Laser marking is performed when the beam reacts with the surface of a material and it does slightly alter its appearance or properties.
It is achieved by moving a low-powered beam slowly across the material using a method called discoloration, which creates high-contrast marks without disrupting the material.
Laser heats the material, causing oxidation under the surface and turning the material black.
It applies low temperatures to metal to anneal the surface.
All of this is done while leaving the surface intact.
Laser marking differs from laser engraving and laser etching in a number of ways:
It is less common and not all places offer these services.
It is also referred to as laser coloration or laser dark marking, as well as charring for plastic materials and annealing for metals.
There are four common types of laser marking: annealing, carbon migration, foaming and coloration.
It’s popular in the medical device industry for stainless steel and titanium parts, but can be performed on other materials as well.
A laser marker is ideal for bar codes, UID codes, QR codes, logos and other identification needs.
Passivation : Many a times the surface withstands against corrosion however in some extreme condition, Passivation though not must it adds to the certainly of performance.
Laser Engraving Surface Process Corrosion Passivation / Treatment Chemicals
Laser engraving is a process where the laser beam physically removes the surface of the material to expose a cavity that reveals an image at eye level.
The laser creates high heat during the engraving process, which essentially causes the material to vaporize.
It’s a quick process, as the material is vaporized with each pulse.
This creates a cavity in the surface that is noticeable to the eye and touch.
To form deeper marks with the laser engraver, repeat with several passes.
Although engraving is a subsection of laser marking, it still differs in many ways :
There are three types of laser engraving :
I )Etching
II )Deep laser engraving and
III ) Laser ablation (the difference between the three is what the surface is and how much you remove).
This is the most common option for people who want something personalized or customized.
Not ideal for marking safety critical parts.
Maximum engraving depth is 0.020″ in metals but can go as deep as 0.125″ in materials such as graphite.
This is the quicker method to mark with a laser.
It is applicable to parts expected to experience high wear.
It is typically used to engrave number series and logos. You can engrave on almost any kind of metal, plastic, wood, leather and glass surface.
Another important comparison to make is how laser engraving compares to traditional engraving :
It may be performed on a variety of materials.
It is performed on small jewelry articles for its legibility than traditional engraving.
It provides you with more font options. There is a less chance of product deformities or damages.
Laser engraving machines perform faster than conventional methods.
Passivation : More susceptible for the corrosion in even in slight corrosive atmosphere, it needs the passivation for sure.
Laser Etching Surface Process Corrosion Passivation / Treatment Chemicals
Laser etching, which is a subset of laser engraving, occurs when the heat from the beam causes the surface of the material to melt.
The laser light uses the high heat to melt the surface of the material.
The melting of the material leads to expansion thus it causes a mark which is raised above the surface.
Different to engraving, the depth of etching is usually less than 0.001”.
Since a laser etcher changes the surface finish of metals, it alters its reflectivity and enhances contrast.
It removes 0.001″ or less of the material.
It can be done on waw, or anodized metal surfaces, as well as ceramics and polymeric articles.
Passivation : Most susceptible for the corrosion in any atmosphere, Without passivation corrosion is unavoidable.
LASER MARKING MACHINES
FIBER LASER
UV LASER
IR LASER
