Laser marking systems stand for an advanced technology, permitting fine inscription of a particular mark, whose size, color and design have been previously chosen.
In common usage, we need the “laser labeling methods” term so as to simplify “laser marking systems”. Regardless its designation, this technology covers various methods which have laser in common, yet, they are differentiated by the materials to be marked or labeled. In other words, laser beam impacts differently the surface, therefore, a different structure and texture is compatible with a different laser marking system.
As a matter of fact, laser (the acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) works through the emission of light pulses attaining a certain intensity. The transformations that occur upon exposure to light pulses take various forms such as, the removal of a superficial shield, evaporation, bleaching, structure modification, and carbonation. As you can guess, all these are, in short, the changes, which correspond to laser marking systems.
Laser marking systems fall in different categories, and each method has been named in accordance with the transformation laser marking systems generate. Laser technology has a wide spectrum of applications ranging from urban architecture to medical surgery, thus being the reason laser versatility has been fully explored in laser marking systems.
Laser ablation is probably the most popular technique of all laser marking systems, and works by removing part of the material so as to create a visible mark. In contrast to older techniques, ablating is preferred over older engraving methods due to a higher degree of precision an accuracy. This marking method matches solid structures, where the pattern subsequently undergoes various transformations till the optimal removal is successfully accomplished. Laser ablation is perfect for painted steel and aluminum.
Annealing produces, so to speak, a chemical inscription, since the laser beam alters the structure of the materials by extracting oxides and carbons, and the result is a contrasting design on a very smooth and even surface. This technique goes well with marking tools and metals, in general.
Laser engraving is based upon vaporization, meaning that the superficial layer is visibly altered and can be noticed when touching, because the surface loses its initial smoothness.
Laser-based technologies may be used in the industrial, as well as, in the medical field; as for laser marking systems, the area of applicability seems to be endless, simply because marking solutions have been extended to all manufacturing processes. Besides the aesthetic improvements that can be added via laser marking systems, laser technology has become a cost-effective branding solution. These days, professional services can provide a wide range of marking solutions for almost any article. No matter the size and the structure, laser marking systems can be easily adjusted to any design. Compared to other solutions, laser marking systems are definitely the most efficient technologies, reducing costs, saving time at the highest precision rate.
Considering the impact on the industrial world, we may state that laser systems have refashioned the common understating of the term ‘technology”, and, nothing seems to affect the advancement for the years to come.