Laser marking is applicable in many industries for marking their products. Unlike other marking processes, e.g., dot peening, inkjet marking, etc., the process comprises several marking methods and laser markers, each conferring unique properties on the product and suitable for different materials.
Laser marking is suitable for marking many products made from different material categories due to its efficiency, permanent marking, etc. However, choosing the right laser marking method for your product depends on several factors. If you think laser marking is the best process for your project, you can learn a few things from the six unique things we marked using a laser marker.
Number #1: Firearm Parts
Gun engraving is important for proper tracking, traceability, and sometimes aesthetic personalization in the gun industry. Although many marking methods are suitable for marking guns, laser marking is the most common. We worked with a firearm part with a steel build-up that required an aesthetic improvement.
Laser Marking Process Chosen
The firearm part is made of steel build-up, and it has a small size. The end product desired was a permanently engraved floral design with the part still intact. We choose the laser engraving process because of permanent marking, and it cannot destroy the steel material.
Laser Marking Machine Used
The product has a small size, and since the project is one-time, we used a benchtop laser marker due to its suitability for better efficiency and productivity, allowing easy product marking.
To choose the type of machine, we used the 50W fiber laser marker known for its compatibility with the stainless steel material. It has high precision and accuracy, considering the required clarity of the engravings. Consequently, the end product has high-quality marking.
Number #2: Nameplate
Nameplate marking is an important part of many industries. Top examples include the aviation industry, which requires every part of the airplane to be marked according to the regulations. Another industry is the automobile industry, as regulation requires a nameplate to know the motor rating and the motor can be worked on. Also, nameplates are important in defining the car manufacturer, part number, serial number, etc.
Laser Marking Process Chosen
Nameplates are made from metals. To deliver a permanent engraving without damaging the product. We choose the laser engraving process even among other laser marking systems because it is precise and accurate and cannot destroy the steel material.
Laser Marking Machine Used
We used a fiber laser marker because the nameplate is medium-sized and requires permanent markings. This marking machine is suitable as it makes it easy to mark any part of the product, promoting efficiency and productivity.
We choose a fiber laser marker, the most common laser marker for hard materials. Aside from its compatibility, it produces a laser beam with high precision, accuracy, and permanent markings leading to high-quality marking.
Number #3: An AirPod Case
AirPod is a symbol of aesthetics and functionality, but outwardly, they lack personalization, aside from being named as you on your iPhone or iPad. We worked on several AirPod cases for aesthetic purposes, inscribing the owner’s name on them.
Laser Marking Process Chosen
AirPod is made from polycarbonate plastic and is 2mm thick. The end product should have a dark permanent engraving without damaging the product. Therefore, we consider laser engraving a better option than other laser marking systems due to the required permanent marking.
Laser Marking Machine Used
AirPods are small. Therefore, we used a benchtop laser marker to encourage efficiency and productivity like the other products we marked.
We used a 20W fiber laser marking machine as it is compatible with the polycarbonate material. You could also try the process with a UV laser marking machine as it is also compatible with the polycarbonate, it is precise and accurate, but it has lower efficiency. Both methods produce high-quality marking.
Number #4: Dog Tags
Dot tags are important accessories in several sectors, such as the military and pets. They act as a means of identification, and in some cases, especially in pets, you can add a little bit of personalization. We worked on several stainless steel dog tags for pets, printing their names and symbols.
Laser Marking Process Chosen
The dog tags are made from stainless steel material and are 5mm thick. The end product was a dark permanent engraving without damaging the product.
We chose the laser etching process for the required permanent marking because of its formed raised surface.
Laser Marking Machine Used
Being a batch process, we choose a 20W fiber laser marking machine as it is also compatible with the stainless steel material. The machine delivers a high-quality marking that can bear the harsh environment and weather burden.
Number #5: Jewelry
The jewelry industry also uses laser markers to achieve aesthetic personalization. Among the many marking methods suitable for jewelry pieces, laser marking is the best.
Laser Marking Process Chosen
The jewelry is made from silver and has a small surface area. The end product should be a permanent marking without destroying or removing the material. Due to the “non-removal” clause, we used laser annealing, which involves moving the laser repeatedly over a surface to decolorize the jewelry surface. This creates a sharp contrast that is the marking, unlike laser engraving, will deliver permanent marking but remove part of the material
Laser Marking Machine Used
Due to the bracelet’s small size and cylindrical design, we chose a fiber laser marking machine to reach the complex part and mark the product easily. We used a fiber laser marking machine as it is compatible with the material, has high precision and accuracy, and can deliver permanent marking.
Number #6: Paper and Cardboard
Many offices require papers that indicate their logos, companies, etc., which shows a high level of sophistication. Most people would work with inkjet printing, but you have better precision and accuracy with laser marking systems, and the process produces permanent markings. We worked on creating a batch code on paper containing serial numbers of products.
Laser Marking Process Chosen
Papers are flammable and thin. The client required a dark permanent engraving on the paper without destroying it. We chose laser engraving due to the required permanent marking.
Laser Marking Machine Used
We used a CO2 laser marker which is efficient and productive. The power was tailored so as not to cause the incineration of the materials. It also creates permanent inscriptions that are clear, accurate, and appealing and can create Logos, 2D Codes, Bar Codes, and simple images with equal efficiency.
Why Laser Marking for These Products
Choosing the laser markers for each product is a question of understanding several factors. However, aside from that, laser markers are the best marking machines for many products due to many reasons. Below are a few reasons you should consider laser markers for your project.
- It delivers permanent marking that doesn’t peel off in different environmental conditions
- It is very accurate and precise
- High tolerance
- It is very efficient
Choosing a laser marking machine for your product also depends on factors such as size, materials, etc. For example, we worked majorly with traditional laser markers because they are compatible with small size products. Common laser marking machines categories include UV, green, CO2, and Fiber laser markers. Before choosing one, ensure you know about their properties.
Final Thoughts
There are many products compatible with laser markers. The above list showed six things we marked using laser marking. However, you can mark many other products using a laser marker.
To be on the safe side, you can research the process itself. Then you can get a laser marking machine from us at HeatSign. At HeatSign, we specialize in all sorts of parts marking machines, and we can give you the ins and outs of each of the marking methods. Relax and contact us and easily sail through the major technical and financial of using a laser marker.
Loading...
I think this internet site holds some very fantastic info for everyone : D.