Laser marking is one of the most popular marking methods used in the print and digital industries.
It is a cost-effective method of embossing a wide range of text and images on a variety of substrates including metals, ceramics, plastics, textiles and more.
Laser marking (marcatura laser) is also known as laser marking or laser cut using a laser beam. The laser marking process generates high-quality, permanent laser marks on a substrate that lasts a lifetime.
1. Benifits Of Laser marking
Laser marking systems offer greater benefits over other technology such as dot printing, embossing and limited consumables.
The VideoJet line of laser marking systems comes with CO2 laser printer, Fiber laser printer and UV laser printer in different output powers to handle a wide range of substrates and industrial applications.
Marking system using laser light generates accurate and clear laser marks without the use of any drying media.
These systems are most effective for low-molecular-weight laser dyes. Most popular laser marking systems are the VideoJet 4013 and 4015 and the 4004 systems.
2. Types Of Laser Marking
There are two types of laser marking systems, short wavelength laser marking (SDL) and long wavelength laser marking (LW laser marking).
A. Short Wavelength Laser Marking (SDL): A short wavelength laser marking system produces an infrared laser beam that is able to penetrate many small holes.
- These laser marking systems can be set up in small spaces, which makes them suitable for desktop laser marking applications.
- These laser marking systems produce clean, clear laser marks that last a lifetime. The short wavelength laser marking systems are more precise than the long wavelength systems and have a shorter pulse repetition frequency.
B. The long wavelength laser marking (LW laser marking): uses its longer laser beam to mark soft metals like aluminum and stainless steel. It is suitable for more intricate laser marking applications.
- Unlike the shorter wavelength marking systems, it does not require any drying media to apply the marks.
- The laser marking systems produce permanent black laser marks on the metal objects.
- These marks are also sensitive to wear and tear and can last a lifetime if cared for properly.
There Are Two Types Of Laser Marking Systems:
Continuous wave laser (CW laser marking), and pulsed laser marking (PLM laser marking).
- The continuous-wave laser system produces a steady stream of laser beams that cover a large surface area.
- Pulsed laser marking uses a laser pulse to generate a temporary laser beam on the target surface.
- This laser beam is then absorbed by the surface, and the laser traces onto the target surface, creating the laser marks.
- This system has a shorter laser pulse repetition frequency than the continuous-wave laser system and therefore it produces a faster laser marking process.
3. Laser Marking Speeds
There are three common laser marking speeds in use today. These speeds are line speeds, speed differential, and unit set speeds.
Each of these speeds has its own advantages and disadvantages; it is important to consider these factors when choosing a laser marking equipment.
