Laser part marking technology is becoming increasingly important in all areas of manufacturing, from automotive to aerospace and medical industries. This is due to the increasing demand from manufacturers and federal regulations to be able to track and trace products throughout their lifecycle.
At MECCO, one of the most common questions we receive is “How do I choose the right marking technology for my application?” The truth is that marking and engraving technology is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and there are many factors that go into choosing the best solution for your application.
So, before you invest in marking equipment for your facility, here are three key considerations to help you choose the best laser technology
1.Material
The first thing you’ll want to consider is the type of material you’ll be marking. We like to break materials down into two main categories. Organic or non-organic materials.
Organic materials are those like wood, glass, plastic or paper products. Metal, steel, cast aluminum – anything that produces sparks when you put it in the microwave (although we don’t recommend it!) — are considered non-organic materials.
2.Type of marking
Now that you’ve identified your material, what do you want the marker to look like? Are you looking for a darker marker? Do you want more contrast in your markings?
Depending on the type of marking technique, you can create a dark or frosted mark. For example, if you do barcode technology and are struggling with your vision system’s ability to read the code, you’ll want to use a frosted background and a dark marker. It’s all about your particular situation and how you want your final product to look.
3.Safety Considerations
Consider where you want to place your engraving machine. Will it be placed on the factory floor near the operator, or do you have a dedicated, enclosed space for it? Is this machine going to replace another technology, such as inkjet?
You should know that if your laser marking machine will be placed in an open shop, your laser supplier should help you install a Class I laser safety system. This includes laser safety shields and warning lights, curtains that form a safe entrance and other safety considerations. You can also choose a laser workstation that includes a Class I safety shield and a compact unit for the laser source.
If you have a Class IV laser, you will need a dedicated room that meets certain safety conditions, such as area posting, protective glasses and a key switch, so that it still meets safety requirements.