laser marking machine setting

Introduction:

Laser marking machines are used in industries that require precision and accuracy in part marking. These machines are designed to mark parts and products with a high degree of precision, speed, and accuracy, and they can be used on a variety of materials. When using a laser marking machine, several important settings should be correctly set to ensure optimal performance. In this article, we will discuss the important settings that need to be correctly configured when using a laser marking machine.

Setting #1: Laser Power

The laser power setting determines the strength of the laser beam used to mark the part. The power setting directly impacts the depth of the mark on the surface of the part or product. Generally, the higher the power setting, the deeper and darker the mark will be. However, it is essential to note that excessively high laser power can damage the part material, especially if the material is soft, thin or sensitive. Therefore, it is critical to strike a balance between the laser power and the part’s material strength.

Setting #2: Marking Speed

Marking speed determines how quickly the laser moves across the part to create the mark. Ideally, the marking speed should be set at a level that provides the optimal balance between speed and mark quality. A marking speed that is too high or too low can negatively affect the mark’s quality by producing undesirable results, such as jagged edges, uneven lines or incomplete marks. For optimal mark quality, it is recommended to conduct a pre-mark test to determine the optimum marking speed.

Setting #3: Pulse Repetition Rate

The pulse repetition rate setting is used to determine the number of laser pulses sent to the part per second. This setting is used to reduce the chances of the laser beam overheating the part and causing surface damage. The pulse repetition rate directly impacts the mark’s quality, with a higher frequency (repetition) rate producing a smoother and more even line. In general, it is recommended to use a pulse repetition rate of between 20kHz and 100kHz to produce clear and well-defined marks.

Setting #4: Defocus

The defocus setting determines the distance between the laser head and the surface of the part. The defocus setting can be used to produce different types of marks such as etched, peaked or highlighted/brightened marks. A correctly set defocus setting will produce a clear, precise mark without causing surface damage. Different types of substrates will have different settings for the defocus that will ensure the quality of the marks desired.

Setting #5: Beam Diameter and Spot Size

The beam diameter and spot size are important laser marking parameters that impact the quality of the mark. The spot size is measured in micrometers (µm), and it refers to the width of the laser beam used to make the mark. The beam diameter is the width of the laser beam as it exits the laser head and just before it focuses onto the part. The smaller the spot size, the higher the precision of the marking. The beam diameter and spot size must also be matched to the part material being marked for optimal performance.

Conclusion:

Laser marking is a highly precise method of permanently marking products and parts. Correct configuration settings of laser marking machines are critical to achieving precise, clear, and legible marks. In conclusion, the laser-marking machine's setup parameters must be adjusted according to the substrate nature to produce the desired results. The right balance between laser power, marking speed, pulse repetition rate, defocus settings, and beam diameter and spot size can help you achieve the optimal marking results.