Fundamentals of Laser Marking

Created via Chat GPT, Edited by Bernard Martin

Laser marking is a process in which a laser beam is used to mark or engrave an object. The laser beam is directed at the surface of the object, and the energy from the beam causes a change in the surface material, resulting in a permanent mark.

There are several types of laser marking, including annealing, engraving, and foaming. The type of laser used, the material being marked, and the desired outcome will determine the specific process and technique used for laser marking.

​Common materials that can be laser marked include metals, plastics, and ceramics. Laser marking is often used in industrial settings for product identification, traceability, and branding.

Image created by https://deepai.org/

The term "laser" stands for "Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation," which summarizes quite well exacty how lasers work. Light particles, called photons, are excited with an electrical current, causing them to emit energy in the form of light. This light forms the laser beam.

The principle of industrial traceability by laser engraving is based on a beam of high intensity laser focused and then directed towards the part to be marked.  Its orientation is ensured by a galvanometric head composed of two mirrors. When a laser beam hits a part's surface, the energy is transferred in the form of heat, creating black, white, and sometimes colored marks.

In manufacturing, Lasers  are a permanent, a precise and qualitative marking solution for part identification and traceability. Different applications may require different marking techniques such as engraving, staining, removing, annealing, and foaming are the most common marking methods. Each laser marking procedure will have its own unique advantages and disadvantages, depending on the materials being used and the quality requirement.

---

Types of Materials to Laser Mark

image created using https://deepai.org/

Many different types of materials can be laser marked, including:

• Metals: Stainless steel, aluminum, brass, and titanium are common materials that can be laser marked. The laser beam melts or vaporizes the metal, creating a permanent mark.
• Plastics: Many different types of plastics can be laser marked, including polycarbonate, ABS, and polyamide. The laser beam causes the surface of the plastic to change color, creating a contrast between the marked and unmarked areas.
• Ceramics: Ceramic materials can be laser marked by removing a thin layer of the surface material. This creates a contrast between the marked and unmarked areas, making the mark visible.
• Glass: Laser marking on glass is done by a process called scribing, which involves using a laser beam to create a crack in the surface of the glass.
• Wood: Wood materials can be laser marked by burning the surface of the wood, resulting in a dark mark on a light background.
• Some fabrics: Laser marking can be used to print on fabrics such as denim, cotton, polyester, etc.

It is important to note that not all materials are suitable for laser marking, as the energy from the laser beam can cause damage to some materials. Additionally, the type of laser used and the specific laser marking process will be determined by the material being marked, as well as the desired outcome.

---

What Kinds of Marks

image created using https://deepai.org/

Laser marking Is used in many industries including  automotive, aeronautics, energy, metallurgy, medical, agriculture, agri-food, defense, electronics, railway, lifting and public works, mechanics, motorcycles, heavy trucks and numerous others.

Laser marking can be used to create a variety of marks, including:

1. Text: Laser marking can be used to engrave text, such as product information, serial numbers, or branding, onto the surface of an object.
2. Barcodes and QR codes: Laser marking can be used to create barcodes and QR codes, which can be used for product identification and tracking.
3. Logos and graphics: Laser marking can be used to engrave logos and graphics onto the surface of an object, such as company logos or product images.
4. Serial numbers: Laser marking can be used to engrave serial numbers onto the surface of an object, which can be used for product identification, tracking, and traceability.
5. Data matrix codes: Laser marking can be used to create Data matrix codes, which are a type of two-dimensional barcode that can store a large amount of information in a small space.
6. Deep engraving: This type of laser marking is used to create three-dimensional marks in the surface of an object, and can be used to create detailed images or text.
7. Cutouts and shapes: Laser cutting can be used to create intricate cuts and shapes in materials, such as fabrics, plastics, metals and even wood.
8. Micro-text: Laser marking can be used to create very small text that is difficult to read with the naked eye, but can be read with a microscope.

The specific type of mark that is made with a laser will depend on the material being marked, the desired outcome, and the type of laser that is being used.

---

Types of Laser Marking

Examples of Laser Marking. Image created by https://deepai.org/machine-learning-model/text2img

There are several types of laser marking that can be done, including:

• Annealing: This type of laser marking involves using a laser beam to heat a metal surface, causing a change in the color of the metal. This type of marking is often used on stainless steel and titanium.
• Engraving: This type of laser marking involves removing a small amount of material from the surface of an object, creating a permanent mark. This type of marking is often used for product identification, traceability, and branding.
• Foaming: This type of laser marking involves using a laser beam to create small bubbles on the surface of a plastic material, creating a contrasting mark. This type of marking is often used for product identification, traceability, and branding.
• Scribing: This type of laser marking involves using a laser beam to create a crack in the surface of a material such as glass. This type of marking is often used for product identification, traceability, and branding.
• Ablating: This type of laser marking involves using a laser beam to remove a small amount of material from the surface of an object, creating a permanent mark. This is commonly used in the aerospace, automotive, and medical device industries for product identification, traceability, and branding.
• Color change: This type of laser marking involves using a laser beam to change the color of the surface of a material. This is commonly used in the packaging and labeling industry for product identification, traceability, and branding.
• Deep engraving: This type of laser marking is used to create three-dimensional marks in the surface of an object, and can be used to create detailed images or text.
• Laser cutting: This type of laser marking involves using a laser beam to cut materials, such as fabrics, plastics, metals and even wood.
• The type of laser marking that is used will depend on the material being marked and the desired outcome.

---

What Industries is Laser Marking Most Commonly Used?

Laser marking is used in a wide range of industries, including:

1. Manufacturing: Laser marking is commonly used in the manufacturing industry for product identification, traceability, and branding. This includes marking product information, serial numbers, and company logos onto the surface of products.
   
2. Aerospace and Defense: Laser marking is used in the aerospace and defense industries for product identification and traceability, such as marking serial numbers and other information onto aircraft parts.
   
3. Automotive: Laser marking is used in the automotive industry for product identification and traceability, such as marking serial numbers and other information onto car parts.
   
4. Medical Device: Laser marking is used in the medical device industry for product identification and traceability, such as marking serial numbers and other information onto medical devices.
   
5. Electronics: Laser marking is used in the electronics industry for product identification and traceability, such as marking serial numbers and other information onto electronic devices.
   
6. Jewelry: Laser marking is used in the jewelry industry for product identification and traceability, such as marking serial numbers and other information onto jewelry.
   
7. Packaging and labeling: Laser marking is used in the packaging and labeling industry for product identification and traceability, such as marking serial numbers and other information onto packaging and labels.
   
8. Textile: Laser marking is used in the textile industry for product identification and traceability, such as marking serial numbers and other information onto fabrics.
   
9. Wood and stone: Laser marking is used in the wood and stone industry for product identification and traceability, such as marking serial numbers and other information onto wood and stone products.
   

The specific use of laser marking in an industry will depend on the nature of the product and the needs of the industry for identification, traceability and branding.