Laser part marking technology is gaining importance across all manufacturing sectors, from automotive to aerospace and medical industries. This is due to increasing demand from manufacturers and federal regulations for product tracking and traceability throughout their lifecycle. One efficient option to achieve this is using a fiber laser marking machine(Master laser co).

A common question we receive is: “How do I choose the right marking technology for my application?” The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to marking and engraving technologies. Several factors play a role in selecting the best solution for your application.

Before investing in marking equipment for your facility, here are three key considerations that will help you choose the best laser technology:

1. Material

The first factor to consider is the type of material you are marking. We like to classify materials into two main categories: organic and inorganic.

Organic materials include wood, glass, plastic, or paper products. Metals, steel, cast aluminum—essentially anything that sparks when you put it in a microwave (which we don’t recommend!)—are considered inorganic materials.

2. Type of Marking

Once you have identified your material, think about the type of mark you want to create. Are you looking for deep marks? Do you want more contrast in your markings?

Depending on the marking technology, you can achieve dark or matte markings. For example, if you are using barcode technology and are experiencing difficulties with your vision systems reading the code, you might want to opt for matte backgrounds and dark marks. It all comes down to your specific situation and how you want your final product to appear.

3. Safety Considerations

Consider where your engraving machine will be placed. Will it be on the shop floor near operators, or will you have a dedicated and enclosed space for it? Will this machine be replacing another type of technology, like inkjet printing?

If your laser marker is in an open floor plan, your laser supplier should help you install a Class I laser safety system. This includes a laser-safe enclosure, warning lights, curtains for safe entries, and other safety considerations. You can also opt for a laser workstation that includes a Class I safety enclosure and laser source in a compact unit.

If you have a Class IV laser, you’ll need a dedicated room with specific safety conditions, such as posting the area, wearing protective eyewear, and using a key switch to continue meeting safety requirements.

When to Choose Fiber Lasers

If you are marking inorganic materials like metal or plastic and want high contrast in your mark, fiber laser marking technology might be the best choice for your application. With a wavelength of 1 micron, fiber lasers should be placed in a separate room or enclosure with doors and adhere to CDRH safety considerations to ensure the safety of anyone working around them.

Fiber laser technology, with its high wavelength (780 nm to 2200 nm), is suitable for marking materials like metals, rubber, and plastics. This high wavelength makes it an ideal technology for creating permanent and durable markings. Additionally, fiber laser markings offer high quality. Therefore, laser engraving, cutting, and annealing are best achieved with fiber lasers.

Fiber lasers have a very small focal diameter, making them ideal for permanent marking of identification numbers, barcodes, and linear barcodes on metal.

Bottom Line: This technology is well-suited for graphics, identification numbers, 2D data matrix marking, and barcode marking on various materials, including metals, ceramics, and plastics.

Applications: Fiber marking lasers offer a wide range of capabilities and produce high-quality marks for engraving serial numbers, barcodes, 2D data matrices, and graphics on a broad range of materials, including metals, plastics, and ceramics.