Laser Marking Types

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Laser Marking Types
Removing Layer
Engraving
Carbon Migration
Bonding
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Laser engraving Metals
Sample Surface Etching 2d matrix and text into
cast aluminum Summary All of the YAG based
lasers can surface etch on metals. Surface
etching is removing less than .001 of material.
The Flash lamp can do this the fastest since it
has the most peak energy. However the mark time
will only reduce by 10. The laser best suited
for this type of mark is the Fiber Laser due to
its low initial cost, cost of ownership and
compact size.
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Laser engraving Metals
Sample Engraving a 2d matrix and text into
steel Summary All the YAG markers can achieve
some level of engraving since the laser is
removing material. For engraving depths of .003
or greater, the Flash Lamp system is the
preferred laser. Since it can deliver 85W or more
of power, it can more easily remove the material
in the shortest time. Varying the depth is
achieved mostly by the of passes.
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Laser marking on Black Plastic
Sample Color contrast on black automotive
plastic w/ YAG Summary This material requires
low power and high q-switch frequency. All YAG
lasers can create this contrast. The laser
suitable for this material is the Fiber Laser.
The Fiber laser delivers a nice contrast on this
material and is the most cost effective solution.
Sample Non-contrast on black automotive plastic
w/ CO2 Summary The 10W or 30W CO2 system is
ideal for non-contrast marks on black plastic.
The decision over 10W or 30W will be price versus
speed.
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Laser marking with YAG on White Plastic
Sample Color contrast on white medical
plastics Summary This material requires a low
q-switch frequency in order to create a dark
contrast on the white material. The lasers
suitable for this material are either the flash
lamp or the Vanadate. The Fiber does not have a
low enough q-switch frequency to obtain this
contrast. The decision of Flash Lamp versus
Vanadate will have many factors such as initial
costs, Cost of Ownership, other materials to mark
etc.
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Laser removing layer
Sample 1 Removing anodize on a tag Sample
2 Removing black paint on metal Summary All of
the YAG based lasers can remove layers. The Flash
lamp can do this the fastest since it has the
most peak energy. However the mark time will only
reduce by 10. A CO2 laser can also remove
anodize and paint but the contrast will not be as
bright. But it will have enough contrast to
create readable barcodes. The laser best suited
for this type of mark is either the Fiber Laser
or the CO2 laser due to their low initial cost,
cost of ownership and compact size. The decision
will come down to cost and what other parts are
you looking to mark. If you have more metal parts
then the fiber is the choice. If you have plastic
parts as well then the CO2 is the choice.
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Carbon Migration
Sample Carbon migration (black anneal) on
stainless steel Summary Carbon migration can
only be done on stainless steel and titanium. It
is a heat treating of the metal to bring the
carbon to the surface. All of the YAG based
lasers can deliver this mark. The laser best
suited for this type of mark is either the Fiber
Laser or Vanadate. The decision will come down to
price versus mark time. The Fiber will have the
longest mark time but will be the least
expensive. The Vanadate will be able to increase
your mark time but has a higher initial cost.
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Laser bonding

• Appropriate for metals,glass, and ceramics
• This marking process is good for
• Safety critical hardware
• High temperatures
• Salt fog/spray environments

Step 1 Coating Applied And Bonded to Surface
Using Laser
Step 2 - Unmarked Coating Removed
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Laser bonded sample
Sample laser bonded material to metal or
plastics. Summary For laser bonding, the two
lasers best suited for this are either the 10W
fiber laser and the 10W CO2 laser. As with
carbon migration, this is a heat treat process
that does require time to heat and bond the
material.
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Laser marking with CO2
Samples Marking cardboard, wood, labels and
glass with a CO2 laser Summary The CO2 is ideal
for marking on organic materials such as
cardboard, labels, wood and glass.