What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages of Fiber Laser Marking Machines?

A fiber laser marking machine is one of the laser series machines, also known as a metal laser marking machine. Because of its good performance and environmental protection, it has won the recognition of many users. With the popularization of the application of laser marking technology, the use of fiber laser marking machines has now become an important part of the manufacturing process, it can help you make precise marks, help companies track their products, minimize counterfeit products, improve product quality, etc.
In recent years, more and more manufacturers are very willing to buy fiber laser marking machines, but most people are not very familiar with its advantages and disadvantages, in this article, we will analyze the advantages and disadvantages of fiber laser marking machines shortcoming.

Advantages of Fiber Laser Marking Machine

Fiber laser marking technology is more and more widely used in the printing field. Laser marking can be applied to various materials including plastic and rubber, metal, silicon wafers, and so on. Compared with traditional mechanical engraving, chemical corrosion, screen printing, and ink printing, fiber laser marking has the characteristics of low cost, high flexibility, durability, and low maintenance. Due to its many advantages, fiber laser marking machines are becoming more and more popular in various industries. Here are some key advantages of using a fiber laser marking machine:

High Contrast

High-contrast marking refers to the ability of a laser marking machine to make clear and legible marks on the surface of a material. This is because fiber laser generators can cause darkening or color changes on the surface of some materials, especially metals. By adjusting laser settings such as power and pulse duration, fiber laser generators can create contrast by inducing localized oxidation, melting, or chemical changes in materials. This darkening or color change provides a sharp contrast and makes the marked area highly visible.

Excellent marking quality

The fiber laser generator produces a fine and focused laser beam, enabling high-precision marking with excellent edge definition and minimal distortion. This makes fiber laser marking ideal for applications requiring complex designs, small characters, and barcodes. Laser beams can also create clear and permanent marks on a variety of material surfaces, including metals, plastics, and more.

Fast

Fiber laser marking machines use a solid-state laser source to produce a laser beam with high peak power and excellent beam quality. Fiber laser marking offers significantly higher marking speeds than other marking technologies. With fiber laser, you can easily create different designs and patterns on materials in a short time, with higher productivity and operational efficiency, and less waste and downtime. It’s the perfect choice to shorten your product development cycle and save you a lot of money.

Marked Durability

Marks created by fiber lasers are usually permanent and will not degrade and disappear due to environmental factors such as low temperature, contact, acidic or alkaline gases, and high concentrations or concentrations of gases. Therefore, it is favored for its durability in parts manufacturing industries such as automotive and aerospace. Permanent and durable markings enable these manufacturers to track and identify their products.

Compatible with most materials

Fiber laser marking machines are suitable for marking a variety of materials, including metals (such as stainless steel, aluminum, copper, etc.), plastics, etc., which provides greater flexibility. They are commonly used to mark barcodes, serial numbers, logos, text, and other graphics on metals, plastics, electronic components, medical devices, automotive parts, and more. Fiber laser marking is also suitable for complex shapes, for example, it can be used to mark wires and tubes. This makes it an ideal tool for serializing or tracking products in a customized manner.

Long-lasting and low-maintenance

Fiber laser generators have a long lifespan, typically lasting tens of thousands of hours before needing to be replaced. Its solid-state design has no moving parts and requires less maintenance than other marking technologies. Fiber laser generators also have a compact design, making them easy to integrate into existing production lines. Fiber laser marking machines are a cost-effective solution in the long run.

Non-contact marking

Fiber laser marking is a non-contact process, meaning that the laser beam does not physically touch the surface of the material being marked. This eliminates the risk of damaging delicate or sensitive surfaces and ensures product integrity. Additionally, the fiber laser generator produces a minimal heat-affected zone, reducing the possibility of thermal distortion or material damage.

Ease of integration and automation

Fiber laser marking machines are compatible with various automation systems and can be seamlessly integrated into production lines. It can be easily controlled and programmed to automate the marking process, increasing productivity and efficiency. The flexibility of fiber laser generators also allows them to be integrated into existing manufacturing workflows with minimal modification.

Green

Marking processes such as chemical etching and inkjet use chemicals and inks to mark, these consumables are not only expensive but also have a negative impact by releasing harmful gases into the environment. Compared to marking technologies that rely heavily on consumables, fiber laser marking does not use any consumables such as chemicals, release any harmful chemicals, or produce airborne particles. This reduces operating costs and reduces environmental impact, making it a sustainable choice for marking applications.

Low running cost

Although the initial investment in fiber laser marking equipment is higher than that of traditional equipment, from the perspective of operating costs, the cost of fiber laser marking machines is lower. Fiber laser marking is fast, efficient, and does not require any consumables, except for the power cost of the equipment, only one operator is required to operate the machine.

Disadvantages of Fiber Laser Marking Machine

That’s not all about fiber laser marking technology, fiber laser marking is an extremely versatile process that gives you more control and more options over your marks, but there are still some shortcomings that need to be improved today. Understanding the shortcomings of fiber laser marking is the prerequisite for improving laser marking technology. The following are the four existing shortcomings of fiber laser marking.

High initial cost

The initial cost of a fiber laser marking machine is high compared to other marking technologies. This is due to the advanced fiber laser technology and precision components used in the laser marking system. While the cost of a fiber laser marking machine has come down over time, it can still require a relatively high investment compared to other marking methods. For small businesses or those with a limited budget, the initial investment required for a fiber laser marking machine may be prohibitive.

Marking depth limit

Fiber laser marking is generally a surface marking process and may have limitations when engraving deeply or marking thicker materials. This is because the laser used by the fiber laser marking machine is parallel light, and the laser is mostly focused on the surface of the workpiece. The more layers of the workpiece, the smaller the marking force. In such cases, an alternative marking method (mechanical engraving) may be more appropriate.

Material restrictions

Fiber laser generators work very well on metals and some plastics, but they may not be compatible with all materials. The materials used for fiber laser marking are limited by the type of laser generator. If the type you buy doesn’t match the correct scene, then it won’t work. For example, fiber laser marking machines are mostly used for marking metals, while marking non-metallic materials requires the use of CO2 laser marking machines. Additionally, fiber laser generators may not be suitable for marking certain highly reflective materials, as the laser beam may reflect and cause damage to the marking system. It is recommended to test the compatibility of the material with fiber laser marking beforehand.

Limited color options

Fiber laser marking machines mainly create marks through surface oxidation, ablation, and surface color change. This means it usually produces a monochromatic mark, usually black, gray, or white. Although the newly developed MOPA laser marking machine can mark in color, it can only be marked in color on stainless steel. If colored marking is required for a particular application, such as product branding or aesthetic purposes, alternative marking technologies such as inkjet may be more suitable.

Maintenance and service requirements

While fiber laser marking machines generally require less maintenance than other laser systems, they still require regular maintenance and service to ensure optimal performance. Over time, components such as laser sources, focusing lenses, and beam delivery systems may need to be cleaned, aligned, or replaced. Ongoing maintenance and service costs need to be considered when considering a fiber laser marking machine.

Safety Precautions

Fiber laser marking machines emit a highly focused laser beam that can be harmful to human eyes and skin. To prevent accidents or injuries, adequate safety precautions must be taken, such as the use of proper protective eyewear and proper training. Additionally, depending on the material being marked, the marking process may generate fumes or hazardous particles, so proper ventilation or exhaust systems are required to ensure a safe working environment.

Limited parking area

Fiber laser marking machines typically have a smaller marking area compared to traditional marking methods. While this is not a problem for many applications, it can be a limitation when marking larger workpieces or requiring a larger marking area.

Summarize

Fiber laser marking technology has become very popular these days and is currently growing globally. People are increasingly appreciating product customization and design, paying more attention to effective marking machines, and are looking for a complete replacement for traditional standard-compliant machines. Before purchasing a fiber laser marking machine, it is recommended to carefully evaluate your specific application requirements, material compatibility, and budget.
The laser marking machines produced by AccTek Laser can meet the needs of various applications, and have good application prospects in industry, commerce, communications, and medicine. If you need to purchase a laser marking machine, please contact us in time. We will provide you with the best quality service.

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