Industrial Laser Marking
Laser marking technology has evolved. Non-contact laser systems are explained and outlined so these techniques can reveal the high-quality engraving and etching in a manner that produces a permanent, non removable laser mark.Time and technology have delivered us into a future where engraving and etching using the newest laser marking and engraving technology amplifies the image quality of the product so greatly—that the market is changing for manufacturers of auto parts, firearms, aerospace parts and medical devices.
Non-contact laser marking is known for durability, high-temperature resistance, micro coded marks that resist high and extreme heats applied to various materials (which means those tiny etched words won't degrade). The process includes no toxic solvents, inks or acids are used.
In contrast, other traceable marking methods such as ink jet, hand engraving, and dot-peen marking cannot always be counted on not to fade, run or become less discernable as time passes.The wear and tear and time-affected corruptibility of markings that are not laser etched has become obvious to product engineering professionals. So much so, that laser marking is routinely called out for products that have life time traceability requirements imposed on them.This inherent time-induced corruptibility is why the non-contact laser marking process is changing how routine etching and engraving is done today.
Industrial Laser Marking Captures/Focuses Light-Energy
It does this in an extremely concentrated form. It focuses on microscopic areas that are then exposed to short bursts of highly-controlled and concentrated light-energy.
For permanent, easy to see and read ID marks on any kind of manufactured medical device, automotive part, aerospace stamp or firearm tracking or any other bar code, UID part marking (such as 2-D matrix or QD codes). Laser marking can be etched or engraved onto plastics, ceramics, metals and many other substrates.
Older Engraving Methods: Still Being Used
Older methods of engraving include direct laser engraving of flexographic printing cylinders and plates. This method was established in the 1970s. It began by using a carbon dioxide laser to selectively ablate or evaporate any number of rubber plate and sleeve materials. This produces a print-ready surface without the use of photography or chemicals. This process requires no integral ablation mask as with direct photopolymer laser imaging. Instead, a high-powered carbon dioxide laser head burns away or ablates waste material.
A short water-wash and dry cycle follows--a process much less involved than the post-processing stages for direct laser imaging or conventional flexo plate-making with photopolymer plates. After engraving, photopolymer is exposed through the imaged black layer. Then it is washed out in the traditional photopolymer process requiring photography and often toxic chemicals.
Previous to 2000, lasers produced lower quality in rubber-like material. In these rubber-like materials, a rough structure meaning higher quality was impossible. Since then, fiber laser marking systems have been introduced and have changed this process and the quality of the laser mark.
The discovery of high-quality polymeric compounds has also allowed laser engraving quality to vastly improve. Recently, laser systems have been selectively engraving thin opaque black layers of a specially produced photopolymer plate or sleeve which is highly useful in the medical device, auto parts or aerospace and firearm manufacturing industries.
Laser Marking for Medical Device Manufacturers
Because medical devices are so specialized, manufacturing requirements are rigorous and specialized. Outlining advantages and possible applications is critical and helps determine how to decrease the cost effectively while still keeping the highest standards when marking or engraving on medical devices. Thousands of characters are quickly laser marked in seconds. Expect high-quality images, text, logos and machine readable codes from laser marking. Expect detailed, sharp, clear resolutions on a wide variety of materials.
Medical devices, auto parts, aero casing etches, bar codes - a powerful new alternative to other engraving methods, industries have become our first-adapters. Large firearm companies, QD and 2D matrix code engravers are realizing the progress involved and are turning to industrial laser marking systems.
For new technology, industrial laser marking will evolve your business. Learn more by contacting LaserStar today.
