Laser Marking a Stainless Steel Medical I.D.

Laser Marking on Stainless Steel

Laser Marking Application Description

 Material:

Medical I.D. Bracelet - 304 Stainless Steel  

Throughput required: 15 to 20 Seconds per Side

Information to be Marked:
Text in Arial or Arial Bold Font 1.5 - 2 mm text height.

Laser marking on stainless steel typically depletes the protective chromium layer around the laser marked heat affected zone. It is not uncommon to find a rust haze or halo of oxide around the laser mark after a short period of time, unless the stainless is passivated or a protective oil is placed on the part.

LaserStar has developed a technique to reduce or eliminate rusting caused by free ions that cause unwanted oxidation on stainless steel after laser marking. Using the LaserStar technique, the stainless steel laser marking samples have a pleasing cosmetic dark laser mark contrasting against the silver background and readable at arms length. All samples have a smooth feel when placed against the skin. Samples are checked for permanence by abrasion testing using a jewelers wheel and finally with a more robust testing by using a scouring pad.

Testing the stainless steel for corrosion around the laser marked area, was done by placing the steel sample in a highly concentrated salt water bath for 24 hours after laser marking. No evidence of rusting around the marked area was observed.

As a turnkey solution provider, LaserStar's Applications Specialists will evaluate your laser marking or laser engraving requirements, define the application goals and objectives, specify and verify the correct laser marking platform, and define a complete system configuration to accomplish the desired results.