Laser Marking Types

Engraving Removing Layer

Carbon Migration Bonding

Laser engraving: Metals

Sample: Surface Etching 2d matrix and text into cast aluminum

Summary:

All of the YAG based lasers can surface etch on metals. Surface etching is removing less than .001” of material. The Flash lamp can do this the fastest since it has the most peak energy. However the mark time will only reduce by ~10%.

The laser best suited for this type of mark is the Fiber Laser due to its low initial cost, cost of ownership and compact size.

Laser engraving:

Metals

Sample: Engraving a 2d matrix and text into steel

Summary:

All the YAG markers can achieve some level of engraving since the laser is removing material. For engraving depths of .003” or greater, the Flash Lamp system is the preferred laser. Since it can deliver 85W or more of power, it can more easily remove the material in the shortest time. Varying the depth is achieved mostly by the # of passes.

Laser marking on Black Plastic

Sample: Color contrast on black automotive plastic w/ YAG

Summary:

This material requires low power and high q-switch frequency. All YAG lasers can create this contrast.

The laser suitable for this material is the Fiber Laser. The Fiber laser delivers a nice contrast on this material and is the most cost effective solution.

Sample: Non-contrast on black automotive plastic w/ CO2

Summary:

The 10W or 30W CO2 system is ideal for non-contrast marks on black plastic. The decision over 10W or 30W will be price versus speed.

Laser marking with YAG on White Plastic

Sample: Color contrast on white medical plastics

Summary:

This material requires a low q-switch frequency in order to create a dark contrast on the white material.

The lasers suitable for this material are either the flash lamp or the Vanadate. The Fiber does not have a low enough q-switch frequency to obtain this contrast.

The decision of Flash Lamp versus Vanadate will have many factors such as initial costs, Cost of Ownership, other materials to mark etc.

Laser removing

layer

Sample # 1: Removing anodize on a tag

Sample # 2: Removing black paint on metal

Summary:

All of the YAG based lasers can remove layers. The Flash lamp can do this the fastest since it has the most peak energy. However the mark time will only reduce by ~10%. A CO2 laser can also remove anodize and paint but the contrast will not be as bright. But it will have enough contrast to create readable barcodes.

The laser best suited for this type of mark is either the Fiber Laser or the CO2 laser due to their low initial cost, cost of ownership and compact size. The decision will come down to cost and what other parts are you looking to mark. If you have more metal parts then the fiber is the choice. If you have plastic parts as well then the CO2 is the choice.

Carbon Migration

Sample: Carbon migration (black anneal) on stainless steel

Summary:

Carbon migration can only be done on stainless steel and titanium. It is a heat treating of the metal to bring the carbon to the surface. All of the YAG based lasers can deliver this mark.

The laser best suited for this type of mark is either the Fiber Laser or Vanadate. The decision will come down to price versus mark time. The Fiber will have the longest mark time but will be the least expensive. The Vanadate will be able to increase your mark time but has a higher initial cost.

Laser bonding

Appropriate for metals,glass, and ceramics

This marking process is good for

• Safety critical hardware• High temperatures• Salt fog/spray environments

Step 1 – Coating Applied And Bonded to Surface Using Laser

Step 2 - Unmarked Coating Removed

Laser bonded sample

Sample: laser bonded material to metal or plastics.

Summary:

For laser bonding, the two lasers best suited for this are either the 10W fiber laser and the 10W CO2 laser.

As with carbon migration, this is a heat treat process that does require time to heat and bond the material.

Laser marking with CO2

Samples: Marking cardboard, wood, labels and glass with a CO2 laser

Summary:

The CO2 is ideal for marking on organic materials such as cardboard, labels, wood and glass.