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Engineering Industry

Precision technology for precision results.

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Engineering

Marking the smallest of parts

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. 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 solution.

Laser engraving machines require no contact, are automated, utilise no consumables (therefore a lower overall cost), they are much more environmentally friendly. 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 demands of the Engineering Industry

A laser 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 markings are key. The automated process of a metal etching machine delivers essential repeatability and consistency, ensuring that engineering measuring tools have ticks and readings that are marked and positioned accurately.

Metals that are etched using lasers do not have to undergo any pre or post-treatment and being almost fully automated, the laser system delivers consistent quality every single time. Due to the small resolution that can be achieved, accurate and legible marking is possible on even the smallest of parts. Laser marking also provides practically unlimited design opportunities, including coloured laser markings.

Laser marking is a non contact technology, reducing material stress. There is no need to fix the materials to the engraving platform, so items can be shuffled in and out quickly, reducing production time. No contact means reduced secondary damage, ultimately impacting your bottom line with cost savings in production. 

The N-Lase Range

Meet our Industrial ID lasers

N-Lase Desktop

The N-Lase Desktop is our entry-level laser marking system for industrial identification applications, perfect for marking, etching, engraving and annealing all metals, coated metals, plastics and some organic materials.

The Desktop is the ideal solution for low to mid-volume throughput and is an affordable alternative to more traditional methods of marking, such as dot peen, electrochemical etching or hand marking. Despite being entry-level and affordable we haven’t sacrificed on quality or efficiency; our N-Lase Desktop comes with either our 20 Watt or 50 Watt MOPA fiber laser with a MTBF of 100,000 marking hours and a 3-year comprehensive warranty, as standard.

N-Lase Desktop Pro

The N-Lase Desktop Pro is the most popular laser in our N-Lase range. Designed for marking, etching, engraving and annealing almost all materials in mid to high-volume applications, the Desktop Pro is a full turnkey solution which includes an integrated All-in-One PC and an automatic door function to ensure maximum efficiency and simple operation.

The N-Lase Desktop Pro can be fitted with either our 20 Watt or 50 Watt MOPA fiber laser sources with a MTBF of 100,000 marking hours. Like all products within our N-Lase range the Desktop Pro comes with a 3-year comprehensive warranty, as standard.

N-Lase Benchtop

The N-Lase Benchtop is the ‘big cousin’ to the Desktop Pro. It has the same style and design but on a much larger scale, so maximum versatility for industries wishing to mark, etch and engrave big parts. As the name suggested, the Benchtop is designed to sit on a bench/worktop within existing manufacturing cells and processes.

Due to its larger footprint and modular design, the N-Lase Benchtop can offer a broad range of optional extras such as XY marking tables for increased throughput, large marking area lenses (up to 280mm x 280mm), big rotary attachments for circumference marking on large diameter parts and power sources from 20 watt up to 100 watt for maximum speed and depth.

With our 3-year comprehensive warranty, the N-Lase Benchtop is the ideal solution for the efficient and reliable etching of heavy-duty parts in industrial environments.

N-Lase Workstation

The N-Lase Workstation offers our biggest enclosure mounted onto a portable base to offer maximum flexibility. The Workstation can be located within an existing manufacturing process or operate as a standalone marking and traceability station. With an integrated PC and auto door function, the N-Lase Workstation is a truly turnkey solution; simply wheel into the desired location and start etching.

With such a large enclosure, the N-Lase Workstation can be fitted with a wide range of options to further increase efficiencies and offer maximum throughput. Options include XY marking tables to facilitate the loading of multiple parts, large marking area lenses (up to 280mm x 280mm), big rotary attachments for circumference marking on large diameter parts and power sources from 20 Watt up to 100 Watt for maximum speed and depth.

As with all our N-Lase range, maximum reliability and robustness is assured with our 3-year comprehensive warranty.

N-Lase Integrated

Designed for integration into production, manufacturing and assembly lines, our N-Lase Integrated models offer high reliability, speed and flexibility in a convenient form factor. A wide range of laser power outputs on our standard system allow marking on a diverse variety of substrates, whereas the Integrated Max is suitable for more powerful hungry applications and much larger laser modules. N-Lase Integrated systems are maintenance free and will provide you with years upon years of trouble-free operation

N-Lase Handheld

Laser without limits with the N-Lase Handheld. This model allows you to move the system to wherever (and whatever) needs to be marked. Ease and usability is at the forefront of the design, including a counterbalanced laser head to ensure safe movement and use. Whether it's a plaque on a wall or a plate on the floor, this model is ready for the challenge.

Using laser engraving technology within Engineering

Laser engraving has become an indispensable tool for the engineering industry. It can be used to create precise markings and patterns on different materials, which proves to be highly beneficial in the engineering industry and it is especially useful in the production of parts and components, as the laser engravings can be used to provide accurate measurements and dimensions of the parts and components. Laser engraving can also be used to mark parts with serial numbers and other identifying information, which is essential for tracking and maintaining the parts throughout the production process. Laser engraving is an efficient and cost-effective method for providing quality control and assurance in the engineering industry.

The Benefits

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

Laser marking is a fast procedure that will fit right into any manufacturing process without slowing it down – a 17-character VIN can be laser marked in seconds. Being a non-contact method of marking, parts do not need to be clamped down, avoiding secondary damage, compared to a more traditional method such as dot-peen marking, the parts do not undergo any unnecessary stress. Without the need to use fixtures or clamps, laser etching stainless steel also has unequalled flexibility in marking newly designed and modified parts and assets.

60+ years in industry

Heritage & market-leading knowledge

The Needham Group and its subsidiaries have been a part of the ever-developing coding and marking industry since 1962; identifying industry needs whilst simultaneously importing and developing exciting, practical and innovative products to suit.

Community-driven

Customer service at our core

Every day we share our passion and excitement for British manufacturing and innovation in laser technologies with each of our partners; from supplier and supply chain right through to end-user.

Short lead times

Delivery in weeks, not months

We design, develop and manufacture our lasers at our HQ in Shropshire; allowing for lean manufacturing, better efficiencies and speedy response times in our manufacturing, ultimately getting your products to you in weeks rather than months.

Made in Britain & Safety Regulations

We are proud to wear the Made in Britain badge, where all of our lasers are manufactured at our HQ in Shropshire. Combining over 60 years of company heritage with exquisite design and Great British engineering, we take great pride in our heritage and our commitment to producing quality products that represent the very best of British craftsmanship. Our loyal customers can be assured that when they choose us, they are investing in a product made with the utmost care and attention to detail.

The UK has the world's most rigorous regulatory requirements for laser safety.
We are proud to align our UK design and manufacturing with said regulations.
We are also certified members of AILU. - https://www.ailu.org.uk/

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