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The need for Laser Marking Laser marking is an excellent method for printing words, symbols and other markings on parts using laser beams. The process does not damage the structural integrity of the base material, instead it leaves an impression by rearranging matter at the microscopic level. The process is permanent and incredibly precise because the width and style of the marking can be adjusted electronically. Since the heat from the beam is used for marking, the chances of fading or smudging are eliminated. Uses of Laser Marking Laser marking can be used to imprint the company name and logo on the product to give it a recognizable look without spoiling the product or damaging it. The part number can also be marked using laser to enable easy identification and tracking in use. Marking also enhances security, so that the parts made by one company cannot be passed off by another easily. Bar codes and part numbers can be marked to make high value products easily traceable. Counterfeiting is also reduced. Types of Laser Marking Systems Laser marking systems are of two types: fiber laser marking systems and CO2 laser marking systems. The two systems differ in the kind of laser medium they use and the base material which can be marked. Let’s find out how they two models differ from each other. Fiber Laser Marking Fiber laser marking uses an optical fiber to deliver the laser beam. The beam from the seed laser is powered up by means of pump diodes to increase the intensity of the beam. The beam can be incredibly focused and up to 100 times more powerful than gas lasers, so the temperatures generated are sufficient to mark metal surfaces like iron, steel and aluminum. Some nonmetallic materials which can withstand the high temperature can also be marked with fiber lasers. These lasers do not require special water cooling systems, so the size and complexity of the system is considerably reduced. Fiber lasers are commonly used in the aerospace, metal and packaging industries. CO2 Laser Marking CO2 laser marking uses carbon dioxide as an active delivery medium for the marking beam. Electrically stimulated CO2 molecules are forced to release their energy by lowering the temperature, producing a powerful laser beam. CO2 lasers are the most commonly used laser marking systems as they can be used on a variety of non-metallic materials like wood, PVC and stone. The lasers are commonly used in pharmaceutical industry, telecom, piping, electronic components and many other similar modern industries. HeatSign, a leading wholesaler and supplier of industrial marking systems in China, offers a wide range of dot peen, fiber laser, CO2 laser markers ( www.heatsign.com/products/laser ) and pneumatic marking machines for engraving or etching text, bar codes, 2-D codes, logos or graphics on metals, paper, glass, ceramic, etc.
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