When your product requires precise, reliable, permanent marks without affecting physical properties of the product, laser marking is a viable option. Laser is used as a non-contact process to permanently mark surfaces. The markings are often used for identification, branding and traceability. Laser processes exactly fit the challenging Life Science requirements with tolerances of 1 µm (0.001 mm).
Depending on product materials, different marking technologies can be used. Each type of laser has its own unique set of advantages and disadvantages. Typically, we use fiber, CO2 and UV-laser for most marking processes. The key difference in these technologies is the wavelength. UV has a short wavelength, where fiber and CO2 have a high wavelength. This results in different lasers which are suitable for specific materials.
Fiber is perfect for marking metals (and certain types of plastic). Fiber offers high precision, speed and is sustainable. Due to their high power, they can be used for annealing and engraving applications as well.
CO2 lasers have a long wavelength. This makes the technology perfect for marking paper, resins, wood, rubber or transparent materials. It is typically used for glass and PCBs.
UV marking is ideal for marking products without surface damage. It allows for cold marking and high contrast marking. UV is perfect for materials with inconsistencies such as plastics.
Most materials can be subject to marking with laser. It is, however, highly dependent on which type of laser technology is used. The most common materials are aluminum, (stainless) steel, titanium, copper, silicone, plastics, glass or ceramics. It is used for identification, traceability and branding. Examples of markings are serial numbers, product codes, data matrix codes, CE-markings, laboratory instruments, surgical instruments and logo’s.
When you are looking for excellent marking quality on micro scale, laser marking is a great option. Key applications are traceability, identifications, serial numbers, product codes, data matrix codes and CE-markings. The markings are abrasion resistant and always of high quality.
