Metals can be etched with CO2 or fiber lasers by engraving barcodes, serial numbers, and logos.
Carbon dioxide or CO2 gas lasers are commonly used to cut metals. But they can also be used in marking metals. CO2 gas lasers, like other gas lasers, are generally supplied in compressed natural gas storage or cylinders because of small volume requirements. Gas lasers supplied through a gas distribution network can use cylinder bundles as an alternative supply mode.
In addition to their long operating life and low maintenance requirements, fiber lasers are excellent for marking industrial products. In the event that part integrity is compromised, these lasers still produce crisp marks.
It is necessary to spray (or paste) the metal with a protective coating before CO2 laser engraving. Metal is temporarily marked by applying marking agents with CO2 lasers. Wood, acrylic, stone, and other materials are also easily etched by CO2 lasers.
In addition, Epilog laser systems are compatible with virtually any Windows program.
Lasers of different types
Because of the different types of lasers and materials, there are several things to take into account. The important considerations include the pre-treatment requirement and the material that needs marking. Check the two types of lasers and their important considerations below:
Carbon dioxide or CO2 lasers
Using CO2 lasers to mark metals is also possible, but coating or pre-treating marking agents requires additional time. In addition to adhering to metal fast, marking agents also need to be low-pressure and fast-acting. Increasing the power is the best option for pieces that can be cleaned after the lasering is complete.
In addition to maintaining tolerance and strength, the CO2 laser doesn’t remove any material. Anodized and painted aluminum and brass do not require pre-treatment.
Fiber lasers
To engrave metal, fiber lasers are the best method. Laser fibers can mark a wide variety of materials, including aluminum, nickel-plated metals, and stainless steel.
Fiber lasers are used for deep metal marking. They have a 1090 nm wavelength that can mark many materials, including resins and metals. Fiber lasers are also high-powered, so they are suitable for deep metal engraving and black-annealed marking.
Fiber lasers are high-output with long-distance communication relay powered by amplification technology. The laser beam is amplified as it passes through the optical fiber, producing a high-output laser. Hence, fiber lasers are perfect for high-volume metal marking projects.
Certain materials could be marked by a laser beam coming from the device, however. An engraving table can be inscribed by a beam that passes through transparent material. It may not be the best option for fiber laser systems to process organic materials, like wood, clear glass, and leather.
Types of marks
The type of metal to be marked can determine the fiber laser marking on metal option that is used. Lasers vaporize the object’s surface to produce engraving. The shapes of beams often resemble cones, so marks often resemble cones. Deep engravings are created through repeated operations that can withstand harsh conditions.
Commonly, the top layer of a material is removed by ablation to reveal its lower layer. A powdered metal or an anodized metal can be ablated.
It is possible to mark objects by heating their surfaces. During the annealing process, oxide is formed on the metals, producing a high contrast. Gas bubbles trapped in a material as it cools give rise to raised surfaces. Foam is formed when melted materials melt. By polishing a metal surface, you can change its color quickly. Your metal surface will appear mirror-like. Metals containing carbon or oxide, as well as steel alloys, iron, titanium, and other metals, are anodized. Stainless steel can also be marked with foam, although most commonly plastic. Those with matte finishes should be polished the best.
Considering the following materials
In addition to annealing, etching, and polishing stainless steel, laser data, such as speed, power, frequency, and focus, can also be altered. The brightness of fiber lasers on anodized aluminum is usually greater than that of CO2 lasers. Fiber lasers engrave aluminum with gray shades rather than black lasers. It is also possible to oxidize aluminum or add color to it before deep etching.
Lasers mark titanium with various colors as they operate. Nevertheless, they may be adjusted for different colors.
Anodized aluminum marks in three colors
The removal of certain materials and colors from aluminum can produce different marking effects. Partially or completely removing anodized layers can be accomplished with a laser.
It is applied with a coating of ceramic (5-30 mm thick) to make aluminum scratch-resistant. Colored porous layers can result in decorative effects. When using different laser wavelengths, certain techniques and materials can influence the results.
What makes laser marking and engraving different?
They differ in very important ways, despite their similarities. In addition to the way each technology looks, it differs in how deeply it penetrates.
By engraving or etching materials with a laser, some of them are actually removed. A laser, which only marks surfaces, is not used in the process. Understanding how laser engraving and laser etching differ is crucial.
The entire laser marking can be traced
A price laser marking machine has the advantage of permanent laser marking. Additionally, marking at the beginning of production is a cost-effective option compared to other methods.
No matter what coating or shot blasting you use, you’ll still have high-quality markings on your products. You will not damage the alpha-numeric serial number or barcode.
There are no consumables available
Marking with chemicals and ink free eliminates the need for consumables, making marking more efficient.
Using lasers to mark
A laser’s interaction with surfaces alters them slightly.
When low-power beams are slowly moved across material, they can be used to create high-contrast marks without damaging them.
- The laser oxidizes materials when heated, resulting in their black spectra.
- Low temperatures are used to anneal metal surfaces.
- The surface remains intact throughout the process.
There are several factors to consider in the separation of laser marking and laser engraving.
- Some places don’t offer it, but there are others.
Using a laser, plastics and metals are colored or darkened by being charred or annealed.
- All of these items can be marked by laser, including annealing, migration, foaming, and coloring.
- Metal and stainless steel can also be used for medical device parts, as well as plastic.
- Laser markers can also mark bar codes, UIDs, QR codes, and logos in addition to bar codes.
Takeaway
Marking metals with lasers include CO2 and fiber lasers. CO2 gas lasers are applicable for relatively minor metal engraving and marking projects, whereas fiber lasers are suitable for high-volume metal marking projects, commercial printing, or industrial use. Keep in mind the important considerations above when choosing the type of laser to use when marking metals.
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