What is Laser Marking and How It Works

Laser marking is a process where marking machines use a concentrated beam of light to engrave a permanent mark on a surface. These markings are usually done with fiber, wave, UV laser machines, or even flying Co2 laser marking machines. 

Laser markings have a wide range of applications including annealing, engraving, etching, and several others. 

The laser marking process can be automated and can be processed at high speeds. Also, laser markings can be done on a range of materials including steel, aluminum, copper, ceramic, and even cardboard.  

The markings too can be of several types. They can be texts such as serial numbers and part numbers. Or, they also can be machine-readable data such as barcodes, Unique ID codes, etc.

How does Laser Marking Work?

The laser marking procedure is quite simple. It uses a focused beam of light to create permanent markings on a surface. The concentrated beam works only on a specified area of the material, thus allowing the marking machine to create precise and high-quality marks on the surface. Owing to this precision, the markings are easily readable. This quality of laser markings makes them ideal where accuracy and permanency counts. 

The Science of Lasers

The word LASER is an acronym. The full form is ‘Light of Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.’

A laser beam is a highly concentrate particles of light that can be direct to the area you want to mark. The energy released is measure in nanometres. And higher wavelengths mean a more powerful beam. 

For example, a UV laser marker, which operates in the wavelength of around 355 NM, which is lower in power, is often a great choice to mark heat-sensitive materials such as plastic or glass. 

A laser with a higher power, such as a fiber laser operates at around 1070 NM and is a great choice for marking hard materials such as metal.

The Procedure to Use a Laser Marking Machine

Several types of laser marking machines are available in the market and each operates differently. The process to use a marking machine also vary depending on the material you want to mark and the application you are using.

Laser marking is a relatively safe procedure. But make sure you take every precaution and follow all safety guidelines. 

Benefits of Using a Laser Marking

From basic part identification to complete traceability to track and trace parts, This marking machine can be of great help to manufacturers.

Mark without contact:

Also, the laser uses a focused beam of light and there is no contact between the marking surface and the laser beam, making it a safe procedure. Also, you cut costs on the manpower as a marking machine does not need many people to operate. 

Laser marking machines can be use to mark on a great number of surfaces including metal, wood, plastic, leather, etc. Thus you can etch the necessary markings on different materials using the same machine.

Low-cost marking:

Several marking solutions are present in the market where a die or some other treatment is require. Compared to these procedures, a machine is a cheaper and more convenient alternative. This machines can be easily integrate into the production line making it a very convenient way to mark on surfaces.

No Counterfeits

Laser marking can help prevent counterfeiting genuine parts. Illegal activities like replacing genuine parts with fake ones can be prevente using laser machines because the laser markings can’t be hamper easily. 

These are, in brief, the benefits of using a this machine. We have also mentioned the science of lasers and how marking machines work. 

However, there are several types of marking machines available including flying Co2 laser marking machines, and you need to choose carefully. Choose the type of machine that will be suitable for the application you need the machine for and the surface you want to mark.