What Are The Types of Laser Marking Machines?

Laser marking is an emerging marking technology known for its permanent marking and wide material compatibility. Due to its reliability, efficiency, and productivity, more and more industries use laser marking technology to replace traditional marking methods such as manual engraving, stamping, and screen printing.
Manufacturers can use marking laser systems to create permanent marks in the form of text, codes, graphics, and numbers on parts and machines without damaging the surface. This article discusses the types of laser marking machines, the differences between them, which laser marking machine to choose, and some other direct part marking processes.

What is Laser Marking

Laser marking refers to the process of using laser technology to mark the surface of parts or workpieces. The laser beam hits the material and its energy reacts with the material, leaving a permanent graphic, text, or coded mark. The speed, power, and focus of this laser beam on the part will result in different laser processes. Laser marking machines typically use fiber laser generators or CO2 laser generators as energy sources, laser energy is measured in wavelength or nanometers (nm), specific wavelengths are used for different applications and can only be produced by specific types of laser generators.
The laser marking machine has the characteristics of fineness, high speed, and non-contact, and can mark and engrave on various materials, including metal, plastic, glass, ceramics, etc. Laser marking machines are also widely used in various industries, such as manufacturing, electronics, medical equipment, jewelry processing, and other fields.

Three Main Types of Laser Marking Machines

Different laser marking systems are suitable for different part manufacturing processes, and each process has its laser mechanism used. For example, laser engraving removes part of the material, so it is more suitable for logo or character processing. Laser marking machines can be divided into many types according to different working principles and application fields, and these laser engraving machines represent the best choice in their class. The following are the three main types of laser marking machines:

Fiber laser marking machine

Fiber laser marking technology has become one of the most popular direct part marking technologies in recent years. High beam quality and small spot size together with a larger lens make the fiber laser marking machine widely used for small parts batch marking applications. The main features of the fiber laser marking machine include:

Short wavelength: The wavelength of the fiber laser marking machine is in the range of 1030-2100nm, which is suitable for marking various materials, including metal, plastic, silicon wafer, and other materials.
Flexibility: It can be adjusted and customized according to different application requirements to achieve various types of marking, including text, patterns, QR codes, barcodes, etc. At the same time, the fiber laser marking machine has a smaller volume and lower noise, which is convenient for integration and installation.
Fast marking speed: The photoelectric conversion rate is about 25%. It can be marked with extremely high power and fast scanning speed. It is the fastest laser marking machine currently available.
High marking quality: Using modular design, it has the smallest marking unit size. It can flexibly handle complex marking surfaces to form high-contrast permanent marks, thereby achieving high-precision marking.
Low operating costs: Fiber laser marking machines are extremely durable and have a long service life. Requires very little maintenance with few replacement parts.

CO2 laser marking machine

The CO2 laser marking machine is usually a sealed tube marking system, and the beam controlled by the galvanometer can be used to mark non-metallic surfaces. The wavelength of the CO2 laser marking machine is 10 times that of the standard wavelength system. The main features of the CO2 laser marking machine include:

Versatility: The wavelength of the CO2 laser generator can be used on non-metallic surfaces such as paper, wood, and ceramics, and can also be marked on leather, glass, and some organic materials.
High efficiency: The CO2 laser marking machine has a high output power and can complete complex marking tasks in a short period. Suitable for high-volume production environments.
High precision: It can carry out subtle marking, including text, pattern, barcode, etc., with high resolution and precision. It can achieve a high-precision marking effect.
Long service life: It can work continuously for a long time, which reduces the frequency of equipment maintenance and replacement parts, and improves the reliability and stability of the equipment.

UV ultraviolet laser marking machine

UV ultraviolet laser marking machine is a kind of equipment that uses ultraviolet laser for marking. When using a UV ultraviolet laser marking machine, pay attention to avoid the damage caused by ultraviolet light to human eyes and skin. UV ultraviolet laser marking machine has the following characteristics:

Short wavelength: The shorter wavelength makes the UV laser have higher light energy and smaller spot size, which is suitable for applications requiring fine marks and high precision.
High energy density: The laser output by the UV laser marking machine has a high energy density, which can release energy in a short time. This makes it possible to achieve high-speed marking and improve production efficiency.
Versatility: Suitable for marking a variety of materials, including plastics, glass, ceramics, metal coatings, and more. It can perform precise marking on the surface of these materials, including etching, coloring, cutting, etc.
Small Heat Affected Zone: UV lasers use a highly absorbing wavelength (355 nm) to mark parts. This high absorption rate allows the UV laser to perform “cold marking”, ensuring that no additional thermal stress is placed on the material.

Differences among three laser marking machines

Fiber laser marking machines, CO2 laser marking machines, and UV laser marking machines are three common types of laser marking equipment, and there are some important differences between them. These differences make fiber laser marking machines, CO2 laser marking machines, and UV laser marking machines different in terms of applicable materials, marking effects, and safety.

Laser source and wavelength

Fiber laser marking machine: Use a fiber laser generator as a laser source, usually using lasers of different wavelengths such as red light, green light, or ultraviolet light.
CO2 laser marking machine: The CO2 gas laser generator is used as the laser source, and the output laser wavelength is usually 10.6 microns.
Ultraviolet laser marking machine: The ultraviolet laser generator is used as the laser source, and the wavelength is usually in the range of 200-400 nanometers.

Applicable material

Fiber laser marking machine: suitable for a variety of metal and non-metal materials, such as steel, aluminum, plastic, ceramics, etc.
CO2 laser marking machine: more suitable for non-metallic materials and some organic materials, such as wood, paper, leather, textiles, etc.
UV laser marking machine: very suitable for fine marking on some low heat-resistant materials, such as soft plastics, electronic components, etc.

Effects and features

Fiber laser marking machine: with high beam quality, high efficiency, and stability. It can achieve high-precision, high-speed, and long-life marking effects. Suitable for a variety of applications requiring fine marking.
CO2 laser marking machine: with high marking speed and production efficiency. It is suitable for mass production environments and can achieve high-quality marking effects.
Ultraviolet laser marking machine: It has the characteristics of short wavelength, high energy density, and small heat-affected zone. It is suitable for applications requiring small marks and high precision, such as electronic components, optical devices, etc.

Security

Fiber laser marking machine: relatively safe for human eyes and skin, but still need to pay attention to safe operation and protective measures.
CO2 laser marking machine: CO2 laser belongs to the infrared spectrum, which is harmful to human eyes, and appropriate protective measures should be taken.
Ultraviolet laser marking machine: Ultraviolet light is harmful to human eyes and skin, so special attention should be paid to safe operation and protection when using it.

Which laser marking machine should I choose?

Which laser marking machine to choose depends on your specific application needs and material properties. Each laser marking machine has its applicable fields and advantages. When determining the right laser marking machine, multiple factors need to be considered, including application requirements, material properties, budget constraints, safety, and technical support. Here are some suggestions to help you choose the right laser marking machine for you:

Determine application needs

Define your application needs. Determine what type of material you need to mark on, such as metal, plastic, wood, glass, etc. Consider the required marking speed, accuracy, marking effect, and functional features, and whether high-volume mass production is required. This will help narrow down your options.

Material properties

Make sure the laser marking machine you choose matches the material you will be processing. For example, fiber laser marking machines are suitable for many materials, CO2 laser marking machines are suitable for non-metal and some metal materials, and UV laser marking machines are suitable for fine marking on many materials, including plastic, glass, ceramics, etc.

Budget constraints

Laser marking machine prices vary by model, brand, and configuration. Determine the extent of the investment you can afford, given budgetary constraints, taking into account expected long-term returns and reliability of the equipment.

safety

Laser technology involves potential safety risks. Understand and follow the safe operation guidelines and standards for laser equipment to ensure the safety of the operator and the working environment.

Technical support and service

Choose a manufacturer or supplier with reliable technical support and after-sales service. Make sure they can provide training, maintenance, and spare parts support promptly to keep your equipment up and running.

When selecting a laser marking machine, consider your specific application needs, the type of material being processed, and budget constraints. It is recommended that you contact and consult with multiple laser equipment suppliers to learn more about equipment performance, technical support, and after-sales service, to make the best choice.

Summarize

In conclusion, laser marking and engraving have become key processes in various industries, they are easy to use and far superior to traditional marking methods. By understanding these different types of laser marking machines, you can easily choose and decide which one is best for your application’s marking and engraving needs.
To permanently mark machined parts, you need to have a laser marking system. AccTek Laser is here to help. With our accumulated advanced technology and practical experience, we can meet all your needs for laser marking and help achieve the marking effect you want.

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