Learn 5 Types of Laser Marking Machines in 10 Minutes
Laser marking is an innovative technology that can be used in a wide range of applications.
It can be used in many ways, including engraving, annealing and foaming, as well as staining, removing, and staining.
Most people worry about choosing the right technique and machine for every application.
Because different surfaces require different machinery, different designs have been created for different purposes.
Heatsign Marking will help you identify the right machine for you.
What is Laser Marking?
Laser marking refers to the use of a laser beam to label a material. The laser beam alters the appearance of the mark area by interacting with the material's surface.
This is done by discoloration. The low-powered laser beam hits the area marked. Laser marking allows you to make high-contrast, high-precision marks without affecting the material's surface.
Laser engraving is subtractive and leaves indentations on the surfaces. This is the main distinction between laser marking or laser engraving.
This article explains what this article is about
A Laserowe znakowanie metali purchase does not have to feel or look complicated.
Most marketing materials overwhelm potential buyers with unnecessary details that they don't need in order to make a decision to purchase laser marking machines.
You will almost always need to research the machine that suits your needs best.
There are five types of laser markers.
- Fiber laser machines
- Laser machines that use green light
- UV laser machines
- CO2 laser machines
- Mopa laser machines.
- Different materials require different types of machines. Laser engraving can be performed on many materials, including metals, plastics, glass, wood and paper.
It can be costly and painful to choose the wrong equipment.
This is especially true if you don't know what you need. There may be time, transportation, and warranty issues when you change to the machine you need.
Here's a quick overview of the technology
Laser is a shorthand for Light Amplification by Stimulated Radiation.
Three distinct properties make it possible to use lasers for permanent marking on a variety of materials.
Monochromatic beams
This means that beams are composed of light waves from one wavelength.
Excellent Directivity
This means that the beams are parallel light waves, which don't collide and spread over distances.
High coherence
This means that the waves are in phase.
The main components of a laser engraving machine are a laser, controller and a surface. The laser works like a pencil, emitting a monochromatic beam of high quality that allows the controller trace patterns onto the surface. While the laser beam is working on the surface, the controller controls the direction, intensity and speed of the beam.
Laser engravers can use three types of engraving techniques.
Techniques for Marking
These include the XY-Y table, the cylindrical method and the galvo mirr technique.
The X-Y Table
The X-Y Table is the most popular technique. The X-Y table is the most common technique. This involves the workpiece (or surface) being stationary while the laser optics move in X andY directions around the laser, drawing vectors on it. There are other models that have the laser stationary but the work-piece moving, or where the work-piece and laser move in opposite directions. This is the vector mode.
Cylindrical laser marking
This is for cylindrical work-pieces such as pipes or flat work-pieces that are mounted around a circular cylinder. This technique uses a laser to traverse a fine helix on a rotating cylindrical with on/off laser pulses that produce the desired image on an raster basis.
Galvo Mirrors
The laser and the work-piece remain stationary in the third method. Galvo mirrors use reflective mechanisms to move the laser beam across the work-piece's surface. This technology allows laser engravers to work in either vector or raster mode.
The Marking Point
This is where the laser beam touches the work surface. It should be at the same level as the laser beam focal point. It is usually very small, maybe a fraction of millimeter. This is a characteristic of the wavelength of the laser beam. Only material within the beam is affected by the laser beam hitting the surface.
Laser energy can alter the chemical structure of the material or vaporize it at the focal point. This allows you to see the intended marking.
There are two main differences in the types and powers of laser machines that are used for marking applications. The wavelengths each supports and the power determine the operation speed.
Different wavelengths indicate that different machines are suitable for different marking surfaces.
Laser marking systems offer distinct advantages over other forms of marking.
They reduce downtime, eliminate, or greatly reduce the use consumables, create permanent and high contrast marks, and result in lower preventive maintenance and cost.
Considerations to consider when evaluating the right Laser Marking System
These are the top things to consider when choosing the right model for you.
Surfaces for stationary or moving marking
Models that allow part marking at predetermined speeds are great for machines that need to be integrated into a continuous processing line.
Speed of the line
Different systems will produce different results depending upon the rate of part production due to the different properties of the laser wavelengths and their power. High-speed production lines will require high-wattage markers to mark all in-process parts.
Material to be marked
Laser markers are versatile, as we will see. The marking materials you are working on will determine the type of marker you choose. Fiber lasers work well with metals, while non-metals are best served by CO2 lasers.
Environment conditions
Some machines are sensitive in work environments with high levels of dust, shock, and vibrations. Others are more robust and can withstand these conditions.
Expected Workload
Laser machines that are slow may not be able to handle heavy workloads. It could prove more economical to use fiber lasers for marking metals than CO2 lasers in the long-term.
After-Sales Services
Sometimes machine operation and setup can be complicated. While most laser markers require little maintenance and have a long life expectancy, it is worth looking for a local supplier or someone who can offer immediate assistance when choosing the equipment.
Understanding the five types laser markers
Fiber laser
In recent years, fiber laser marking technology has been a highly sought-after direct part marking technology.
Fiber Laser Marking machines have power levels that range from 20-50 Watts. They are among the most powerful laser marking machines on the market.
These machines are great for engraving or depth etching. They can also be used to engrave on hard metals.
Fiber lasers can be used to cut very thin metals or small-component batch marking with high beam quality and smaller spot sizes thanks to larger lenses.
