Understanding Laser Etching and Laser Marking Systems

Laser marking as well as laser Etching are becoming more crucial in a variety of industries. The main reasons for use laser marking and laser engraving on your product are:

The mark is permanent, durable and in most cases is not able to be removed without damaging the item itself. This is especially true in the case of laser marking or laser annulling.The process of laser marking is 100% accurate, repeatable, quick, and with crystal clear results.

Laser mark or laser etch is able to quickly and easily be altered without any change in the machine or the replacement of any equipment. The process of changing the laser markings or the etch is a simple drag and click on the computer.

o The laser does not require consumables or any additional purchase of extra materials or materials. Thus, the operational and maintenance costs associated with operating the desktop laser marking machineor laser etching machine are almost non-existent.

Laser Basics

Laser is an abbreviation used to describe the amplification of light by simulation of radiation. Laser beams are created inside a tube sealed with the electrodes set up, laser gas and an electrical discharge. The beam then enters an optical telescope that extends the laser beam from approximately 2mm when the beam leaves the tube with a diameter of 7mm to 14mm for the majority of laser marking and laser etching processes. The beam that is expanded is then directed to an optical head that has two mirrors that are mounted on high-speed galvo motors. It is sent away from the mirrors through an uni-element flat field lens , which is then directed to the item being laser-marked or laser etched.

Typically , the Laser marking areas are created in sizes ranging between 65mm x 65mm [2.5″ 2.5″ x 2.5″ at the smallest to 356mm 3.56mm [14.0″ x14.0″14.0″ square for the largest. The second consideration is the size of the laser beam spot. It is the measurement of laser energy that is reflected off that laser mark or cutting point on the product and could range from around 200 micron [micrometers] .0078″ for the very tiniest, to around 540 microns , or .021″ when using Co2 lasers. The size of the laser beam spot is ranging from around 20 microns, or .0007″ for the most tiny size to about 70 microns , or .0027″ in the most massive in Nd:YAG lasers. The small size of the spots and laser light that is highly focused energy produce the precise and clear permanent markings that are typical in the laser marking process or laser etching procedure.

 

Controlling Lasers and Options for Laser Marking

Laser markers and lasers are controlled through software. There are a variety of variables that must be managed:

1. 1.Laser power measured in Watts
2. 2.Frequency refers to the frequency of pulses that the beam of laser
3. Inches per second, which is the speed at which the beam steering mirrors of the beam are moving

Finding the right configuration for the laser can be the most crucial and vital aspect for the effectiveness or otherwise of the marking process. After the correct settings have been identified and verified, an exact and reproducible laser mark is attained.

The software for laser controllers is accessible through an interface card PCI. The card transmits digital signals from the computer-based marking or documents for etching to the motors, and then sends the laser beam towards the item being laser-marked or laser engraving.

There are many different kinds of laser marking and engraving, as well as a variety of considerations in terms of the visual outcomes when using the laser mark laser etch.

1. 1.Laser etching creates visible etching, or depression in the material.Laser etching is a replacement for traditional processes like pin or mechanical press scribing. Laser etching can be performed using either the Co2 or YAG laser on almost any surface in any depth ranging from very light etching up to very deep cutting. Laser etching, for instance, can be used to imprint serial numbers on metal gun frames. When it comes to laser etching, the material that is laser-etched is vaporized at the spot of the laser etching due to the typical high power density in the light beam in the area of laser cutting.
2. Laser marking can create a surface marking with small engraving and minimal disruption to the surface of the material.This is especially beneficial in certain industries, such as discrete electronic components, semi-conductor and ceramics, and electrical fuse where laser etching could cause damage or alter the electrical properties of the piece. In order to make the laser mark with no deep engraving, a speedy to inch set-point for the head galvo is utilized.
3. Laser marking and laser etching generally don’t cause changes in color and leave an impression that is colorless.There are some exceptions, as certain materials may react and change the color when exposed to Co2 or the YAG laser light. In some instances additives may be incorporated into the materials being mark or laser etched to cause an alteration in color. Another instance is where the frequency of or both the Co2 or YAG laser is different from the wavelengths typically used in laser marking and laser etching. This may cause the appearance of a different color following the laser has been etched on certain materials.
4. 4.Laser annealing is yet another popular method of marking lasers.This kind of laser marking is usually done using the help of a YAG laser applied to metal surfaces that use low power, high speed and low frequency to create thermal energy on the exterior of the object. Laser annealing may be utilized to substitute electro chemical etching and ink marking because the process of laser annealing creates the black mark without scratching. Be cautious, because the heat produced could cause iron in certain metals to pull them to the surface. Rust may occur if parts undergo sterilization following the laser an annealing. This is a particularly problematic issue with medical devices.
5. The laser ablation process is additionally a common method of marking lasers.In this scenario, the laser is utilized to eliminate a layer paint, anodized or other substance that covers part’s surface. item. For instance, this procedure is utilized to make contact points with metal that are attached to the surface of a piece of art that allow battery connections such as cell phones, or to take off paint for identification of parts as well as manufacturer specifics.