How to choose a suitable laser marking machine?
For many new users, choosing a suitable laser marking machine is a question worth considering. We cannot judge the quality of a marking machine by just one factor. Follow me to learn it.
First, we must know that the core component of a laser marking machine is a laser. The laser is the basic configuration of the laser marking machine. All laser marking machines are equipped with lasers. The quality of the laser has an impact on the quality of the beam and can affect the final marking effect.
Therefore, the laser is important in the whole laser marking machine. When choosing a laser marking machine, the laser should be selected. Although the laser is important, choosing the laser is not enough.
Many other factors will affect your laser marking machine purchase, such as material characteristics, process level, computer settings, power level, and manufacturer’s brand.
1. Characteristics of the material. The better the material of the laser marking machine equipment, the better the quality of the manufactured equipment.
2. Technological level. The technology level of the laser marking machine will also affect the quality of the laser marking machine, the better the technology level, the more valuable the choice of laser.
3. Computer configuration. If the industrial control computer of the laser marking machine is configured, if it is better configured or general, it will affect the best marking effect and affect personal choices.
4. Power. Generally speaking, the power of laser marking machines suitable for different materials is not the same. Power also affects the user’s choice of laser marking machine. 5. Manufacturer’s mark.
Brand awareness of laser marking machine manufacturers is also one of the factors that determine whether it is worth buying.
How to choose a laser marking machine?
To know the most suitable technology, it is first necessary to determine the nature of the material to be marked cardboard, metal, glass, wood, plaster, plastic, rubber, etc.
Next, it will be essential to define the durability and dimensions of the marking, the resolution, the precision, and also the marking speed. Finally, the configuration of the laser marking machine will have to be considered: portable, transportable, or integrated into a production line.
If the part is cylindrical, the marking tool – interchangeable characters in a housing, engraved block, or numerator – comes into contact with the part which is placed on two-roller support or fixed on a pivot. The marking tool rotates the part and marking is done to the desired depth – based on tightening. If the part is flat, it is fixed under the marking tool, which goes over it to mark it. This operation can be manual or motorized —electric—. This technology is suitable for metals, steel, aluminum for metal signs. It is used mainly in the mechanical, aeronautical, and automobile industries, and also in metallurgy.
These machines work on the same principle as rolling marking, although instead of rolling the part, it is the marking tool that causes the impact. This technology is suitable for very hard materials such as steel and stainless steel, but also plastics, leather, and wood. It is mainly found in the automotive sector, in the plastics industry, or locksmithing. These machines exist in a portable version or can be integrated into a production line. They can be pneumatic or manual.
This technology, which allows you to mark irregular or curved surfaces, uses a punch that moves thanks to a control unit with two motors along an X-axis and a Y-axis. The material to be marked is drilled at precise points, which allows you to draw letters or numbers, frames, logos, or Datamatrix codes. Micropercussion marking can be pneumatic or electric, the former being more powerful for deeper marking. This technology is used in the automotive, aeronautical industry – metal or plastic – in mechanical engineering, the marking of identification plates, and 2D Datamatrix codes.
Scratch marking consists of profiling characters on hard and soft materials – such as plastics. The carbide or diamond punch – or tip – travels along the X and Y axes and allows you to engrave characters by continuous stroke. This technology is quieter than micro-percussion technology. They are machines that can be integrated into production lines. This technology is found in the automotive industry, metallurgy, energy and transport sectors, construction, etc.
Hot marking works in a similar way to impact marking. In this case, the part comes into contact with a hot block equipped with a marking tool. The heat softens the surface of the part and allows the mark to penetrate the material. There is the possibility of interposing a film – or tape – between the tool and the part to transfer color. These machines can be manual or pneumatic. They are used with many materials such as wood, plastic, leather, and food – including meat -, in the plastics industry, the construction and furniture industry, the leather industry, and for promotional items. They can be placed on workbenches or installed on production lines.
Advantages of laser marking machines:
- Durable marking.
- Unalterable marking.
- Adjustable marking depth.
- Computerized marking control.
- Simple customization.
- Manual or automatic actuation.
- They offer numerous advantages:
- Durable marking.
- Aesthetic marking.
- The great flexibility of use for the user.
- Non-contact marking, so no manipulation of the object is required and can be used with fragile objects.
- Possibility of creating gray scales.
- Uniformity and constant depth.
- Unalterable marking.
- No changes in dimension or material remain.
- Quick – dialed in a few seconds.
- Long life of the laser.
- Control through a computer interface.
- Preservation of the environment – no ink or solvent.
- Use for almost all materials – metals, polymers, elastomers, ceramics, composites.
- Possibility of marking static or through objects.
- Obtaining large series or unique markings.
- Possibility of integration in production lines and availability in transportable, portable, or stationary version – desktop -.
- Suitability for harsh environments as it is highly resistant to shocks and extreme temperatures.
Laser marking, also known as laser engraving, is done through a laser beam guided by a system of computer-controlled reflective mirrors.
A program allows you to draw any combination of characters, 2D codes, Datamatrix codes, barcodes, or graphics. Laser marking machines can be transportable or can be integrated into a production line.
Conclusion:
The laser marking is performed by grooves for a long-lasting marking over time. There are several techniques available. The choice will depend on the aesthetics of the result and the marking speed and, therefore, on the material subject to marking.
