The Advantages of Laser Marking
Laser marking is one of many laser processes, and each has been invented, and subsequently widely adopted, with a unique array of benefits. While all processes work similarly, using a laser beam, this laser beam can be manipulated in multiple ways to achieve varied desired effects.
We were keen to layout in more detail laser marking advantages, of which there are many. Read on below to find out why you should be using this process and also how it works!
The benefits of laser marking
This is an extensive list of all of the varied laser marking advantages. There are several types of lasers that can be used for this process, and they all share many of the same benefits. We have also included some advantages below that are specific to fiber lasers.
It’s a non-contact process
Any process that uses a laser beam is a non-contact process, which means that the laser beam isn’t physically working with the material it is directed at. So, it’ll only affect the area that is being heated, without causing any abrasions or damage to the surrounding area of the material.
Doesn’t strip away any material
It is unique as a process in that it doesn’t take away any of the material that it is working with, unlike other processes such as laser engraving. Instead, it heats up the area that it is targeting, causing oxidization. This, in turn, causes a color change beneath the surface of the material, leaving a permanent mark.
Works with a range of shapes and sizes
As well as being apt at working with a range of materials, laser marking is also perfect at operating with a range of object shapes and sizes too. These may be large and simple objects, or they could be small and complex ones.
Can be used in a wide variety of industries for many applications
It can be used in many industries for a range of applications. Some examples of these are as follows:
•The semiconductor industry — Used to mark the small silicon materials that feature in many electronics
•The aerospace industry — Used to mark the thousands of parts and pieces that make up an aircraft
•The automotive industry — Much the same as above, marking is used here to mark the many parts and pieces that make up an automobile, this also includes e-mobility initiatives
•The medical industry — Used to create identification marks on medical equipment that can be easily traced
•The electronics industry — This sector overlaps with the semiconductor industry, where these silicon parts help complete the many types of electronic products used
Easily adaptable between objects
Despite the many variations in industry, material, and object shape, laser marking setups can quickly and easily adapt to the various requirements.
Easily adaptable between processes
Another huge benefit of using lasers is that one single laser setup can often be used for multiple processes. For example, laser engraving and marking are extremely similar, and one setup can often switch between both types of processes.
This is obviously a huge advantage as it greatly saves on time and costs for the manufacturers.
Environmentally friendly
Laser marking is an environmentally friendly process. This is because it doesn’t use things such as chemicals or inks found in many of the more traditional marking methods. This also includes marking follow-up as there will be no need for cleaning, which often occurs in traditional processes. Lasers, particularly fiber lasers, also use much less electrical energy than these other types of marking processes.
Easily integrated
A laser marking setup can also be easily integrated into a production line too with minimal hassle for the workers. A further benefit of using EM-Smart is that you can quickly boost your current business with this machine without any extra effort.
Precise markings and high quality
The process leaves extremely precise, accurate, and high-quality marks that are easily readable by the human eye and by machines too. The mark is durable and can be easily traced; this is an important quality to have when many parts that are laser marked need to be traced back to their original source.
It is also able to work with extremely small measurements, leaving tiny, yet still high-quality, marks. The beams used in this type of process are extremely powerful, reliable, and controllable, delivering the quality previously mentioned.
Works with a range of materials
It is a process that works extremely well with a range of materials. This is important, as many of the industries that it operates in don’t only use one type of material, or even one type of metal. For instance, EM-Smart is totally able to mark on materials such as metals, plastics, leathers, stones, coated wood, etc.
No consumables
As well as no service and maintenance times, fiber lasers also have no consumables too. This gives Fiber lasers a significant advantage over other types of laser processes.
Laser marking is a safe process
The process is a highly safe one, both for workers who have to operate in the environment, as well as the final products that are created and delivered to consumers. For example, markings may be made onto dental equipment which must enter patients’ mouths, so the markings need to be completely safe.
From marking plastics and welding metals to perfecting diamonds and helping with medical surgeries, fiber lasers truly are one of the most adaptable and versatile pieces of equipment on the market.
Besides the above, the EM-Smart has been designed with motion detection, overheats shutdown, and emergency stop functions to ensure users’ safety (This machine also passes certifications like CE, FDA, etc.).
New innovations
As we also mentioned previously, fiber lasers are the newest type of laser equipment to grace the market. This means that they feature the latest developments, innovations, and technology based on years of laser history.
Compact size
You’ll typically find that fiber lasers are smaller and more compact than many of their counterparts, which also makes them lighter too（EM-Smart weighs 10kg only, occupying only an area of A3）. This means that they are easier to transport, as well as being more economical when it comes to space in the workplace!
Low sensitivity
The way in which a fiber laser has been built and constructed means that it has been designed for low sensitivity. Other types of laser can be extremely sensitive, and if knocked can fall completely out of alignment, rendering them useless until fixed by an expert.
The way in which a fiber laser has been designed is the opposite to this, meaning you’ll never have to worry about precise alignment or sensitivity! However, we’re not saying you shouldn’t treat your fiber laser delicately!
Ability to work in harsh environments
Fiber lasers are great at working in harsh and inhospitable environments, something that makes them incredibly useful for many industries around the world.
Low maintenance costs
Something that businesses always have to consider is their overheads and costs, and fiber lasers are brilliant at keeping these costs down. Not only are they a cost-effective solution in themselves which more than return their value in terms of their output, but they have extremely low maintenance costs too.
With a lifespan of 100,000 hours, EM-Smart meanwhile provides customers with a warranty of 2 years.
Superior performance
You’ll also find that fiber lasers offer superior performance over many of their counterparts. Fiber lasers provide a much higher level of beam quality which can be highly focused to achieve extremely accurate levels of precision, as well as increased power densities.
This also means that tasks can be completed at a quicker rate and at a much lower power consumption rate. Again, the less power used means the less it will cost the business!
Lower heat output
Fiber lasers are built with much more modern cooling systems than the laser machines that have come before them, meaning the heat is kept low and is evenly distributed throughout the setup.
This minimizes the heat that comes off the fiber laser machine, which also minimizes the chance of any damage to the machine itself.
No heat damage to the objects
The laser beam that is emitted from a fiber laser will be incredibly powerful in nature, which is why it can so easily drill through thick materials such as steel.
However, one of the great advantages of fiber lasers is that they can be so precise that the beam won’t cause any damage to the surrounding material of the object that they are working in.
This is a crucial benefit for industries such as the electronics industry or jewelry industry, where the beam needs to work at incredibly small sizes without damaging any of the core components essential in having these electronic devices working efficiently or losing precious metals.
