A Beginner’s Guide to Laser Marking Systems

Incorporating traceability into your manufacturing process can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. To find the best marking solution, all you need to know is your material and your application, and we can help you plot a course to find the best option to fit your needs. We will help you figure out the following:

• Choosing your laser source
• Selecting your enclosures
• Integration options
• Finding the right marking solution for you

Choosing your laser source

You’ve done your research, and now you need to create permanent marks on your product. You’re looking to purchase a marking laser, but the overwhelming number of options in your search results make it difficult to choose the right one.

Every material possesses unique properties such as hardness, color, and absorption. These characteristics influence how light interacts with the surface and determine the effectiveness of a laser in marking them. We utilize various lasers that operate at different wavelengths to interact with materials in distinct ways, ensuring we have the right tool for any marking job.

Fiber Laser Marking Machine

Fiber laser is the most versatile laser marker in the industry. These lasers can be used for a wide variety of applications and can mark various materials such as steel, titanium, aluminum, copper, plastics, ceramics, and brass.

This advanced laser technology is a versatile solution perfect for all kinds of projects, whether you’re tackling detailed designs or larger, heavy-duty tasks. No matter what you need, this laser delivers high precision and accuracy to get the job done right.

These marking machines feature a Variable Pulse (VP). The VP option provides marking results that exceed those of a traditional fiber laser marking machine for a wide range of applications, including automotive, medical device, and other manufacturers. The advantages include higher contrast on plastics, faster deep engraving marks on metal, and clean black marks on clear anodized aluminum.

 CO2 Laser Marking Machine

Of all of the SMARTmark laser marking machines in the MECCO lineup, the CO2 laser has the widest wavelength. This allows it to mark a wide range of surfaces including glass and organic materials like wood, leather, and even beef jerky (yes really!) 

These compact units commonly replace other marking technologies such as ink jet, dot peen, and labeling due to the CO2 laser’s ability to achieve high-speed marking while maintaining mark quality. These lasers provide non-contrast marking in plastics as well as ink removal for date coding.

UV Laser Marking Machine

The UV marking machine is one of the two lasers we offer that uses “cold marking” technology. This type of laser produces marks with a minimal Heat Affected Zone, which reduces heat stress on the product. This feature is crucial for marking delicate materials, such as certain plastics, glass, ceramics, organic materials, and other items that cannot withstand high temperatures.

The UV laser is widely used in the electronics, medical, and automotive industries to mark small and delicate components, such as silicon wafers, circuit boards, pacemakers, and medical plastics, leaving a smooth and precise mark. We recommend this laser for marking plastics and glass. 

Green Laser Marking Machine

The Green laser marking machine is the other laser that utilizes “cold marking” technology. The energy output on this laser is higher resulting in faster marks without the heat damage other lasers can leave behind. Like the UV laser, the SMARTmark green marking machine is excellent for marking delicate materials such as glass, film, plastics, and electronic components. 

The green laser sees the most application with manufacturers working with heat-sensitive components such as the electronic, automotive, and medical industries. These lasers can provide high quality marks for traceability. 

Enclosures

Laser systems can be dangerous if used improperly. Unprotected exposure to laser light can lead to eye injuries, and the fumes from marking some materials can be hazardous when inhaled. Using laser safety goggles and proper ventilation are enough to eliminate these dangers, but there is another way: encasing your laser marking machine inside of an enclosure.

According to Berkeley Lab, Class I safety enclosures are “eye-safe under all operating conditions. A Class I laser is safe for use under all reasonably anticipated conditions of use; in other words, it is not expected that the Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) can be exceeded.” All enclosures from MECCO are classified as Class I to ensure the protection of operators and workers from the hazards associated with laser operation. This classification includes products such as the LightWriter™, LightWriter™ PRO Connect, and our custom-engineered solutions. Laser enclosures are available in various shapes and sizes, tailored to meet specific needs and designed to function effectively in different environments.

MECCO also offers open systems, known as Class IV enclosures. These enclosures require users to wear specialized protective equipment to reduce risks. Although these systems do not have a protective enclosure, they allow operators to mark oversized parts that wouldn’t fit inside an enclosed space.

Integrated Options

Maybe you run a large operation, or perhaps you need a system that allows you track and trace your components inside and outside of your factory. You may have an entirely automated factory and need a marking solution that can slide into space like a puzzle piece. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. 

Our SMARTmark lasers, LightWriter PRO Connect, and Engineered Solutions all feature options to easily integrate into your operations. Whether it is an onboard PLC, Ethermark®, database connectivity, or robotic loading and unloading, we’ve done it before and would love to help.

If you want to learn more about traceability and why you should integrate laser marking into your operations, you can read about it at the links below:

• Making the Right Traceability Decisions in Manufacturing
• Laser Part Marking For Manufacturing Traceability
  

Is a Laser the Right Tool for Me?

A laser may not be the best option for every project. You might need a compact solution that can create deep marks capable of withstanding harsh environments and industrial processes. Additionally, the cost of acquiring a laser might exceed your budget this year. If your material will experience significant stress, microfractures in the heat-affected zone from laser marking could compromise its integrity. These considerations could eliminate the possibility of using a laser marker. However, we have a marking solution that addresses all these concerns.

Pin marking is an economical and versatile marking technology that produces durable and precise marks on a variety of surfaces. This process is particularly advantageous because it generates marks without causing any heat-affected zones, ensuring the integrity of the material remains intact. Pin marking can be effectively applied to most metallic surfaces, making it suitable for industries that require clear and permanent identifiers, such as automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing. Additionally, there are low-stress marking options available for certain non-metal materials, allowing for a broader application across different industries. This method not only maintains the quality of the materials being marked but also offers a reliable solution for various marking needs.

We’re Here to Help You Figure It Out

Finding the right laser can be challenging, but you don’t have to make this decision alone. Our team of engineers and specialists is available to collaborate with you to identify your specific marking needs. We also offer free sample marking; you can send in a sample of your product, and we will test all our solutions to show you the results. From there, we can help you determine which MECCO marking solution is best for you.

No matter where you are on your traceability journey, the first step is all about understanding your unique needs. We’d love to chat with you and help you get started—reach out to us today!