The use of laser marking systems offers a permanent and versatile method for identifying parts. High-speed, low-impact laser marking machines are used by a diverse range of industries for numerous purposes.
Since laser marking systems are low maintenance, consume minimal power, and are easy to operate, laser marking has become a popular option in part marking. Lasers have a MTBF (mean time between failure) range of 30,000-100,000 hours, making them both efficient and reliable. Additionally, Laser marking metals equipment is small-footprint and easy to integrate.
We offer a wide selection of laser marking machines because there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution for all. Since 1998, RMI Laser has designed and manufactured state-of-the-art laser marking systems. Our top priority is ensuring you receive the best laser for your specific needs. We work with our in-house experts to ensure you get the laser that is right for your needs. That kind of personalization truly sets us apart from the competition.
There are many types of markings that lasers can produce, including engraving, annealing, etching, foaming, etc. A good laser should be able to mark on a variety of substrates. Our company only manufactures galvanometer-based (flying mirror) laser marking systems because of their distinct advantages over gantry (flying head) marking systems, including accuracy, speed, and repeatability, and the ease with which they can be integrated into production lines.
Laser technologies
Since its introduction more than 25 years ago, the Nd:YAG laser has been the workhorse of the industry. They were originally lamp-pumped, but have since evolved so that diode pumping is now most common. Diode-based systems are robust and have excellent mean time before failure (MTBF). A diode can last up to 35,000 hours before failure, according to some manufacturers. The beam quality of Nd:YAG lasers results in a smaller spot size, which is an advantage. Due to its small spot size and short pulses, this laser produces high peak power, which is ideal for deep engraving with crisp, clear marks and small characters.
Three different wavelengths are available for the vanadate laser: 1064, 532 (green), and 355 nm (blue). As well, because vanadate lasers are diode-pumped and offer pulse-to-pulse stability they are well suited to ablation marking and heat-affected zone (HAZ) applications. One of the vanadate laser markets is day/night marking, where a top coating is removed to allow light to backlight buttons at night – this is typically done by removing the top coating so that the lower surface can be exposed.
Fiber lasers were introduced into the marking world six years ago and have been the subject of discussion in virtually every marking opportunity since then. There is less peak power available with the fiber laser than with Nd:YAG or vanadate lasers. A fiber laser can anneal stainless steel due to its long pulse width and larger spot size, which puts more heat in the part to draw out the carbon. There are only a handful of fiber-laser manufacturers that offer the laser source to third parties for integration into marking systems.
