Laser marking

Process > Aesthetic processes

Laser marking
Laser marking is a clean, fast and contactless procedure that uses the strong heat of a concentrated laser beam to permanently mark the surface of the material. The marking can be executed in different ways, for example: Carbonization Discoloration or color change of an additive in the material Physical alteration of surfaces Trace of flat notches by vaporization Controlled modification of the surface by fusion A combination of the above procedures The type of marking depends on the properties of the laser. A high maximum energy allows the engraving, while the wavelength determines the type of interaction with the material. If the wavelength is greater than 700 nm, its action is mainly thermal. At lower wavelengths, such as 532 nm and 355 nm, the Nd: YAG lasers with double or triple frequency cause a photochemical reaction. In some applications, very visible and attractive marks are required, while in others the marks must be located in dark places, or they must be so small that they are only visible with a magnifying glass.
Difference between YAG laser, CO2 laser and fiber optic laser
The first big difference of these lasers is the wavelength, or to understand it easier the point of focus of the beam is larger in some than in others, this makes the reaction of the engraving different on the materials. For its part, the CO2 laser produces a larger point of light focus, which gives it lower precision and power than the two lasers mentioned above. The disadvantage of this is that the diodes of the CO2 tube wear out over time and depending on the quality of the tube and the machine these can last from 1000 hours to 15,000 hours of work. The YAG laser generates a laser beam more consistent and concentrated than the one that produces CO2, the life time is also very limited from 8,000 to 15,000 hours. The fiber optic laser, the precision and power of this machine make it the best engraving machine. Unlike the YAG laser is that this machine has the ability to work for thousands of hours, from 80,000 hours to 100,000 hours being easy to maintain and industrial capabilities
The advantages of laser marking
Most materials can be marked with laser. High contrast marking. Small details. Flexible, fast and without contact. Indelible, resistant to corrosion, scratch resistant. Clean and ecological (no colors or additives).
Suitable for
Most thermoplastic materials can be laser marked. The necessary condition for laser marking is the energy absorption of the material that results in a color change or a similar effect. Most non-pigmented thermoplastic polymers (in natural color) are not markable because they do not absorb laser energy (1064 nm wavelength for the Nd: YAG laser standard). This can be achieved for interaction with the polymer or by the addition of pigments and / or additives. Thermoplastic polymers with good absorption and carbonization that produces an extensive blackening in the area exposed to the laser as happens with PES, PSU, PC, PPS. Thermoplastic polymers with inconsistent absorption and carbonization that is evidenced by a discontinuous mark (pearl chains effect), as occurs with PS, SAN, ABS, PET and PBT. Where appropriate pigments or special additives are added, these materials can be marked in such a uniform manner and with good quality. For both groups, the optimization of the additives / pigments package in the case of dark backgrounds may allow a light color marking. Thermoplastic polymers of low absorption, in this group are PA, POM, PP, PE. In natural color, without pigment, these resins are not laserable With the use of an optimized system of pigments it is possible to obtain a clear color contrast on dark or black substrates. Some of these polymers, pigmented in light colors, generates a clear trace, but with the use of additives however, you can still get a good contrast.
Influence of charges and reinforcements on laser marking
The margabilidad of the laser can be influenced to a large extent by the presence of reinforcements, fillers, lubricants, self-extinguishing additives and others. Contrary to what one might think, the use of glass fibers in the polymer only slightly reduces the laser capacity. Some flame retardant additives and / or additives can reduce the laser's marketability due to its color, while others can have a positive effect.
Applications
Laser marking can be applied to almost all materials and is used in medical instruments, printed circuit boards, mobile phones, solar cells, semiconductors, etc. The proven effectiveness of our technologies allows us to perform a large number of laser marking applications in the following industries: Automotive, Electronics and solar cells, IT and multimedia, Medical industry, Aerospace industry and Defense technology.