How does laser marking machine work?
It’s important to note at the beginning that laser marking is a high-speed process of high precision. Laser marking works by means of a focused beam of light to give the mark on the material veneer. The light beam, essentially, is an atom that is stimulated to release particles of light. Contacting with the material’s surface, the beam will oxidize the laser marking area, bringing a change in the color.
Generally, the majority of markings will turn black. Moreover, laser marking also alters the material’s properties and appearance. The energy that is released is measured in wavelengths or nanometers ( NM ). The wavelength is proportional to the strength of the laser beam. In other words, the higher the wavelength, the more powerful the laser beam.
Laser marking technology is a way to permanently mark a product for branding, tracking, coding, personalizing, either for security or quality control reasons.
In this process, a strong laser beam will focus on the surface of the object and scan the focus point with the help of a moving scanning mirror to create an image. The laser source can deliver instantaneous high peak power on the target object, thereby instantly changing the surface of the object.
In this process, a strong laser beam will focus on the surface of the object and scan the focus point.
Laser marking does not use ink, solvent, acid, or other physical tools. These characteristics distinguish laser engraving from traditional engraving techniques.
Unlike traditional engraving methods, laser engraving will not cause material loss to the object during the operation. Laser engraving uses a laser beam to change the color of the surface of an object, thereby creating a clearly visible and indestructible mark without affecting the product.
Because this technology does not use ink, solvents or other consumables, laser marking has little impact on the environment. Most environmentally conscious companies tend to use laser marking solutions, which save costs and benefit the environment.
Now, let’s have a look at how laser marking actually works. Laser engraving machine creates easy-to-read marks by means of generating a visual contrast between the background and the text. Two methods help it do that readable marks: change color or specular reflection. Laser engraving machine not only can engrave, but also do etching, annealing, color change, and foaming.
Laser Engraving:
Laser engraving is a common method of utilizing lasers to engrave an object. The laser beam removes material from the surface and create an image at eye level. The laser beam released high heat while engraving, which causes the material to vaporize. Laser beam with high peak power and short pulse can create clear and permanent marks. It is applied to a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, stone, etc.
Laser Etching:
Laser etching is a way to remove the surface coating from the base material. Given the high temperature released by the laser etching machine, the target object will be heated over its point of vaporization. Laser etching will leave a clear and permanent mark on an object with no damage left on its surface. Laser etching releases a laser beam to mark an object, and this technique doesn’t involve inks, or tools bits, which are friendly to the environment. This type of laser solution is gaining popularity among all walks of industries.
Laser Annealling:
Laser annealing heats metals slowly using a laser beam. With the metal heated, oxygen spreads below the surface and the metal begins to oxidize internally. When the metal cooled down, you can observe a color change of its surface. Laser annealing does not subtract anything from a metal surface. As a matter of fact, this technique does not change the metal’s surface roughness.Laser annealing technique is different from other laser solutions and its basic principle is thin-film interference.
By means of laser annealing, it is easy to change the surface color of some special metals, such as titanium and stainless steel, etc. In addition, laser annealing is ideal for materials that change color under increasing temperatures. Stainless steel surgical instruments and some titanium medical tools adopt this laser solution, which leaves a remark that can withstand sterilization and high temperatures.
Laser Color Change:
Generally, this technology is usually used for the precision processing of plastics. The heat released will destroy the carbon on the surface of the object, so the color of the plastic surface will change darker or lighter. The final color change will depend on the composition of the target material.
Laser Foaming:
Laser foaming technology is a process in which a laser beam is irradiated on a polymer material to melt and form foam-like bubbles fixed in the material structure.
In this case, the area of the material irradiated by the laser beam changes drastically, so the laser mark produced during the foaming process becomes clear and visible. This method is very suitable for industries that require high product marking. Laser foaming is most commonly used in packaging material production and the automotive industry.
