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Choosing the Right Material: A Decision-Maker’s Guide to Laser Marking Machines

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Laser marking machines use less energy to produce more durable markings. This is important to various industries where the mark must be readable despite exposure to extreme weather or other environmental influences. Which type of laser you need is dependent on some of the characteristics each laser is known for. To start, let’s dive into the differences between fiber lasers and CO2 lasers.

Fiber lasers stand out as powerful, solid-state laser sources designed with precision for cutting and welding tasks. At their core, they harness doped optical fibers to amplify light, starting with a seed laser beam that intensifies as it travels through an optical fiber filled with special amplifying material. This process, further refined by a series of optical mirrors, culminates in a beam of significantly higher power than its original input.

What sets fiber lasers apart from traditional CO2 lasers are their noteworthy advantages, which include enhanced precision, extended lifespans, reduced maintenance costs, and greater energy efficiency. These benefits make fiber lasers a remarkably reliable and efficient option, providing consistent, permanent marks swiftly and with minimal waste or downtime. As a result, fiber lasers have earned their place as a preferred technology across various industrial applications, offering a friendly and professional solution that meets the high standards of today’s manufacturing and processing industries.

CO2 lasers utilize carbon dioxide gas to produce a beam of infrared light, renowned for its high accuracy and ability to create detailed designs with complex shapes.

This technology enables faster cutting speeds and the capability to engrave intricate patterns on a variety of materials, making it suitable for precision applications that demand quick turnaround times. Its broad beam also allows for efficient coverage of large areas, enhancing productivity. Notably cost-effective and versatile, CO2 lasers boast higher power outputs, cutting through tough materials like steel with ease. Their application spans numerous industries, including woodworking where they’re used for precise engraving and cutting, metal fabrication, and even in medical fields, demonstrating their wide-ranging utility and effectiveness.

Materials Compatible with Laser Marking

Laser marking technology offers a versatile and efficient means of engraving and marking numerous materials, each with its unique characteristics and suitability for different applications.

From the natural beauty of wood, which provides a classic, warm finish, to the durability and precision required for metals like stainless steel and aluminum, laser marking systems cater to a broad spectrum of materials. Plastics, with their vast diversity in composition, also present a canvas for laser marking, allowing for both clear and contrasted markings.

The choice of material not only influences the aesthetic outcome but also dictates the type of laser system required—be it CO2, fiber, or another laser technology—to achieve optimal results. Understanding the properties of these materials is crucial for selecting the right laser marking system and ensuring high-quality, lasting marks.

Common materials marked using laser marking systems:

Metals: Stainless steel, Steel, Carbide, Titanium, Aluminum, Gold
Plastics: ABS, Polycarbonate, Polyamide
Other materials: Wood, Glass, Ceramic

Factors to Consider When Choosing Material for Laser Marking

Selecting the appropriate laser marking system necessitates compatibility with the materials intended for marking or engraving. Different materials such as stone, glass, or metal demand varied types of lasers and power levels. For instance, CO2 lasers excel in engraving organic materials (like wood or glass), plastics, and certain metals, but they might struggle with stainless steel due to its high reflectivity.

Conversely, fiber lasers, with their higher power output, are better suited for marking metals like aluminum, brass, and titanium. Hence, determining the material to be marked or engraved is crucial before settling on a laser marking machine.

When choosing the appropriate laser marking machine, the following need to be taken into consideration:
– Material properties: Each material that can be marked has different absorption rates, heat resistance levels, and distinguishing characteristics. All of these must be weighed when choosing the right marking machines to work with for traceability purposes.
– Desired outcome: Factors like the marking quality, depth, and durability also make a big difference when evaluating what marking machine will fit best with your production needs.
– Environmental considerations: These marks are meant to last throughout the lifespan of the product. However, for parts that are used in space, for example, the rate of exposure to elements and temperature changes dictate which marking method would be preferable. (And different parts used in aerospace production are marked differently. Check out our blog Laser Marking vs Dot Peen Marking Machines: Best Use Case by Industry for more info on that.)
– Regulatory and safety standards: The regulations for part durability and traceability are different for the various industries that rely on part marking for different reasons. Therefore, the part marking must meet various standards while supplying reliability in the long term.

Looking for more information on laser marking? Check out our resource library:
Laser Etching vs. Engraving: What to Know
Industrial Laser Marking Applications: 5 to Know
The Ins & Outs of Industrial Laser Marking Machines
6 Tips for Choosing the Best Laser Marking System for Your Business Needs

Tips for Optimizing Material Choice and Laser Marking Process

When it comes to material preparation and handling, it is important to have an idea of what that process looks like for your product and how laser marking machines can be used most efficiently.

The quality of the final mark can also depend on the condition of the material being marked. Ensure that the surface is clean and free from oils, dust, or any other contaminants before marking. For materials with varying surface qualities or coatings, it might be necessary to do some test runs to determine the optimal laser settings for consistent results. Proper material preparation can significantly impact the consistency and quality of the laser markings.

Different materials and marking depths require different laser parameters such as power, speed, frequency, and focus. Regularly calibrating your machine and doing test runs on sample materials allows you to fine-tune these settings for each specific task.

Keeping a log of the optimal settings for various materials and applications can help you quickly achieve consistent results without the need for extensive trial and error. Testing on the material to be marked and including tests on any prototypes is the best way to move forward efficiently.

Maintaining consistent marking quality with a laser marking machine is essential for ensuring high standards across all your projects. Here are three key tips to achieve this:

Create a regular maintenance schedule: Like any precision instrument, a laser marking machine requires regular maintenance and cleaning to perform at its best. This involves cleaning the lenses and mirrors to prevent any build-up of debris that could distort the laser beam. Also, ensure that all moving parts are well-lubricated and that the machine is checked periodically for any signs of wear or damage. Keeping the machine clean and well-maintained will help in achieving consistent marking quality.
Use high-quality consumables and components: The quality of the consumables, such as lenses, mirrors, and the laser source itself, plays a crucial role in the consistency and quality of the markings produced. Investing in high-quality consumables and components can make a significant difference. Over time, components can degrade, affecting the laser’s performance. Regularly inspecting and, when necessary, replacing these parts with quality replacements ensures that the laser operates at peak efficiency, producing consistent, high-quality marks. This approach not only maintains marking quality but also extends the overall lifespan of your laser marking machine.

Technomark offers free tests on your parts to ensure laser marking is the right solution. We can also provide training to help users succeed in their advanced marking settings.

Marking Machines and Today’s Production Challenges

Laser marking machines provide efficiency and reduced energy consumption while marking materials that don’t get the same durability of marks from other marking methods. For that reason, it is important to consider all factors when determining the right marking machine for the material you are marking. Remember to weigh all the factors and give the testing period a lot of attention to make sure your ROI is as expected when production begins in earnest. 

Still wondering about laser marking? Take this resource with you: 

Laser Marking Machine Engraving. Manufacture of plastic water pipes factory. Process of making plastic tubes on the machine tool with the use of water and air pressure.

Laser Marking Source | Laser Types & Selection Considerations

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Laser part marking requires an understanding of both the engraver that will best fit your application requirements and the laser source that will provide the best mark. There are a variety of laser sources, and we will highlight three types, as well as two subtypes, of the best laser-marking technology and outline the best choice for the material you are using and the depth of the mark you require to meet regulatory requirements.

5 Laser Sources Based on Wavelength

Laser part marking is common in a number of industries because it is effective for long-term part identification and meets the rigorous standards set forth for aerospace, mechanical, and other high-demand industries.

However, each industry has specific needs when it comes to the product, and the potential damage to the product if the wrong laser is used. The equipment you need is part of the process, but from there the laser that is best is the next point to consider.

With that in mind, we can take a look at five of the commonly used lasers and the best use case for each:

  1. CO2 laser
  2. Fiber laser
  3. YAG laser
  4. Green laser
  5. UV laser 

1. CO2 Laser

CO2 laser marking is a popular laser engraving and marking solution because of its ability to mark non-metallic materials. It’s efficient in marking a variety of non-metals, too, including:  

  • wood
  • plastic
  • glass
  • textiles
  • cardboard

The CO2 laser produces an infrared laser beam and uses CO2 gas as the active medium. The laser is emitted at 10.6 micrometers and features high beam quality, allowing it to focus laser power into a small spot and produce high-quality laser marks. This laser has the longest wavelength, which is located on the invisible infrared spectrum. 

This laser is efficient for cutting some materials and for personalizing products. However, this type of laser also requires more maintenance and uses more energy.

 

2. Fiber Laser

Another laser source is fiber laser marking, which also offers the ability to mark non-metallic surfaces with a high degree of accuracy. This laser source utilizes a shorter wavelength than a CO2 laser and uses a fiber optic laser device to emit laser beams at a wavelength of 1.064 micrometers. The wavelength produced is located in the infrared spectrum.

It quickly and accurately produces laser marks on materials such as:

      • plastics
      • metals
      • rubber
      • glass

 This laser source also offers the ability to be tuned for specific applications with easily adjustable settings. 

A fiber laser can also be used for embossing or to add discoloration where desired. The discoloration process with a fiber laser provides a variety of colors and better control simultaneously. 

The fiber laser is the most commonly used in the laser marking industry, particularly common in aerospace, metallurgy, automotive, and mechanical applications. It’s useful for all types of metals and has a long lifespan when compared to other lasers.

3. YAG Laser 

The YAG laser operates on a wavelength similar to the fiber laser (1.064 micrometers). However, this type of laser has a different structure than a fiber laser and the beam passes through different crystals in order to create the beam. 

The YAG laser is ideal for marking metals and plastics in its more widely recognized configuration. However, it can be adjusted to mark more sensitive materials as well.

4. Green Laser

The green laser, the first subtype of the YAG laser, is the only laser with a wavelength in the visible spectrum. This allows manufacturers to mark many sensitive materials, such as: 

  • polymers
  • plastics
  • rubber 

The green laser is ideal for these sensitive materials because its wavelength is located near the UV spectrum generates less heat.

5. UV Laser

The UV laser is another subtype of the YAG laser. Thanks to implanted crystals, it became possible to adjust the wavelength for this laser and utilize others, providing access to the only laser in the invisible ultraviolet spectrum (0.355 micrometers).

The UV laser has the shortest wavelength used in the laser marking field and as such is relied upon for markings on fairly sensitive materials.

This laser also makes it possible to carry out “cold markings” — which means manufacturers can avoid the degradation of parts due to the heat. This laser is  used for marking solar panels, electrical components, and other parts that require a refined approach.

 

6 Ways to Choose a Laser Marking Source

Planning production of your next line means a lot of considerations. These include the material you will use and the speed you can expect products to be completed. Meanwhile, several of those factors also influence the choice of laser: 

  1. Material to be marked 
  2. Mean time between failures (MTBF)
  3. Depth of mark needed
  4. Laser maintenance needs
  5. Speed of marking process
  6. Ease of settings adjustment

 

1. Material to be Marked

With the variety of materials used in production, it makes sense to prioritize the materials when considering a laser source. For more heat-sensitive materials, it’s important to find the right laser and access one that is easily adjustable.

 

2. Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF): 

The Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) is a guideline of how reliable your laser will be based on its hours of operation. Each laser has a different expectation — and keep in mind these are mean times, not a guaranteed lifespan. Some lasers have a longer MTBF but can fail in a shorter period of time than expected 

While the fiber laser has an MTBF of 100,000 hours, CO2 lasers have a significantly shorter MTBF of 30,000 hours. This is a crucial factor to keep in mind while choosing the best option for your production cadence.

 

3. Depth of Mark Needed

Some lasers are singled out for the ability to make deeper marks than others. For certain regulations and standards, the laser with a deeper marking capability would be the preferred choice. 

Meanwhile, other materials require a lighter mark that doesn’t cause damage. Therefore, the depth of the mark is a key factor in laser source choice.

 

4. Laser Maintenance Needs

Some lasers require more maintenance than others. This means a commitment of more of the budget and possible interference with production timelines if maintenance is required frequently.

 

5. Speed of Marking Process

Your production timeline is important both for your revenue and to help your clients meet their own projected deadlines. As such, the marking process needs to be completed in a timely manner. 

Note: Depending on the material to be marked, the right laser source makes a difference in meeting that timeline and getting behind due to lengthy marking processes. If laser marking isn’t the answer at all, there’s always dot peen marking.

 

6. Ease of Settings Adjustment

In some industries, the laser will need to be adjusted for separate part lines or stages in the production process. In these cases, it is more cost-effective to find a laser that can be adjusted easily. This better facilitates effective marking on the desired timeline. 

 

Which Laser Marking Source is Right for Your Production Needs?

With three laser marking types and two subtypes, it should be a reasonable process to narrow down the best laser for an application based on the factors involved. Your production line requires a certain type of mark and you have an expectation of how long that mark will last.

The right laser marking source means faster delivery of products that carry distinct markings to fit your clients’ needs. 

 

Don’t Waste Money and Lose Project Momentum

If you have questions about the right laser source for your project, it’s time to talk to our experienced Technomark staff. Reach out today, and we can help point you in the right direction. 

(Editor’s note: This blog was originally published in January 2023 and was updated in March 2024 to reflect the most up-to-date information.)