Laser marking
Laser marking at BLS and how does it work?
BLS Lasertechnology GmbH (core competence: laser welding) has a TRUMPF brand marking laser at its disposal. The various applications such as tempering, engraving, structuring, color change, ablation, laser cleaning or foaming are all based on the identical process of laser marking.
Through the targeted interaction of the laser beam with the surface of the different materials, the required application can be realized depending on the selected parameters.
The beam source is a fiber laser that generates the laser light. A built-in scanner optic not only focuses the laser beam on the component surface, but also creates a processing field in the machine’s working area.
A wide variety of markings can be created within the scanner’s field of view. These include, for example, barcodes, data matrix codes, free text, design elements, patterns and customizations.
However, other applications such as structuring, paint stripping or cleaning can also be implemented.
In industry, traceability of products is often required, and this can be implemented with laser marking on almost all surfaces. A serial number, production data, batch numbers etc. are often used for this purpose.
Which materials can be marked with lasers?
Laser marking is a process that is suitable for many different materials. These include, among others:
- Metals: steel as well as stainless steel, aluminum and titanium
- Plastics: polycarbonate, ABS, PVC
- Non-metallic materials: ceramics, glass, wood, etc.
The most important material groups in laser marking are metal and plastic.
What are the advantages of laser marking compared to other marking methods?
The process has many advantages over conventional labeling methods:
- Precision: Due to the high precision, detailed markings are possible.
- Durability: The resistance of the markings is very high, for example with laser marking on metal. The laser markings are therefore also resistant to environmental influences and abrasion.
- Flexibility: The process can be used to process a wide variety of surfaces and materials.
- Processing time: due to a very fast labeling process, the processing time is usually very short
- Contactless: There is no direct contact between the workpiece and the tool.
- Environmentally friendly: no harmful waste is produced during the labeling process.
How deep can laser marking penetrate into the material?
The laser can also be used for deep engraving. The depth requirement here can be in the millimeter range. For a large number of applications, however, removing the top layer of material is sufficient.
BLS Lasertechnology GmbH attaches great importance to the quality and durability of devices and reliably ensures both aspects through this concept:
How precise can laser marking be?
The precision of the marking depends on the focus diameter used. The smaller the focus diameter, the finer and more precise the marking can be.
Can color markings be created with lasers?
- Color change / tempering colors for metals
- Removal reveals a different color
- Discoloration due to changes in the color pigments through interaction with the laser beam
Which formats (e.g. text, barcodes, QR codes, graphics) can be created using laser marking?
Almost all formats, shapes, free text and graphics can be marked. This makes the process particularly flexible and quick to implement.
Is laser marking suitable for small or large series?
The process is ideal for both small and large series. This is made possible by the speed, high precision and repeat accuracy, flexibility of the process, durability and environmental friendliness.
Does laser marking affect the material properties?
The material properties can be influenced, but the type and extent of the change depends on several influencing variables, such as the selected marking process. Other factors include the type of material and the laser parameters.
Possible effects on the material properties are
- Surface hardening
- Changes in electrical conductivity
- Changes in chemical properties
- Tensions
- Microstructural changes
- Change in the surface texture
Can laser marking be carried out on sensitive or complex-shaped surfaces?
As laser marking is a contactless process, even hard-to-reach areas can be marked.
Complex shapes can also be marked to a certain extent, depending on the shape of the component and the marking requirements.
In terms of the resistance of laser markings to wear, chemicals or extreme temperatures, it can be said that the corrosion resistance of stainless steel alloys is a major advantage.
Does BLS Lasertechnology offer customized laser marking solutions?
BLS offers customized laser marking applications. These can be found in applications ranging from simple marking to the ablation or structuring of surfaces. In addition, the marking laser is also used to mark series products, thus ensuring the traceability of welded products, for example.
What else should I know about laser marking at BLS?
Thanks to the integrated image processing system in the BLS marking laser, it is possible to carry out quality control, for example of the generated DataMatrix codes. It is also possible to detect significant features of the components and ensure reproducible positioning of the marking on the component.
Do you need laser marking or laser marking for your metal components? Feel free to talk to us! Our team of experts will be happy to advise you!
Over 35 years of experience and the trust of
more than 500 customers speak for us.
Customised solutions
BLS Lasertechnology manufactures customised solutions at the highest level. The BLS team works closely with its customers to develop the optimum laser application.
Flexibility
The adaptive use of resources enables a high degree of flexibility in production and deliveries at short notice.
Know-how
With over 35 years of laser experience, the BLS team offers exceptional expertise in laser processing. BLS customers also have access to experts in materials science, fixture construction and machine technology.
High performance
A powerful and broad range of machines (up to 12 KW laser power) with different laser sources (CO2 to solid-state) enable the optimum setup for every customer application.
