Most laser marking techniques engrave the mark on a metal or plastic component or cut off the surface layer to reveal the underlying contrasting material. Both processes usually require a high-energy pulsed laser system and, of course, involve process debris.
Fiber lasers are now a robust industrial tool with a unique set of features that enable a wide range of precision material processing and manufacturing methods. Fiber lasers are widely accepted in the laser-assisted manufacturing industry as a cost-effective alternative to traditional laser design due to their low running costs, fast ROI, small footprint, and extremely Laserbeschriftung. ..
Laser marking can produce high contrast, easy-to-read, and durable identification on various components of industrial or consumer products. Computer-generated vectors or bitmap patterns (logos, barcodes, or text) are non-metallic and non-metallic materials such as metals, plastics, glass, electronics, PCBs, wafers, medical equipment, sporting goods, packaging, etc. It can be engraved or etched using a contact process. ..
The combination of reliable industrial lasers, fast and accurate galvanometric imaging systems, and convenient computer control provides manufacturers with a unique combination of speed, durability, and versatility that no other marking technology can handle. increase.
Laser marking process
Traditionally, laser marking engraves a physical mark on the surface as in traditional engraving methods, creates a simple color change on the surface, or etches the surface layer of the material and underneath it. Reveals another very high contrast layer. Both methods can be used on a wide range of materials, and in addition to generating identification marks, they can also form part of an industrial process, such as electronics manufacturing.
Benefits of laser marking include speed, flexibility, and a non-contact marking process. This means that the component parts are not stressed by the marking process. Process non-contact also reduces maintenance schedules by eliminating the need to replace tools. In addition, the laser markings are highly reproducible and easy to read (or machine readable).
Strict quality control
The laser engraving process is often used for marking because the metal surface is quick, non-contact and very durable, but it also produces debris, which is fine metal particles removed from the surface as part of the engraving process. Get involved.
Not surprisingly, bearing manufacturing has strict requirements for process debris. Therefore, laser marking of bearing housings has traditionally combined a “minimal” engraving process with evoked changes in surface color. Until recently, CMS used Nd: YAG lasers to achieve this, but customer demand is looking for ways to avoid the cost, maintenance, longevity, and reliability issues associated with Nd: YAG design. Was there.
In this application, CMS engineers pioneered the use of fiber lasers from SPI Lasers plc in Southampton, England. Specifically, it is a 100 W cw / modulated fiber laser commonly used for welding and cutting operations. SPI has been developing fiber lasers for the industrial market for several years, primarily for marking applications as well as material processing applications such as microwelding and microcutting.
Switching to a new fiber laser means producing the same heat-induced high-contrast marks on the bearing housing, but with less debris generation, less raised recast, and much more convenient for the end user-that is, There is almost no maintenance. Extended life and exceptional reliability.
