboard, leather, fabrics), acrylic, glass, ceramics, rubber, and some plastics (e.g., POM).
• UV Lasers: Ideal for heat-sensitive materials (some plastics that discolor with other lasers), glass, ceramics, silicon wafers, certain medical plastics. Provides very fine, high-contrast marks.
• Green Lasers: Suitable for highly reflective materials (gold, silver, copper, silicon) and some plastics that don't react well to other wavelengths.
• Material Properties: The laser type and parameters are chosen based on the material's absorption characteristics at specific wavelengths, its thermal properties, and the desired marking effect (engraving depth, contrast, color change).