What is Laser Marking?
The growth in laser marking applications is driven by an increasing need for parts identification and traceability, both during manufacturing and in their finished form. Moreover, compared to traditional ink-based technologies, laser marking provides the following benefits: • Indelible marking • Fast, programmable (milliseconds per character) • Environmentally clean • Reduced supply inventory (no inks, pads, stamps, solvents, drying process) Today, 90 percent of laser marking applications are “nonaesthetic” such as bar code, expiration date, identification number and specifications, particularly for parts having high liability in the case of failure. The other 10 percent are aesthetic applications, which mainly consist of company logos and product differentiation. Anti-counterfeiting challenges represent new opportunities for laser marking as well. Source: Laser Marking Center. SpecialChem S. A., 2007.
Laser marking is used as a way of permanently marking a physical item for tracking, either for security of quality control reasons. Rather than using a vibrating or rotating tool to engrave a mark on the item, a high-powered laser is used. While most forms of engraving result in a loss of some of the marked material when it is etched away, laser marking results in essentially no loss of material. Instead, the laser is used to create a shift in the color of the material, creating a visible, virtually indestructible mark with minimal real impact to the item. Most plastics can be laser marked, and the process is used on everything from identification badges to complimentary pens. Given its indelible nature, laser marking is an ideal choice for bar codes and other forms of inconspicuous tracking. An added benefit of laser marking is environmental: with no inks or solvents used, the impact is very minimal. As costs lower, this factor becomes a decisive one for many environmentally-conscious
Laser marking is a dry process. Laser produces a high intensity light beam focused though a lens directly to the part. Laser power and intensity are controlled through a PC this intern will give you options set at different levels. This changes the color or depth to the mark on your part. Here are a few different way we use lasers. • Laser Annealing = Producing a color or pigment change to the surface of the part without removing any material. • Laser Engraving = Removing surface material producing a mark visible through light refraction and reflection. • Laser Ablation = Vaporizing the surface material producing a mark visibility due to the high contrast of the surface and base material. This process is mostly used with Anodized Aluminum or back lit panels in cars. • Chemical Reaction = When plastics are exposed to laser radiation there is a reaction that can result in a few different effects. Contrasting color change or bleaching the pigment of the plastic. Another effect is foaming
Laser Marking is when text, numbers, or an image is digitalized and applied to a metal surface using lasers. A company name, logo, or any graphic can be applied to any metal part using laser marking. CEI’s laser marking machines are capable of circumferential marking which marks virtually anywhere on a part. CEI also has the ability to mark serial numbers or data matrices to parts per customer request. Our machines are capable of laser marking metal of any type and on virtually any surface. We can laser mark a single part up to production quantities. When laser marking metal components, all markings are aligned with precision. As a supplier to large medical device companies, it is essential that markings are placed in the absolute correct location. Also see our engraving services utilizing CNC machining.
