Color Laser Metal Marking

Marking coloured aluminium parts

Coloured parts are commonly used from decorative applications in a wide range of consumer goods and marking of these parts is generally achieved though the removal of the coloured anodised layer to reveal the base aluminium material either a white or silvery mark depending on process conditions. Commonly used in giftware and consumer goods, alphanumeric and marketing logos are typically marked. The use of lasers for colour marking is not a particularly new technique as it has been recognized for over 10 years. This technique was originally identified as a viable process for use on craft metal work and jewellery. However, the process has had very little commercial impact in the intervening years. There is now a greater interest in this process as manufacturers of consumer goods are looking for new techniques and finishes to provide product differentiation. This application note looks at a variety of materials that are colour mark-able including titanium and stainless steel, and explores the benefits and parameters of the pulsed fiber laser in relation to this application area.

BENEFITS

• Significant improvement in the quality of the mark due to the stability and controllability of the laser source.
• Beam intensity and spot size enable the use of small mark widths.
• Output power stability over time enables complex mark patterns without power fluctuations - no weld defects.
• High power density allows large marking areas to be processed rapidly.
• Maintenance free (no replaceable parts).
• 3-Dimensional marking can be easily achieved.
• High repetition rate is achievable.
• Low frequency (<20 kHz) – control of heat input; processing of thermally sensitive plastic can be controlled (increase in heat might cause the plastic to melt).
• Low M² - the depth of field is high.

FEATURES

• Integrated Cooling Solutions
• Enhanced Optical Tolerances Enable Plug and Play
• High Reliability/ Stability - Standard 1 year warranty
• Enhanced Interfaces can be used in combination
• For Greater Flexibility And Advanced Pulse Control
• Extended Hardware Control I/O
• Serial Control via RS-232 and Ethernet
• First And Last Pulse Equally Usable
• Bitmap Marking Compatible
• Status Monitoring And Safe Shut Down High speed marking (MHz repetition rate)

Specifications