Application of Fiber Laser Marking Machines on PVC Materials
The development of laser technology has been nothing short of rapid. In recent years, the application scope of laser technology has expanded significantly, with numerous industries adopting it. Laser-based products such as laser marking machines, laser welding machines, and laser engraving machines are now widely used across various sectors. Among these, laser marking machines are particularly prevalent. Below, we outline key operational details to note when using laser marking machines.
1. Adhere to general laser equipment safety protocols. Strictly follow the laser startup procedure when activating the laser.
2. Immediately shut down the machine upon detecting any abnormalities during processing. Promptly troubleshoot the issue or report it to supervisory personnel.
3. Do not process any material before confirming its suitability for laser irradiation or heating to avoid potential hazards from smoke and vapor emissions.
4. Operators must not leave their posts or delegate supervision without authorization while the equipment is running. If departure is necessary, shut down the machine or disconnect the power supply.
5. Keep fire extinguishers within easy reach. Turn off the laser or shut off the beam shutter when not in use. Do not place paper, cloth, or other flammable materials near unshielded laser beams.
6. Wear required personal protective equipment. Always wear approved safety goggles when near laser beams.
7. After inputting a new workpiece program, conduct a test run and verify its operation.
8. When using gas cylinders, avoid crushing welding cables to prevent electrical leakage. Cylinder usage and transportation must comply with cylinder inspection regulations. Do not expose cylinders to direct sunlight or place them near heat sources. When opening cylinder valves, operators must stand to the side of the valve nozzle.
9. Adhere to high-voltage safety regulations during maintenance. Perform maintenance every 40 operating hours or weekly, and every 1000 operating hours or every six months, following specified procedures.
10. After startup, manually move the machine tool at low speed in the X and Y directions to inspect for abnormalities.
11. Maintain cleanliness and order around the laser source, machine bed, and surrounding area, keeping them free of oil stains. Stack workpieces, plates, and scrap materials according to regulations.
12. During operation, monitor the machine's status to prevent the cutter from exceeding its effective travel range or collisions between units causing accidents. Applications of Fiber Laser Marking Machines on PVC Materials. PVC exhibits excellent resistance to solvents and strong acids. Consequently, products made from this material are widely used in various applications, including electrical enclosures, drainage pipes, and industrial components. Given its extensive use, surface marking on such products is a common requirement.
13. Operators must undergo training to understand equipment structure and performance, and master relevant operating system knowledge.
Generally, near-infrared or far-infrared lasers (e.g., CO₂ lasers) are used for marking on PVC materials. The most common far-infrared laser marker is the CO₂ laser marker, operating at a wavelength of 10.6 μm. This type of machine produces yellow-red markings on PVC. Due to the high power capabilities of CO₂ lasers—such as the commonly used 30W and 50W models—these machines can mark at very high speeds. They are well-suited for assembly line processing, replacing less environmentally friendly inkjet coding. However, the yellow-red markings produced by CO₂ lasers on PVC materials are often less desirable. In contrast, near-infrared lasers like fiber laser markers and semiconductor laser markers operate at wavelengths around 1060nm. This wavelength produces black markings, closely resembling the black output of inkjet coders. This color is the most acceptable to customers, leading to increasing adoption of these laser types for PVC materials.
Fiber lasers, operating at 1060nm, can clearly etch PVC materials to produce black markings. They are considered a superior alternative to semiconductor lasers, with the most promising application prospects for PVC materials. Fiber laser marking machines achieve frequencies up to 80KHz with a very small spot size. Paired with small-spot galvanometers, they attain exceptionally high speeds, matching or exceeding CO₂ laser performance in production line marking applications.