Laser marking generally covers a wide range of applications performed with fiber, pulsed, or continuous wave lasers.
The most common types of laser marking applications include carbon migration, bleaching and polishing, annealing, etching, and engraving.
WHAT IS LASER MARKING?
Simply put, laser marking is a permanent process that uses a concentrated beam of light to create an indelible mark on a surface.
Examples of materials that can be laser marked include steel, aluminum, titanium, copper, brass, plastics, wood, paper, and cardboard, all leaving durable and visible marks.
On parts and products, serial numbers and part numbers, barcodes such as machine-readable data (unique identification codes and 2D DataMatrix) as well as company logos and emblems can be quickly applied.
How Does a Laser Marking Machine Work?
Focused laser beams directed onto the surface are moved by mirrors inside the galvo head to perform the marking process.
When the laser beam interacts with the material’s surface, it alters the material’s properties and appearance.
This concentrated laser beam targets only the designated area, enabling high-quality, high-contrast, and extremely precise marks.
These capabilities enhance the accuracy and permanence of the laser, making it ideal for marking products that require critical precision and durability.
What is Fiber Laser and Where Should It Be Used?
Also referred to as a metal marking machine, fiber lasers are designed for marking metals, genuine leather, and certain plastics, with a wavelength of 1064 nm.
They can engrave, bleach, polish, etch, and cut metals, change or burn colors on leather, and alter colors on plastic products.
What is a CO2 Laser and Where Should It Be Used?
CO2 lasers, with a wavelength of 10,600 nm, are mainly used for burning and marking organic materials.
They work by burning the surface of natural materials such as wood, leather, fabric, cardboard, and certain plastics.
Main Types of Laser Marking Machines
Laser marking machines are categorized into several types:
- Fiber laser marking machines
- MOPA laser marking machines
- YAG laser marking machines
- CO2 laser marking machines
- UV laser marking machines
The most commonly sold laser marking machines in Turkey are:
- MOPA laser marking machines
- UV laser marking machines
- CO2 laser marking machines
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT LASER MARKING MACHINES;
One of the most important facts to know is that fiber laser marking machines, MOPA laser marking machines, UV laser marking machines, and CO2 laser marking machines are not manufactured domestically in Turkey. They are only imported as spare parts and assembled locally.
Are Laser Fumes Harmful to Health?
Yes, contrary to popular belief, laser fumes are hazardous. During cutting or engraving, lasers release visible and invisible fumes that contain toxic elements and particles harmful to humans and other living beings.
How does laser cutting or engraving produce fumes? Lasers generate a high-energy beam hot enough to cut through metals. When metals are cut this way, toxic elements within the alloy react chemically as they come into contact with air.
Since inhalation of all types of fumes poses health risks, it is crucial to take proper precautions during laser operations.
LASER MARKING FUMES
Laser technology is commonly used to permanently mark metals and metal alloys. In addition to metals, laser marking technology also enables the durable marking of many plastics and other different materials.
Even if it is not always visible, a light fume is released during the process.
This fume may not seem to cause health issues in the short term. However, continuous exposure to these toxic fumes over time can lead to serious health problems.
Therefore, it is essential to capture and filter these fumes during laser marking operations.
For safe and efficient fume extraction during laser marking, the FRESHWELD L1/150 and MobilEco L1/102 models are provide the ideal solution.