This section introduces the optimal laser wavelengths for a variety of materials.
GLASS
PRINTING ON GLASS
Suitable Models
ML-Z Series 3-Axis CO2 Laser Marker
Print Quality
- - Printing is achieved by generating minute cracks in the glass.
- - Repetitive marking at low power allows for clearer print quality.
- - Quartz glass is able to be marked without causing cracks to occur on the surface.
Points to Note
- - Printing at high power can sometimes cause large cracks.
Benefits of 3-Axis Lasers
- - 3-Axis lasers do not require physical installation adjustments to focus the laser. Focal adjustment is done via the dedicated marking software.
- - Purposely de-focusing the laser beam may allow for clearer marking of characters on some materials.
PRINTING ON GLASS 1 (Beverage Containers)
Suitable Models
ML-Z Series 3-Axis CO2 Laser Marker
Print Quality
- - Printing is achieved by generating minute cracks in the glass.
- - Repetitive marking at low power allows for clearer print quality.
Points to Note
- - Printing at high power can sometimes cause large cracks.
Benefits of 3-Axis Lasers
- - 3-Axis lasers do not require physical installation adjustments to focus the laser.
Focal adjustment is done via the dedicated marking software.
*Purposely de-focusing the laser beam allows for clearer marking of characters on some materials.
PRINTING ON GLASS 2 (Quartz Glass)
Suitable Models
ML-Z Series 3-Axis CO2 Laser Marker
Print Quality
- - Thermal marking melts the surface of the glass.
- - Quartz glass is heat-resistant, allowing the laser to print on the surface without generating cracks.
Points to Note
- - Since quartz glass is heat-resistant, printing may sometimes need to be done slowly at high power to create high visibility.
Benefits of 3-Axis Lasers
- - Allows for clear, distortion-free printing on glass products with fine tapering curves, such as test tubes and fluorescent bulbs.
- - Variable-focal-length printing is possible without setup changes on products of various diameters and curved surfaces.
PAPER
PRINTING ON PAPER
Suitable Models
ML-Z Series 3-Axis CO2 Laser Marker
Print Quality
- - The ML-Z Series markers create high-visibility printing by precisely removing the preprinted surface (ink layer).
- - High contrast marking allows for highly readable barcodes and other detailed printing.
Points to Note
- - Darker preprinted surfaces allow for maximized contrast.
- - Barcodes generally require more time to print than lettering.
Benefits of 3-Axis Lasers
- - Printing is always consistent and is not affected by carton warpage or expansion.
- - Tapering curved surfaces can be accounted for when marking, allowing for undistorted printing on complex shapes.
PRINTING ON PAPER 2 (UNPRINTED SURFACES)
Suitable Models
ML-Z Series 3-Axis CO2 Laser Marker
Print Quality
- - ML-Z Series models allow for high-powered printing by burning characters onto a white surface.
- - Allows for high contrast printing on white backgrounds, therefore, easily replacing ink-jet and stamping printers.
Points to Note
- - High-powered laser markers may generate soot when printing.
- - Some cases may require the use of a dust collector to combat soot.
Benefits of 3-Axis Lasers
- - Printing is always uniform, unaffected by carton warpage or expansion.
- - The focal distance can be adjusted within a 42 mm range, allowing for flexible installation when incorporating laser markers into existing machinery and similar equipment.
CERAMICS
Suitable Models
MD-V9900 Series 3-Axis YVO4 Laser Marker
ML-Z Series 3-Axis CO2 Laser Marker
Print Quality
- - Contrasting print that is burned into the surface is achievable with a YAG/YVO4 laser.
- - Engraved printing is achievable on ceramic targets using a CO2 laser.
Points to Note
- - For zirconia ceramics, YVO4 laser markers are most suitable.
- - For alumina surfaces, CO2 laser markers are most suitable.
Benefits of 3-Axis Lasers
- - Printing on multiple ceramic targets can be achieved simultaneously (maximum 300 mm x 300 mm area).
- - Clear printing without faded characters on curved surfaces.
PC BOARDS (Glass Epoxy)
Suitable Models
ML-Z Series 3-Axis CO2 Laser Marker
MD-F Series 3-Axis Fiber Laser Marker
Print Quality
- - Highly visible, contrasting print.
- - Clear, precise printing with minimal surface damage.
Points to Note
- - Printing should be conducted at low power, as soot will be generated if the marking power is too high.
- - CO2 lasers are ideal for marking on printed circuit boards since metal components do not easily absorb the CO2 wavelength of light.
Benefits of 3-Axis Lasers
- - Uniform characters can be printed in a 300 mm x 300 mm wide area allowing for multiple circuit boards to be printed simultaneously.
Coating Removal
Uniform Removal on Coated Surfaces
Suitable Models
3-Axis Hybrid Laser Marker MD-X series
Print Quality
- - Only the coating is removed without scratching the equipment.
Technique
- - Increase the spot size to prevent the component being damaged, and then scan at high speed to remove only the coating.
- - Coatings such as enamel and cation are hard, so lower the Q-switch frequency and pulverize the coating to remove it.
Alumite Layer Peeling
Suitable Models
3-Axis Hybrid Laser Marker MD-X series
Technique
- - It is possible to peel off alumite using a CO2 laser marker, but the alumite film may not be peeled off completely due to
- - Set the Q-switch frequency to a low value and shallowly engrave the alumite layer and the aluminum part. This causes diffuse reflections of light, which appear as white marking.
- - Performing processing with a laser that has a narrow beam diameter makes the edges clear, which provides a sharp finish.
ITO Film Peeling
Suitable Models
3-Axis Hybrid Laser Marker MD-X series
Technique
- - The processing is comparatively easy: the film can be peeled off easily even at low power.
- - When peeling ITO film for insulation, set the frequency and scan speed so that no gap occurs between pulses in order to accurately peel off the film.
