How To Achieve Different Depth of Marking Effect by UV Laser Marking Machine

Definition and Application of UV Laser Marking Machine

UV laser marking machine is a device that uses ultraviolet laser for marking, mainly through high-energy laser beam to perform high-precision processing on the surface of materials. Its working principle is that when the laser is irradiated on the surface of the material, it will trigger a physical or chemical reaction of the material, and then form a stable logo, pattern or text on the surface. UV laser marking machine has a short wavelength (usually around 355nm), concentrated energy, and low thermal impact. It is widely used in many industries such as electronic products, medical devices, food packaging, jewelry, plastic parts, etc.

The main applications of UV laser marking machine include:

Product identification: used to mark brand names, barcodes, QR codes and other information on the surface of products for easy tracking and identification.

Pattern decoration: exquisite patterns can be printed on different materials to enhance the aesthetics of the product.

Traceability management: in the medical, aviation and other industries, laser marking is used to achieve product traceability and improve safety.

Abrasion-resistant marking: due to the wear resistance of laser marking, the marked content can remain clear after long-term use.

Importance of deep marking technology

Deep marking technology is of great significance in the laser marking process, and its influence and advantages are reflected in many aspects:

Enhanced recognition: Markings of different depths can make information more prominent, enhance readability, and meet the needs of different occasions. For example, in a low-light environment, the content of deep marking is easier to recognize.

Functional marking: Some applications require additional functions to be given to products through marking depth, such as achieving antibacterial effects on medical devices, or achieving three-dimensional effects on handicrafts to enhance the added value of products.

Improved durability: Deep marking is often more wear-resistant and less prone to wear than surface marking, especially in daily use environments, such as industrial parts, which need to withstand greater friction.

Achieve personalized customization: Deep marking technology can provide personalized solutions according to customer needs, improve customer satisfaction and market competitiveness.

Comply with regulatory requirements: In some industries, such as the food and pharmaceutical industries, deep marking can meet legal and regulatory requirements and provide traceable identification information.

Deep marking technology not only improves the practicality and aesthetics of laser marking, but also brings wider possibilities for the development of various industries. With the advancement of technology, UV laser marking machines will continue to play an important role in deep marking and provide more innovative solutions to the market. Click here for more information

UV laser marking machine uses ultraviolet (UV) laser to mark on the surface of materials. Its working principle mainly includes the generation, focusing and interaction of laser with materials. The following is a detailed introduction to several key parts of UV laser marking machine and its working principle.

Basic principle of UV laser

UV laser is a laser generated by exciting specific gas or solid medium, and its wavelength is usually around 355 nanometers. This short-wavelength laser has a high energy density and can effectively interact with materials. After the laser is generated by the laser, the laser beam is guided to the focusing mirror. After focusing, the laser can be concentrated on a tiny point, thereby inducing chemical and physical reactions on the surface of the material.

Laser wavelength and its influence on materials

The wavelength of the laser has an important influence on the processing effect of the material. The short wavelength of UV laser enables it to efficiently absorb the energy of different materials, especially for organic materials (such as plastics, rubber, etc.) and some metal materials (such as aluminum). It has a good marking effect. Compared with long-wavelength lasers (such as CO2 lasers), UV lasers can avoid the thermal influence of materials and reduce the burning or deformation caused by high temperature. Therefore, in the marking process, UV lasers can achieve high resolution and high-quality engraving.

Steps of the marking process

The marking process usually includes the following steps:

Material pretreatment: In some cases, it is necessary to clean or treat the surface of the material to remove contaminants, grease or dust to ensure the effect of laser marking. Pretreatment may also include sandblasting, pickling or other treatment of the material to optimize its surface characteristics.

Laser energy and focus adjustment: According to different materials and marking requirements, the energy, frequency and focus of the laser need to be reasonably adjusted. The energy of the laser will directly affect the depth and clarity of the mark, while the position of the focus determines the size and power density of the laser beam. By adjusting these parameters, the best marking effect can be achieved.

Laser scanning and marking: The laser beam moves along a predetermined path on the surface of the material, scanning line by line to complete the engraving of the required text, pattern or barcode. In this process, the laser will gradually remove the surface material to form the required mark.

Cooling and post-processing: After the marking is completed, some materials may need to be cooled to prevent thermal damage. In addition, as needed, subsequent processing such as cleaning, coating or other surface treatment may be performed to improve the durability and aesthetics of the mark.

UV laser marking machine achieves efficient marking of various materials through precise control of ultraviolet laser. Understanding its working principle and the different steps in the marking process can help users better use this equipment to meet different application requirements. Click here for more information

In the process of UV laser marking, the technical methods to achieve different depths of marking effects mainly include adjusting laser power, changing marking speed, adjusting laser frequency, and using different types of spots.

1. Adjusting laser power

Comparison between high power and low power

High power: High laser power can generate stronger energy, so that the material can be removed in a shorter time, thereby achieving a deeper marking effect. However, too high power may cause the material to burn or deform, especially on more fragile or sensitive materials.

Low power: Low power is suitable for fine marking, which can cause slight removal on the surface of the material and is suitable for occasions where shallow marking or delicate patterns are required. The risk of processing at low power is relatively small, but the marking depth will also be limited.

Factors affecting marking depth

In addition to laser power, the type, surface characteristics and thickness of the material will also affect the final marking depth. For example, even at high power, the marking depth of some materials will be limited by their absorption rate.

2. Changing marking speed

Relationship between speed and depth

Low speed: When the laser beam moves slowly on the surface of the material, it has a longer contact time with the material and can provide more energy, thereby achieving a deeper marking.

High speed: The laser beam moves faster and the energy is concentrated for a short time, which may result in insufficient depth of the mark or even ineffective material removal.

Choosing the ideal speed

The ideal marking speed usually needs to be determined after testing. Each material has a different optimal marking speed, and it is usually necessary to obtain data through experiments to find the right balance between speed and depth.

3. Adjusting the laser frequency

The effect of high-frequency and low-frequency marking

High frequency: High-frequency laser marking can increase the number of laser pulses per unit time, thereby increasing the material removal rate, which is suitable for fast marking and deeper marking. However, high frequency may reduce the clarity of the mark.

Low frequency: The pulse energy generated by low-frequency laser is higher, which is suitable for fine marking, can improve the clarity of the mark, and is suitable for some applications that require detailed expression, but its removal efficiency is relatively low.

Influence on the clarity and depth of the mark

The choice of frequency affects the nature of the interaction between the laser and the material, and directly affects the clarity, contrast and depth of the mark. Therefore, the general method is to optimize the marking effect in different application scenarios by adjusting the frequency.

4. Use different types of spots

Relationship between spot shape and depth

Circular spot: Traditional circular spot is suitable for most conventional marking and can produce uniform marking.

Rectangular or other shaped spots: Spots of different shapes can change the energy distribution of the laser and are suitable for marking with special needs, affecting the radiation area and energy concentration of the laser, thereby affecting the depth.

Tips for adjusting the spot size

By adjusting the lens or optical system, the focusing degree of the laser beam can be changed, thereby adjusting the size of the spot. Smaller spots can provide higher energy density for detailed marking, while larger spots are suitable for occasions where larger areas need to be removed.

By adjusting the laser power, marking speed, laser frequency, and spot shape and size, marking effects of different depths can be flexibly achieved. According to the specific material properties and application requirements, appropriate parameter adjustments can provide the best marking effect and achieve the expected production goals. Experimentation and experience accumulation are the key to optimizing these parameters. Click here for more information

In industrial applications, laser marking technology is widely used in the processing of various materials. The following is a comparison of the marking effects of different materials, sharing of successful cases, and analysis of the challenges and solutions faced in practical applications.

1. Marking effects of different materials

● Metal

Marking effect: When metal materials are laser marked, the high temperature of the laser can remove the surface oxide or directly etch the metal to form a permanent mark. The mark has high contrast and clarity and strong wear resistance.

Successful case: An automobile manufacturer marks its engine parts, and uses laser to etch a unique serial number on the metal surface to achieve traceability and management of parts, which complies with ISO standards.

● Plastic

Marking effect: Plastic marking usually adopts laser ablation, color change or gas foaming. To a certain extent, high contrast can be achieved, but different materials (such as PP, PE, ABS) may react differently to lasers, and laser parameters need to be adjusted according to specific materials.

Successful case: In the medical industry, a company uses laser to mark disposable syringes to ensure that the mark does not affect the use of the device, and to achieve clear production batch and expiration date identification, which complies with FDA standards.

● Glass

Marking effect: UV laser can perform high-precision deep etching on the glass surface to form high-contrast patterns without destroying the integrity of the glass. The marking can achieve colorless or colorful effects.

Successful case: In the production of high-end wine bottles, a brand uses UV laser to engrave exquisite patterns on the bottle body, fully considering the aesthetics and brand identity of the product, while improving the market competitiveness of the product.

2. Challenges and solutions in practical applications

● Dealing with inconsistent depth problems

Challenges: In different materials or different batches of the same material, the marking depth may be inconsistent due to factors such as material texture, thickness, temperature, etc. This will affect the effect and durability of the marking.

Solution:

Laser parameter adjustment: By adjusting the laser power, speed and frequency to adapt to different materials and thicknesses. Conduct regular material tests to calibrate the settings in time.

Online detection technology: Combined with the visual system for online monitoring, ensure the consistency of depth during the marking process and correct possible problems in time.

● Adjustment techniques for special needs

Challenges: Customers may require specific types of marking effects, such as high-precision small markings, or marking on parts with special shapes, which places high demands on equipment and processes.

Solutions:

Customized laser heads: Design customized laser heads for specific small or complex parts to ensure accurate marking on narrow or irregular surfaces.

Software optimization: Use CAD/CAM software to optimize the marking path to ensure that the laser achieves the expected effect during the marking process while reducing the error rate.

Multiple iteration tests: Conduct multiple rounds of tests and adjustments before formal production to meet the special needs of customers, and provide reference for subsequent production by updating records.

Laser marking technology has achieved remarkable results on materials such as metal, plastic, and glass, but in actual applications, it faces challenges of inconsistent depth and special needs. Through flexible adjustment of laser parameters, online detection technology, and equipment and software optimization for specific needs, these problems can be effectively solved to ensure that the marking effect meets customer needs. Click here for more information