This section introduces the optimal laser wavelengths for a variety of materials.
Aluminium
Charcoal Gray Marking for Good Visibility
Suitable Models
3-Axis Hybrid Laser Marker MD-X series
Print Quality
- - Charcoal gray marking on aluminum surfaces.
- - High power is used to mark the target with coloration.
Technique
- - Aluminum has a higher reflectance than iron or stainless steel, so select a laser with a high peak power.
- - Perform powerful marking at the position where the laser beam is focused with a small beam spot diameter and high energy density.
White Contrast Marking
Suitable Models
3-Axis Hybrid Laser Marker MD-X series
Print Quality
- - Lightly engrave the aluminum surface for a white finish.
Technique
- - Specify a high power and a fast scan speed. White marking on aluminum can be performed stably and over a wide condition range.
- - YAG laser markers are commonly used to mark thick characters. YVO4 laser markers are commonly used to mark thin characters.
Stainless steel
ANNEALED MARKING ON STAINLESS STEEL
Suitable Models
MD-F Series 3-Axis Fiber Laser Marker
MD-V9900 Series 3-Axis YVO4 Laser Marker
Print Quality
- - Clear black printing by surface annealing through purposeful laser defocusing.
- - Printing without causing damage to fi ne metal components, with less than 1 μm surface variation.
Points to Note
- - By de-focusing the laser, energy density is decreased and black printing can be achieved without damaging the surface of the material.
- - In some cases, fi ne tuning the pulse frequency (Q-switch) of the laser is needed to minimize damage to the surface of the target.
Benefits of 3-Axis Lasers
- - The variable focal distance of the MD-F allows for uniform printing on complex shapes, even when purposely de-focusing the laser.
- - Distortion free printing is achievable on any shape of target with 3-axis control.
ENGRAVED MARKING ON STEEL
Suitable Models
MD-F Series 3-Axis Fiber Laser Marker
MD-V9900 Series 3-Axis YVO4 Laser Marker
Print Quality
- - Engraved printing on the surface without discoloration.
- - Deeper marking can be achieved by overlapping characters.
Points to Note
- - In some cases, a deeper mark can be achieved by overlapping marks that print more quickly rather than one mark that slowly engraves the surface.
- - Engraving is made easier by setting the Q-switch frequency low, therefore releasing more energy per pulse.
Benefits of 3-Axis Lasers
- - Large-sized nameplates can be printed with uniform depth.
- - Distortion free engraving is achievable in a 300 mm x 300 mm area.
Cemented Carbide
Suitable Models
3-Axis Hybrid Laser Marker MD-X series
3-Axis Fiber Laser Marker MD-F series
Print Quality
- - Black-annealed marking is possible, the same as with iron and stainless steel.
Points to Note
- - It is especially disadvantageous for cemented carbide tools to be cracked, so a key point is the fine adjustment of the Q-switch frequency.
- - Depending on the type of cemented carbide, characters may not be marked in black. Instead, they may be marked in white, similar to polishing the surface.
- - Fiber lasers are optimal when processing time is important. YVO4 lasers are optimal when quality is more important (preventing damage).
Benefits of 3-Axis Lasers
- - Even on curved surfaces such as drills, it's possible to mark clearly with no distortion.
- - The focal point can be varied even when using the laser offline, so there is no need to perform adjustments, which supports marking on a wide variety of products.
Copper
Suitable Models
3-Axis Hybrid Laser Marker MD-X series
Telecentric Green Laser Marker MD-T series
Print Quality
- - The surface is marked by shallow engraving.
- - The marked surface becomes whitish.
Points to Note
- - With a CO2 laser marker, the majority of the laser light is reflected, so it is not possible to perform marking.
- - Because the reflectance is high, select a laser marker with a high peak power.
- - It is possible to perform black, carbonized marking with the fundamental wavelength, but this takes time due to the low absorption coefficient.
Benefits of 3-Axis Lasers
- - Due to the uniform spot across the whole area, faint characters do not occur even for workpieces with high reflectance.
- - The high peak power enables clear marking on copper.
GOLD PLATING
Suitable Models
MD-V9900 Series 3-Axis YVO4 Laser Marker
Print Quality
- - Engraving as well as light and dark contrast marks are achievable on gold surfaces.
Points to Note
- - Fine tuning of the pulse frequency (Q-switch) is fundamental due to the high refl ective properties of gold.
- - Thick plating may require added adjustment of marking variables in order to achieve the desired type of mark.
Benefits of 3-Axis Lasers
- - Clear printing is achievable, even on curved surfaces with a small diameter.
- - Precise focal point adjustment allows for uniform marking on highly refl ective targets.