Classification and Applications of Laser Marking Machines
Laser marking machines use laser beams to create permanent markings on various material surfaces. The marking effect is achieved by vaporizing the surface layer to expose the underlying material, thereby etching intricate patterns, logos, and text. Currently, laser marking machines on the market are primarily categorized into the following types:
1. Fiber Laser Marking Machine
Fiber laser marking machines utilize fiber lasers, which feature compact size (no water cooling required, air-cooled operation), high beam quality (fundamental mode), and maintenance-free operation.
Primarily used for marking text, patterns, barcodes, and other graphics on materials such as plastics, electronics, metals, ceramics, and tobacco products.
2. Ultraviolet (UV) Laser Marking Machine
UV laser marking machines are developed using 355nm ultraviolet lasers. The 355nm UV light produces an extremely small focused spot, significantly reducing material deformation and minimizing thermal effects during processing. They are primarily used for products requiring higher precision in text and patterns.
3. Semiconductor Laser Marking Machine
The primary industries of application are the same as fiber laser marking machines. However, with increasingly fierce market competition and rapid advancements in fiber technology, Semiconductor laser marking machines are gradually being replaced by fiber laser marking machines in the current market.
4. CO₂ Laser Marking Machine
CO₂ laser marking machines are primarily used in applications requiring finer details and higher precision, such as non-metallic industries including food, pharmaceuticals, leather, tobacco, wood products, and electronics. The marking results are more refined and aesthetically pleasing than screen printing or inkjet printing.
5. End-Pumped Laser Marking Machines
End-pumped laser marking machines utilize solid-state lasers pumped by semiconductor lasers as the pump source. After fiber coupling, the pump beam is injected into the laser crystal from the end face. This allows the pump beam to overlap extensively with the gain medium and cavity mode space, enabling high-power and high-beam-quality laser output.
Its primary applications align with fiber laser marking machines, sharing similar performance characteristics but offering higher peak power.
6. Green Laser Marking Machine
Primarily used for surface and internal marking on glass, crystal products, ceramics, metals, electronics, plastics, and other items. As a cold light technology, it is well-suited for products sensitive to heat or requiring high precision.
7. Flying Laser Marking Machine
Developed from the dynamic marking capabilities of the above laser marking machines, it is primarily used in assembly line operations. It enables unrestricted 360-degree marking on products and can automatically generate serial numbers and batch codes, significantly enhancing production efficiency.