Since the invention of the laser, it has served many purposes, including laser engraving and laser marking metals, which have become very popular. With the help of laser technology, these materials can be marked efficiently, correctly, and clearly, as well as soft metals such as aluminum, steel, and hard alloys. Laser marker metals that are most easily
corrosion-resistant are certain steel alloys, for instance. By annealing the markings, it is even possible to do this without destroying the surface structure. Many types of metal products are laser-marked in numerous industries: applications include marking industrially produced series items for traceability to generating personalized promotional products with logos and names.
Metal is the best material for lasers since it allows it to produce diversified results. Marking and engraving metals with lasers guarantees a high level of precision and quality.
Additionally, lasers aid in ensuring faster production processes. For industrial purposes, lasers are superior to anything else on the market. The marks on metal parts are not damaged by laser marking, and they remain intact even when acid and other corrosive agents are used.
Industrial Laser Marking of Metals. Applications For Laser Marking Metal.
When marking metal, lasers are generally used for encoding and tracing traceability features. There is a wide variety of applications for these technologies, such as electronics and electrical industries, mechanical engineering, tool manufacturing, sheet metal processing, pharmaceutical, and medical technology, promotional materials, and jewelry manufacturing.
Color Marking On Stainless Steel.
Metals can be colored during annealing during a special type of marking process. MOPA lasers can mark stainless steel with reproducible colors, considering the technical capabilities. It is this feature that allows manufacturers of stainless steel products to create special markings on their products such as company logos or references to hot and cold, as well as other functional markings.
Laser marking metals involves some important factors, so without further ado, here are five things to keep in mind.
1. Material Properties.
Whenever laser marking is used, material considerations must be taken into account. Each material has its own absorption spectrum, meaning that it is affected by different wavelengths differently. When choosing which laser source and what material to use, keep this in mind. Additionally, the melting point and heat response of the material must be
considered. Another important factor is its hardness. Since aluminum is a much softer metal than steel, laser marking it will not take as long.
2. Type Of The Laser.
Laser marking metals can be done with both CW and pulsed lasers. A pulsed fiber laser delivers a higher intensity beam without the danger of overheating. You can find various kinds of lasers which are used for marking are “carbon dioxide, ytterbium-doped fiber, ultraviolet, and green and neodymium vanadate lasers”.
Metals, woods, and plastics are not as commonly used as CO2 lasers. The green laser is used less for metals and more for plastics and glasses. A fiber laser is usually used for marking metals, and it is capable of marking a wide variety of metals, from steel to copper. High-power lasers are recommended for marking metals. A fiber laser can be designed to have better beam quality than a laser with similar output power. It is this beam quality that determines the spot size of the beam, and thus the width or fineness of the laser marking.
3. The Choice of Laser Marking Method
Various laser marking methods exist for marking metals. It is important to weigh factors such as durability and time when deciding which method is most appropriate for a particular application. Here are some examples:
Laser Engraving
This method sublimates the metal. Metals are directly converted from solid to gas by the laser’s heat. As laser marking methods, laser engraving produces markings that are particularly durable due to their very deep indentation. Laser engraving leaves permanent marks that are desirable for parts traceability applications.
Laser Etching
With laser etching, the metal is almost instantly melted. This results in high contrast marks. Laser engraving leaves a permanent mark. However, laser etching leaves a much shallower mark-less than 0.0001″-than engraving. Etching creates shallower marks, making it an ideal technique for thinner sheets of metal with fewer permanent requirements. they remain intact even when acid and other corrosive agents are used.
Laser Annealing
Steel, titanium, and stainless steel can be marked with colored markings using this process. In fact, this method does not physically remove material; rather, it creates a chemical reaction underneath the material, which makes it ideal for sensitive surfaces. An annealing process transforms the lattice structure of the metal by heating it slowly with a laser beam. After cooling, the metal oxidizes and changes color. It appears darker as the surface layer of oxide thickens. It is this beam quality that determines the spot size of the beam, and thus the width or fineness of the laser marking.
