Whether you are new to laser marking or already have extensive experience with laser marking technology, it is a quest to continually enhance the quality and contrast of laser marking. Laser marking metals is especially important because metals are ubiquitous in almost everything we touch in our daily lives, from electronic gadgets to complex medical devices.
Laser Marking of Metals
Laser marking is a non-contact method of marking metals permanently, with a controlled depth of cut that can even be automated. The convenience of laser marking is that it is compatible with virtually all vector software, such as CAD or Illustrator, for marking patterns. As with all processing techniques, there are some important factors to consider when laser marking metal, which is exactly what we will discuss in this blog post. Without further ado, here are 5 things to consider when laser marking metal.
1.Material Properties
In all laser marking applications, it is important to consider the material being marked. Materials have different absorption spectra, meaning they respond differently to different wavelengths. This must be kept in mind when Deciding what material and what laser source to use. The melting point of the material and its response to heat must also be considered. The hardness of the material should also be taken into account. For example, laser marking aluminum takes less time than laser marking steel because it is a softer metal with a lower melting temperature.
2.Type of laser
Both continuous and the pulsed lasers can be used when laser marking metals. However, pulsed fiber lasers are used more frequently because they can provide higher beam intensities without overheating the sample. Common types of lasers used for laser marking include “carbon dioxide, ytterbium-doped fiber, ultraviolet, green and neodymium vanadate lasers”
Carbon dioxide lasers are used less often on metals and more often on wood, glass and plastics. Green lasers are also used less for metals and more for plastics and glass. Fiber lasers are typically used to mark metals and are suitable for a variety of metals, from steel to copper. Lasers with power greater than 50W are generally recommended for marking metals. Fiber lasers can be designed to have a higher beam quality than lasers of similar average output power. This beam quality controls the spot size of the beam and thus the width or fineness of the laser marking.
3.Choice of laser marking method
There are several methods of metal laser marking that can produce different kinds of marks. Durability and time considerations for each method are just some of the factors that need to be weighed when deciding which method is most ideal for a particular application. These include
- Laser engraving
- Laser etching
- Laser annealing
- Laser annealing for laser marking metal processes
- Laser Ablation
4.Working Environment
As with any processing operation, it is critical to ensure that proper airflow and ventilation/filtration systems are used. Lasers obviously generate heat, and laser marking of metals generates vapors and particles. Therefore, having a safe working environment is of the utmost importance.
5.Cost
One of the decisions to be made is to determine if it makes sense to purchase laser marking equipment or have another party provide the service, and if one investment is better than the other. This may depend on the number of products to be marked and/or how often the laser marking equipment is used. The cost of materials and time to complete each laser marking should also be taken into consideration.
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