The Materials, Methods, and Application of Laser Marking

 

Lasers can perform a variety of operations in the manufacturing industry. Laser marking is an example of such operations. The process involves the use of a laser beam to engrave or mark on several surfaces. At Creatingway, we acknowledge its versatility and use it extensively in a variety of projects. Here is further insight into the different laser marking methods and their applications.

What’s The Laser Marking Methods?

There exist several lasers marking methods dependent on different applications. Here is further information on them.

• Carbonizing

Carbonizing performs best on synthetic polymers and organic materials. The process involves breaking plastic bonds using a laser. It subsequently causes the release of oxygen and hydrogen as the reaction. Lastly, the reaction area darkens and forms a mark. Usually, a grey mark from carbonizing thus is not suitable for dark-colored objects. It may result in lesser contrast between the marked portion and the unmarked section. Examples of materials include paper, packaging material, leather, and wood.

• Annealing

The annealing process involves heating the material surface to produce a mark. The most common material being metal. Structural changes occur due to the local heating resulting in a color change. The color may vary from black, green, yellow, and even yellow. However, this is dependent on the temperature of the heated layers. Annealing produces somewhat abrasion-proof markings thus lasts longer. Industries that could benefit from this, the method include dental, medical, and automotive industries.

• Staining

At Creatingway, we can use the staining process to mark materials with a unique set of chemical composition. The laser locally heats the material and provokes a chemical reaction. A mark with high contrast occurs due to a by-product with a different color change.

• Foaming

Foaming is a great option if you need to produce light color markings. This is makes foaming a great opposite of carbonizing. The process begins with the laser heating up the material surface. Subsequently, gas bubbles form as the material melts. These emitted gas bubbles froth and reflect light forming a light color. Therefore, the method is suitable for dark-colored objects. It is due to the high contrast and elevated mark when you compare to the rest of the surface.

• Engraving

Engraving involves the removal of material from the surface of the workpiece using a laser beam. A depression forms on the surface producing a mark. The material will absorb the laser’s heat, melt then evaporate. Additionally, the color change will occur due to the reaction with air. However, the method uses no consumables thus saving on costs. Materials engraved include plastics, metals, ceramics, and stone.

• Removing

The removing laser process makes good markings on coated materials. The laser heats the material and removes the topmost layer exposing the layer beneath. Contrast occurs when the two layers have different colors. You get excellent markings especially for coated materials for instance anodized aluminum.

What’re The Applications of Laser Marking Process?

• Product labeling
• Creating ID cards and smart cards
• Make best and before expiry dates on products
• Mark QR codes, bar codes and part numbers on products

Advantages

Laser marking offers a unique set of advantages when compared to other possible methods. Here are some examples of the outstanding ones.

Low Cost

The Laser marking system requires minimal manpower to handle it. Therefore, there is less day to day operational cost to run the system. Our operators only need to set up the machinery and the rest runs automatically.

Environmentally Friendly

Laser marking performs etching without producing any toxic by-products during the process. Compare it to acid etching that produces toxic fumes. Not only is that a danger to the workers but also to the eco-system.

Non-Contact Process

Laser marking equipment does not come into contact with the material being marked. The laser beam only affects target areas. Therefore, the chances of material damage via abrasion next to zero.

Accuracy

The laser marking process is extremely accurate. Amazingly, it can even create marks on very small objects such as printed circuit boards. It does this with a high level of precision. Additionally, high-quality markings are legible and clear.

High speed

Laser marking is a fast method when you compare to alternate methods. This helps in cutting down the time consumption translating into lower costs. Moreover, when you select the right laser marking method for your project, it further lowers operation time.

Versatility with Different Materials

The laser marking system can handle a variety of materials. This offers more flexibility in the different types of materials available in most industries. Examples of such metals include different aluminum grades, steel, and stainless steel.

Consistent Markings for Large Volumes

It is easy to integrate the laser marking system into the production line. Therefore, we can successfully mark a large volume of products with a specific design. Additionally, the entire process is consistently repeatable. This allows for a faster project turnaround.

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