For industrial component marking
Laser marking is generally used to mark materials with a laser beam. It is a safe, fast and sustainable method of permanently marking products without contact and without damaging the material. The thin laser beam creates a precise typeface on a variety of surfaces such as stainless steel and aluminium. In addition to simple lettering and serial numbers, large-area coding as well as QR codes and sterile component markings are also possible - which is a great advantage in the field of medical technology, for example. Depending on the material and the project, we use different marking methods.
Technical Details
Laser marking and its advantages:
- non-contact process
- no tool wear
- suitable for a wide range of materials
- high flexibility with very good reproducibility of consistent results
- marking can also be carried out in places that are difficult to access
- circumferential marking possible because of round machining
- durable marking, resistant to abrasion and chemicals
Labelling, marking, engraving - great processing versatility thanks to laser technology
Depending on the material and the project, we use different labelling methods:
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Laser marking by ablation
Laser marking creates a high-contrast inscription by removing individual top layers of a specific base material. Contrast is created by differences in colour between the top layer and the base layer. Prerequisites for this type of laser marking are a homogeneous layer thickness, a high colour contrast of the carrier and layer material and a good absorption capacity of the top layer.
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Laser marking by deep engraving
Laser engraving involves the removal of volume from the material. In the process, the material surface is melted and vaporised by the laser. The resulting indentation can typically be up to several tenths of a millimetre deep. Markings of this type are mainly used for the flexible production of a tamper-proof direct component identification that is durable under abrasion and corrosion stress.
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Temper marking by discolouration
This process creates markings without material removal and without material throw-up. Instead, the heat effect of the laser beam is used to create an oxidation process below the material surface. The result is the so-called colour change of the metal surface. It is suitable for laser marking of all metals that change colour when exposed to heat and oxygen.
The advantages of annealing are for example that we can mark already finished surfaces and realise special sterilisation requirements in medical technology.
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Laser marking of plastics
The heat effect of the laser beam triggers an oxidation process that leads to the discolouration of the material. Depending on the chemical composition of the processed material, this oxidation leads to different shades of colour. As a result of a thermochemical reaction, the so-called carbonisation, a dark colour change occurs.
On the other hand foaming results in a light laser marking because the material is melted by the laser beam. In the process are tiny gas bubbles formed, which are permanently trapped during cooling and reflect the light diffusely.
Discover our technologies
We create filigree graphics such as DataMatrix codes, serial numbers and much more with the highest precision according to your individual specifications. Laser marking is one of the fastest processes in laser technology.
Discover even more innovative technologies in the fields of mechanical processing, laser welding and more.
If you have any questions, we will be happy to help you.
