Laser marking means engraving on material or items with the help of laser beam. Depending on the material to be engraved the procedure of laser beam differs. During the process the surface of the material is melted and dissolved with laser, hence removing the material and engraving the content. Laminates, foils, films, coated metals and anodized aluminium are the common items which are laser marked. The laser marking is the fastest process and it has longer life.
Advantages of Laser marking
There are various advantages of laser marking technique; some of them are listed below.
· Accurate work with quality – the high meticulousness of the laser marking procedure imprints the delicate text or graphics on the material. Even the smallest letter or text is clearly comprehensible due to high precision while doing the job.
· Durability – the laser marking is defiant to acids and heat and is permanent. Certain material can be marked without harming the surface.
· High speed – laser marking is cost effective and is the fastest marking process in the market today. It can imprint up to 1000 characters per second.
· Cost effective – this is cost effective as compared to any conventional marking methods. The marking contents can be easily prepared through the design software. Lot of variably shaped objects can be marked; it also works on even and curved objects.
· Type of material – various materials can be engraved through laser marking like glass, plastic, metal (copper, silver, gold), rubber, paper, chrome, leather, marble and multi coated materials.
· Environment friendly – laser marking procedure is clean and safe, it does not involve acids, inks or solvents.
Types of Laser Marking
Various types of laser marking procedures are available, some of them are detailed below:-
Annealing – the process involves a defined control over the heat input the laser which creates a clear, readable mark on the material without damaging the material. This process is preferred to imprint logos or characters on tools, medical implants, ball bearings and surgical equipments.
Ablating – this process is performed with anodized aluminium, backlit buttons and painted steel. Usually nameplates, number plates and tags are engraved through this method.
Engraving – this process involves vaporizing of the material which produces deep print on the surface which is evident through reflection from various angles.
Thermo Chemical Reaction – this reaction involves exposure of the material to the laser radiation, the printed mark, and then responds to the radiation to achieve different colors through additives. This is mainly used for plastic based materials.
Etching – surface engraving is the most common form of laser marking, the laser radiation changes the surface of the material altering its reflectivity.
SIC marking machine in India
SIC marking machine provides permanent marking and automatic identification solutions in the laser marking procedure. This enables marking on the hard metal, especially on the parts and tools used in the manufacturing/industrial market. Like automobile parts, aircraft parts, metal tools, plastics, surgical equipments and tools used in rails. The marking procedure is permanent and trustworthy and guarantees quality. The marking is done with a succession of dots from the carbide pin built on the stylus. An electronic controller controls the movements of the stylus.