Understanding Laser Etching Systems and Laser Marking
Laser marking as well as laser Etching are becoming more crucial in an increasing number of industries. The primary reasons for use laser marking and laser engraving on your items are:
The mark is durable, long-lasting and in most cases, cannot be removed without damaging the item in itself. This is also true when it comes to laser markings, laser etching or laser annulling.
The process of marking lasers is 100% accurate, repeatable, speedy, and has extremely clear and sharp results 6D-Laser.
Laser marking or laser etch can swiftly and easily be altered without any change in the machine and without the need to replace any equipment. The process of changing laser markings or laser the etch is as easy as a drag and click on the computer.
- The laser doesn’t require consumables or any additional purchase of additional materials or equipment.So the maintenance and operating costs associated with running the laser marking system or laser etching equipment are almost absent.
Laser Basics
Laser is an abbreviation for the amplification of light by simulation of radiation. This beam of light is created in a sealed tube that is surrounded by the electrodes set up, laser gas and an electrical discharge. The beam is released into an optics telescope, which increases the beam of laser to a diameter of around 2mm when the beam leaves the laser tube , increasing it to 7mm to 14mm for most laser marking and laser etching processes. The beam that is expanded is then directed to the laser head which is comprised of two mirrors that are mounted on high-speed galvo motors. Laser beams are directed away from the mirrors through an uni-element field lens that is flat to the item that is laser etched or laser marked.
Typically, the Laser marking areas are created in sizes ranging between 65mm x 65mm [2.5″ x 2.5″at the smallest to 356mm 3.56mm [14.0″ x14.0″] square for the largest. The second consideration is the size of the laser beam spot. It is the measurement of the laser’s focused light energy that is reflected off the marking laser or cutting point on the product and may vary from 200 microns [micrometers] or .0078″ at the smallest to approximately 540 microns or .021″ for Co2 lasers. The size of the laser beam spot can vary from 20 microns, or .0007″ at the smallest to approximately 70 microns or .0027″ at the most massive when using Nd:YAG lasers. Small spot sizes and laser light that is highly focused energy produce the precise clear, permanent markings that are typical for the marking laser 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:
- Laser power is measured in Watts
- Frequency refers to the pulse frequency of laser beam
- Inches per second, which is the speed at which beam steering mirrors of the beam are moving
The correct settings for the laser can be the most vital and crucial factor for the effectiveness or otherwise of the process of marking lasers. Once the right settings are determined, and confirmed, that a 100% repeatable laser mark is attained.
The software for laser controllers is accessible through an interface card PCI. The card transmits digital signals of computer-based marking and cutting files to the motors, and then sends the laser beam towards the item being laser-marked or laser engraving.
There are a variety of different kinds of laser marking as well as laser engraving, as well as a variety of considerations in terms of the visual outcomes when using the laser mark laser etch.
- Laser etching creates visible etching, or depression in the material.Laser etching is an alternative to traditional methods such as mechanical press or pin scribing. Laser etching is possible using either an Co2 or YAG laser on almost any surface, and at any depth ranging from very light etching to extremely deep cutting. For instance, laser etching can be used to inscribe serial numbers on metal gun frames. In general, when laser etching is used, the material to be laser etched gets vaporized near the spot of the laser etching because of the usually large power density in the light beam that is at the site of laser cutting.
- Laser marking can create an image on the surface with minimal engraving and little disruption to the surface of the material.This is especially beneficial in certain industries, such as semi-conductor, discrete electrical components electrical fuse, ceramics, where laser etching may be damaging to parts or alter the electrical properties of the piece. To produce the laser marking without deep engraving, a speedy of per-inch setting on the head of galvo is employed.
- Laser marking and laser etching generally do not cause colors and produce an uncolored impression.However, certain materials can react and change color when exposed to Co2 or the YAG laser. In some instances additives may be incorporated into the material being laser marked or laser-etched to create changes in color. A different scenario is in the event that the wavelength laser Co2 or YAG laser is different from the ones typically used for laser marking and laser etching. This may cause the appearance of a different color following laser etching on certain materials.
- Laser annealing is yet another popular type of laser marking.This kind of marking is usually done using an YAG laser that is applied to metal surfaces that use less power, higher speed and low frequency to create thermal energy on the exterior of the item. Laser annealing is a method to substitute electro chemical etching and ink marking since the process of laser annealing creates the black mark without cutting. Be cautious, since the heat created could cause iron in certain metals to pull them to the surface. This can cause rust. may occur if parts undergo sterilization following the laser an annealing. This is an especially challenging issue for medical devices.
- Ablation using lasers is also an common application for laser marking systems.In this scenario, the laser is utilized to eliminate a layer paint, anodized or other material that covers an area of item. This process can be utilized to make contact points with metal that are attached to the surface of a piece of art for battery connection like cell phones or to get rid of paint to allow identification of the parts and company specifics.