Aerospace Laser Marking Applications

Laser engraving In the Aerospace Industry

For manufacturers of engineering parts, a good traceability system is a vital part of quality monitoring. The use of a laser marking machine for metal ensures that these traceability marks are permanent and will remain legible for a long time – especially useful for parts that undergo a lot of friction and heat. With the help of a laser etching machine, you can ensure your assets are pemanently traceable and identifiable.

Identification and traceability

Without question, identification and traceability are crucial for manufacturing within the aerospace industry. Therefore using a precise and reliable part marking solution is a must for any aerospace manufacturer. Needham Laser is a long established supplier of laser marking solutions into the aerospace sector, helping our customers track and mark parts internationally.

Whether it be serial codes, matrix, part numbers, graphics or lot coding, our aerospace laser marking systems can offer significant gains over conventional rotary engraving or dot-peen systems. Essentially, laser engraving machines require no contact, utilise no consumables (therefore a lower overall cost), they are much more environmentally friendly, require little or no-maintenance and can be very easily automated. In addition to this, the ability to mark either serialized or variable data transmitted in real-time makes this the ideal choice for aerospace manufacturers.

Systems Ideal for Aerospace Laser Marking

We pride ourselves on only providing the best-in-class aerospace laser marking systems, perfectly designed for anything from light use to the most demanding environments:

All of our systems feature high powered MOPA Fiber Laser Engines. Not only does this mean their lifespan is far greater than other lasers on the market but also this provides you a high peak power, extremely quick processing times and grants maximum application flexibility.
Mark Text, Graphics, Barcodes, 2D, UID, Matrix, QR codes and more onto aircraft parts with industry-leading accuracy.
Incredibly simple setup, programming and marking with great software and ergonomic design.
Choose from stand-alone, desktop, handheld or integrated lasers systems. We will even create custom solutions and can help you implement them into your already automated production line.
Brimming with cutting-edge features for the best experience whilst maintaining unparalleled quality whilst printing your components.

To complement the above, all our lasers come with a comprehensive, 3-year, parts & labour warranty.

We also offer lease or rental options.

Laser Marking the smallest of parts

Outside of major engineering parts, a metal engraving machine can also be used to make legible marks on common engineering tools such as callipers, wrenches, and drill bits. Some of these parts are incredibly small, making laser marking a particularly suitable technology for marking characters that are still legible at 1-point size. In the case of callipers and other measuring tools, the precision and accuracy of the laser engraver are key. The automated process of a metal etching machine delivers superior repeatability and consistency, ensuring that engineering measuring tools have ticks and readings that are marked and positioned accurately.

ENGRAVING A VARIETY OF METALS

The types of metals that a laser engraver can be used on are as varied as its applications. A metal engraving machine can be used to make permanent marks on stainless steel, soft metals, hardened metals, alloys, titanium, titanium alloys, brass, copper, carbides, high-speed steels, aluminium, anodised aluminium, coated metals, and precious metals such as silver and gold. With the right equipment and experienced operator at the helm, switching over from one metal to another will be as simple as changing laser parameters on the accompanying software.

In contrast to more traditional methods of marking, a laser engraving machine does not require consumables such as inks, chemicals, or pastes. The handling and disposal of these consumables will be one less thing to worry about, allowing businesses to focus on more important things.

Engraving a variety of metals

Laser Engraving Machines

Metals that are etched using a laser engraver do not have to undergo any pre or post treatment. Coupled with the speed with which a laser etching machine works without the need for tool changes, a laser effectively completes the job faster and with less effort.

Being an almost fully automated piece of equipment, the laser engraving system delivers a consistent quality of results all the time. The resolution that laser marking can achieve is extremely small, allowing for the smallest shapes and text to be engraved accurately and legibly. Laser marking provides practically unlimited design opportunities. With the right materials, a metal engraving machine can even produce coloured laser markings.

A laser workstation uses a non contact technology, meaning that the material being marked does not need to undergo undue stress. There is no need to fix the materials to the laser engraving platform, so items can be shuffled in and out quickly, saving up on precious production time. The absence of any physical force on the item due to engraving and clamping lessens the chances of rejects due to secondary damage, ultimately leading to cost savings for the company.

Aerospace Laser Applications