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Laser Marking Made Easy
Date Added: July 07, 2011 09:23:42 AM
Author: Gwen Smith
Category: Science: Science, Technology, and Society Studies

The term ‘Laser’ is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. The radiation is generated in a laser source by supplying a fixed amount of concentrated energy to a laser medium (mainly used solid crystals or gases) to excite the atoms for emitting light spontaneously. Due to its exceptional dynamics and remarkable high energy density, laser can be applied to process materials providing results with perfection. The processing can be made successful through various methods by varying the parameters of laser. The beam provides a universal, non-contact, wear-free production material processing solution that is cheaper to operate and easy to implement. It’s suited for engraving, marking, etching, scribing and cutting operations. Different process techniques can be used to generate the type of mark required on your product and material. Laser processing differs based on the absorption rate of the specific wavelength of laser by the target solid material and the technique selected for the application. Laser Techniques Different methods are available nowadays and the most well know ones are laser engraving, laser cutting and laser marking. Laser Marking Laser marking is very different from other marking techniques. It is the most effective and fastest marking technology available nowadays in the market which can be used on hardest materials like carbides. It is a process in which the surface of the work piece is altered by the heat generated by a laser beam and it’s a non-contact thermal process. Laser Cutting In laser cutting process, a plate type material is separated by a focused laser beam used to melt material in a localized area. It is the largest industrial application of higher power lasers and is used in a wide range of applications from prototyping to smaller batch manufacturing production line systems. Nowadays the need for using this technique has increased dramatically, replacing conventional mechanical processes due to its increased flexibility. The improvements in accuracy, edge squares and other profiling techniques such as plasma cutting and oxy-fuel cutting are being replaced by laser cutting. Laser Engraving It is a fast and precise marking technique used and this is made possible by regulating the intensity of laser beam light by a lens. The method of laser engraving can be very complex and involves exposing the object to the laser beam. This beam is directed by mirrors to the material’s surface for marking. During this process, the target material is essentially vaporized by the beam. To accomplish this process, the intensity of the beam should be set to exceed a specific threshold value. This value will be high with materials that are electrically conductive, such as metals. This technique is typically the fastest way of processing the materials. The materials used for this method are ‘laser-able’, like alloys and polymers. Various works done by this technique are plasma cutting and wood cutting which take place to the exposure of high power laser. Printing on disposable cups, plastic bags, candy bar wrappers and milk cartons is done by a method known as ‘flexo printing’ which is done with the help of engraving technique. Acrylic plastics and plastic sheets (of soft drink bottles) are also commonly engraved. By the method of conduction, coating can be removed from metal with the help of laser engraving. Diamonds get their brilliance by the process of laser engraving. The automation systems all chara are made here, pad printing machines of advanced characteristics are sold
 
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