Laser Marking on Metals
Before you can begin laser marking on metals, you must first know what materials you’ll be marking. Different materials have different absorption spectra and react differently to different wavelengths of light. Other factors that must be taken into consideration are the material’s hardness and melting point. For example, metals like aluminium are softer and have lower melting temperatures than steel or stainless steel.
Applications
Laser marking is a technology that uses focused beams of light to create a durable mark on the surface of a component. These beams of light contain very high energy levels, and they are released in a coherent beam that is directed at the component. The interaction between the beam and the surface of the component changes the material’s properties by transferring heat. These processes are a great way to create designs or write on metals, but they can also be used to remove paint or coatings from a surface.
Laser marking on metals has many industrial applications, including in the automotive industry. For example, it can be used to remove polyamide sheathing around motor wires. It is also an excellent way to streamline production processes, allowing for a single, low-cost machining cycle. Additionally, laser marking allows for a high degree of customization. The process also enables automakers to produce customized interiors at a relatively low cost.
Techniques
Lasers can mark a variety of materials. The process of laser marking metals involves raising a mark slightly above the surface. The heat generated by the laser oxidizes the metal, changing its colour. The maximum surface temperature varies depending on the thickness of the oxidized layer but is usually around 3000 Ao or 300 nm.
Laser marking is a non-contact process, and requires minimal maintenance. It is used in a wide variety of industries and can be used to create a variety of markings, from bar codes to labels. It is also commonly used to create logos, part numbers, and dates.
Benefits
Laser marking is a common method used in medical devices to ensure the authenticity of products. It also prevents counterfeiting. Laser marking also increases brand awareness and helps differentiate brands from others. Laser marking is also used for jewellery to add value and maintain the authenticity of the piece. The benefits of laser marking on metals include durability and minimal maintenance.
The laser marking process uses high-energy beams of light to produce permanent incisions on component surfaces. The beams of light interact with the surface of the component, causing it to emit heat and change its properties. Lasers can engrave, etch, and anneal surfaces.
Costs
The cost of laser marking metals is not directly related to the part’s value, but it does depend on the amount of information you need to mark. Typically, laser marking is used to add codes and traceability features to products in the electrical and electronic industries. Additionally, it is often used in the medical and automotive industries.
There are several types of lasers available, including CO2 lasers and fiber lasers. Fiber lasers are more versatile and can be used for marking a variety of materials and surfaces. CO2 lasers, on the other hand, can’t handle certain materials. Fiber lasers can be designed to have a higher beam quality, which affects the width and size of the laser mark.
Durability
Laser marking on metallic medical components is an important medical device feature. However, the process can also have a negative effect on the mechanical performance of the component. A literature review found that laser markings reduce the fatigue life of the component. In addition, they can cause large defects of 25 mm or larger. However, a fast fracture is unlikely to result from these defects.
The annealing process is an alternative method of creating markings on metals. This process involves localised heating of the metal, which causes structural changes and a change in colour. Stainless steel, for instance, can be marked with a red, green, or yellow colour. Laser rays penetrate into the metal’s surface up to 20-30 um. This process creates an even surface on the workpiece and a permanent, abrasion-resistant result. Various industries utilize this process to create a nameplate or other engraved items.
