What Materials Can Be Marked With Different Types of Laser Marking?

Laser marking technology is an advanced process that uses laser beams to mark the surface of materials. Different types of laser generators, such as fiber laser generators, CO2 laser generators, and UV laser generators, each play an important role in the marking process. This article will focus on the best of these three types of laser marking technologies, outline how they work, and delve into the materials and applications that can be effectively marked using fiber optic, CO2, and UV laser marking technologies.

Types of materials that can be marked by fiber laser marking

Fiber laser marking technology is an advanced surface marking method that uses the laser beam emitted by a fiber laser generator to achieve fine marking without damaging the material surface. First, let’s understand the working principle of fiber laser marking:

What is fiber laser marking?

Fiber laser marking is a marking technology that uses a fiber laser generator to focus the laser beam on the surface of the work object and controls the laser beam to etch or change the surface properties of the material surface. The key component of fiber laser marking is the fiber laser generator. This kind of laser generator uses optical fiber as the transmission medium, and the optical fiber is filled with activation material, such as carbon dioxide gas. The active material produces laser light when excited.
When working, the activation material is excited by electronic energy levels, causing the atoms or molecules in the activation material to be in a high-energy state. When these particles return to a lower energy state, they emit photons, forming laser beams. This laser beam has high energy and density, allowing it to have a strong impact on the material surface during the marking process. By precisely controlling the focus and position of the laser beam, high-precision marking on the material surface can be achieved.

What types of materials can fiber laser marking effectively mark?

The characteristics of high energy, high density, and high precision of fiber laser marking technology make it widely used in various fields. Fiber laser marking can specifically mark the following types of materials:

Metal materials

Fiber laser marking performs well on metal materials. Metal surfaces often respond well to laser light, and fiber laser generators can quickly produce high-contrast, extremely clear marks on metal surfaces.

Plastic material

Plastic products are widely used in electronics, medical, and consumer goods, and fiber laser marking technology excels in achieving precise markings on plastic surfaces. Its high precision and speed make it suitable for creating clear and durable marks on plastic products. Whether it is a serial number, graphics, or text, it can be accurately marked on the plastic surface.

Ceramic materials

Fiber laser marking also shows superior performance on ceramic materials. Ceramic surfaces are usually hard, and the high energy of fiber laser generators can produce tiny marks on the ceramic surface without damaging the overall structure of the material.

Glass material

Fiber laser marking has also made remarkable achievements in marking glass surfaces. Compared with traditional etching methods, fiber laser marking is not only more accurate but also more environmentally friendly. In the fields of glass products, medical equipment and decorations, fiber laser marking has demonstrated its unique application value.

Types of materials that CO2 laser marking can mark

CO2 laser marking achieves efficient and accurate material marking by controlling the laser of a specific wavelength generated by the CO2 laser generator and precisely controlling the optical path and focal length of the laser. The working principle of CO2 laser marking is as follows:

What is CO2 laser marking?

CO2 laser marking is a common laser marking technology. Its core is based on the working principle of a CO2 laser generator. CO2 laser generators usually use a gas mixture, which mainly contains carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and other rare gases. The energy level structure of the CO2 laser generator determines that the wavelength of its laser emission is mainly concentrated at 10.6 microns, which is exactly the characteristic absorption wavelength of carbon dioxide molecules. In the excited state, the electrons of CO2 molecules are at a high energy level. When they return to a low energy level, they release energy and produce laser light of a specific wavelength.
During the CO2 laser marking process, the laser beam is focused into a small spot through a lens and then illuminated on the surface of the workpiece. Since the wavelength of CO2 laser has good transmittance for organic materials and some inorganic materials, it can penetrate deep into the surface of the material. Control the intensity, focus, and scanning speed of the laser to achieve marking of different depths and shapes. It is suitable for marking and engraving on various organic materials, glass, wood, and other surfaces.

What types of materials can CO2 laser marking effectively mark?

CO2 laser marking is a popular laser engraving and marking solution. Due to its high efficiency, precision, and adaptability, this technology has a wide range of applications, covering multiple material types. CO2 laser marking can effectively mark the following materials:

Organic materials

CO2 laser marking performs well on organic materials, including paper, wood, and leather. Since the wavelength of the CO2 laser has good transparency to organic matter, it can carry out fine markings on the surface of these materials without causing unnecessary damage. In the packaging industry, CO2 laser marking is widely used for marking food, pharmaceuticals, and other organic materials.

Glass material

Although the absorption of CO2 laser by the glass surface is relatively weak, clear marking can be achieved on the glass surface by adjusting the laser power and parameters. This makes CO2 laser marking an ideal choice for glass crafts, glassware, architectural glass, and other fields.

Rubber material

Rubber materials are usually used to make seals, rubber products, tires, etc., and CO2 laser marking performs well in rubber surface marking. Its high-energy laser beam can produce clear and durable marks on the rubber surface, which not only helps track and manage products but also improves the identification and quality control of rubber products.

Non-ferrous metal materials

CO2 laser marking also shows good adaptability on non-ferrous metal materials. Compared to other laser technologies, CO2 lasers are more efficient in marking non-ferrous metals such as copper, aluminum, and brass. This is widely used in fields such as electronic components, aerospace, and electrical industries.

Types of materials that UV laser marking can mark

UV laser marking has become an important and widely used surface marking technology in the modern industry due to its high precision, high energy, and strong adaptability. The working principle of UV laser marking is as follows:

What is UV laser marking?

UV laser marking is a high-precision laser marking technology that uses ultraviolet (UV) laser generators for surface marking. The laser wavelength produced by a UV laser generator is usually between 200 and 400 nanometers, which is between visible light and X-rays. Lasers of this wavelength have higher energy, allowing them to achieve more detailed marking and engraving during the marking process.
In UV laser marking, the laser beam is focused into a very small spot through a lens and then accurately illuminates the surface of the target object. Due to the high energy of UV laser, it can cause photochemical reactions on the material surface in a short period of time, leading to changes in the material, thereby forming clear marks. UV laser marking is suitable for a variety of materials, especially for plastics and organic materials that are highly sensitive to heat. Its advantages are more obvious. UV laser can not only achieve high-precision marking but also can produce higher light energy density in a smaller area due to its shorter wavelength, making the marking pattern more precise.

What types of materials can UV laser marking effectively mark?

UV laser marking technology is a marking method that uses high-energy ultraviolet laser generators on material surfaces. It has shown wide adaptability in the field of material marking. The following are the main types of materials that UV laser marking can effectively mark:

Plastic and rubber materials

UV laser marking has excellent marking effects on organic materials such as plastics and rubber. Its short-wavelength UV laser penetrates deeper into material surfaces, producing high-contrast, extremely clear marks. In the fields of plastic products, electronic product casings, rubber products, etc., UV laser marking is an ideal marking technology.

Medical device materials

In the medical field, UV laser marking is widely used in marking medical devices. Medical plastic and metal surfaces often require clear, wear-resistant markings to ensure product traceability and quality management. UV laser marking technology can achieve tiny and fine markings on medical devices due to its advantages in biocompatibility.

Glass material

UV laser marking also performs well in marking glass surfaces. Compared with traditional methods, UV laser marking does not cause thermal effects, can generate high-contrast marks on the glass surface, and does not damage the transparency of the glass itself.

Metal materials

UV laser marking is also adaptable to certain metal materials. Although metal surfaces respond poorly to ultraviolet rays, in some special application scenarios, such as fine marking of metal parts in the electronics industry, UV laser marking technology can also exert its unique advantages.

Cosmetics and food packaging materials

UV laser marking is also widely used in the fields of cosmetics and food packaging. Its fast and precise marking enables clear graphics and text marks on small or curved packages, improving product quality and brand image.

Application fields of fiber optic, CO2, UV laser marking

Laser marking technology plays an important role in different application fields due to its high precision and high efficiency. Their applications in their respective fields are explored in more detail below.

Application fields of fiber laser marking

Industrial manufacturing: Fiber laser marking is widely used in industrial manufacturing, including parts identification, product traceability, and anti-counterfeiting markings. Its high precision and speed make it a key technology in manufacturing, enabling clear markings on metals, plastics, and other materials.
Electronics industry: In electronic product manufacturing, fiber laser marking is used to mark circuit boards, electronic components, and equipment casings. Its non-contact nature makes fine marking on tiny devices easier.
Medical devices: Medical devices require clear, durable markings to ensure product traceability and quality control. Applications of fiber laser marking on medical devices include marking surgical instruments, medical equipment, and medical packaging.
Automobile industry: In automobile manufacturing, fiber laser marking can be used to mark parts, engines, and body structures, improve parts traceability, prevent parts substitution, and improve overall manufacturing efficiency.
Art and Design: Fiber laser marking technology is also used in the art and design fields for engraving, marking crafts, and creative designs.

Application fields of CO2 laser marking

Food packaging: CO2 laser marking can be used for marking on food packaging, such as date codes, batch numbers, etc., to ensure product traceability and quality control.
Woodworking processing: In wood engraving and cutting, CO2 laser marking is widely used. It can achieve fine patterns, and text marks, and be used to make furniture, wood crafts, etc.
Paper and fiberboard marking: CO2 laser marking is suitable for marking paper and fiberboard and is used in the printing industry and paper packaging.
Sketching and model making: In architectural design, model making, and sketching, CO2 laser marking can achieve high-precision, clear marking for creative design and prototyping.
Leather and fabric: CO2 laser marking can be used to engrave and cut leather and fabric for the production of clothing, footwear, and accessories.

Application fields of UV laser marking

Medical devices and medical packaging: UV laser marking achieves tiny and fine marks on medical devices and is also used for clear marking on medical packaging.
Cosmetic packaging: UV laser marking is widely used in cosmetic packaging, which can achieve clear graphics and text marks on small or curved packaging.
Electronic components: In the electronics industry, UV laser marking is used to mark tiny electronic components, such as chips, circuit boards, etc.
Plastic and Rubber Products: UV laser marking excels on plastic and rubber products and is used to manufacture and mark electronic equipment, automotive parts, and more.
Arts and handicrafts: UV laser marking technology can achieve exquisite pattern engraving and marking in the production of arts and handicrafts.

Summarize

Fiber optic, CO2 and UV laser marking technologies have been successfully used in the field of marking different materials with their unique characteristics. These advanced laser marking technologies not only improve production efficiency but also provide efficient and reliable solutions for product identification, traceability, and branding, promoting continuous innovation in many fields such as manufacturing, medical fields, and consumer goods industries. With the continuous advancement of science and technology, these laser marking technologies will continue to bring broader development prospects to the field of material marking.
At AccTek Laser, we understand the diverse needs of our customers, and we are committed to providing comprehensive laser marking solutions for various materials. Whether you’re working with metals, plastics, glass, wood, ceramics, or leather, our team of experts is ready to assist you in choosing the right laser marking machine for your specific requirements. For personalized consultations and inquiries about our laser marking machines, feel free to contact us at any time.

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