Engineering Laser Marking Applications

Laser engraving In the Engineering Industry

The demand for laser marking assets in the engineering sector has increased significantly and in some cases is a mandatory process for a range of industrial applications requiring the production of parts, from aerospace, medicine, automotive and the military.

For such industries, permanently and accurately marking assets with precise identification is essential for the regulation and tracking of these assets throughout their life cycle.

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Laser Marked Car Gear

Challenges for engineers when using traditional methods of engraving

A lot of our customers from within the engineering sector are faced with a set of common challenges when using traditional methods of marking such as Dot Peen or Mechanical Engraving. Here are the most common problems we encounter:

Lacking in speed: mechanical and contact marking methods are cumbersome and slow. Engineers and manufacturers are simply unable to meet the demand or maximise their output capacity.
Breaking parts: whether it is the machine doing the marking or the part being marked, mechanical engraving puts a great deal of stress onto the surface being engraved, and this, in turn, results in carbide pins and milling heads wearing down very quickly. This results in replacement/repair costs and longer downtime. Furthermore, these methods of marking require parts to be clamped down, which in turn causes damage to the parts being marked and can prove costly to all parties.
Limited applications: many of our customers have developed an interest in marking a more fragile material, such as thin metals, glass or even leather, but are limited by their mechanical engraving methods - technologies that are only suitable for sturdy materials and heavy metals.
Barcodes are a no go: traditional methods of marking parts are unable to produce data marks such as barcodes or QR codes - such marks are becoming the industry standard for engraving identification and traceability information. So, if their customers are demanding these marks, they are cutting themselves out of a large chunk of the market.
Marks hard to read: many customers are frustrated with feedback from their own customers that marks are hard to read or are inaccurate. Such feedback causes reputational damage and, again, limits their share of the market where their competitors are able to deliver these marks quickly and accurately.

Identification and traceability

Without question, identification and traceability are a crucial part of the manufacturing process within the engineering sector. Whether it be serial codes, matrix, part numbers, graphics or lot coding, our laser marking systems can offer significant gains over conventional rotary engraving or dot-peen systems and provide a permanent solutuion.

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 serialised or variable data transmitted in real-time makes this the ideal choice for those in the engineering sector.

The Advantages of Laser Marking for Engineers

All of our systems feature high powered MOPA Fiber Laser Engines as standard. 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 parts with industry-leading accuracy at high speeds.
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.

To complement the above, all our lasers come with a comprehensive, 3-year, parts & labour warranty. We also offer lease or rental options.

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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.

Laser Marking in Engineering