Introduction:
People mark products in different ways. We generally use printing, dot pinning, lasers, or writing by hand. We mainly mark items for daily use, electronics, machine parts, fancy items, or event cards. In the modern world, the laser marking machines can be commonly seen in diverse industries.
What makes the uses of laser marking machines so popular? There are three primary reasons for its use: accuracy, speed, and the possibility of creating detailed images. In the long run, laser marking has proved very economical. It also does not require any consumables, unlike traditional printing. Also, it does not need much upkeep. Hence, laser marking could be a good option for any company or business.
This article is mainly about the diverse market of laser marking machines uses. You’ll find out how many different ways to use a laser marker. On top of that, this article offers some information you need to use laser marking to grow your business.
Exploring the Diverse Laser Marking Machine Applications
You can use a laser marking machine in many ways. You can color mark, foam mark, ablation mark, and many more. Besides you can also mark on any solid materials. But you must focus on choosing the right laser marking machine.
Moreover, laser marking machines are widely popular for small to large businesses. Fly laser marking machines are commonly used in industrial applications.
You can realize how big this market is, and the uses of laser marking machines are versatile. To describe this vast market, we can divide the uses of laser marking into three main categories.
(1) You can use laser marking machines in six ways based on the techniques.
(2) You can also use a laser marking machine based on the materials used.
(3) You can also use a laser marking machine based on the production capacity.
Laser Marking Machine Uses: Based on Marking Technique
You can create laser marks on materials in different ways. As you know, lasers don’t behave similarly to other materials. Also, different laser powers & wavelengths produce various types of marking. Because of this, laser marking machine uses are also distinct for unique circumstances.
Laser marking machines can usually be used in six different techniques. The choice depends mainly on your personal preferences. For example, laser engraving produces a tiny trench on the material, while foaming produces tiny bubbles. You must be familiar with all these marking styles to be more competitive in the market.
Laser Ablation
Ablation means removing material from a surface through erosion, vaporizing, or melting. In the case of laser marking, it uses a highly focused laser that scrapes off the upper layer of a material, exposing the layer beneath the top layer. It is mainly used to mark metal parts with coatings.
You can use all types of laser, but CO2 and diode lasers may be often used for this job. As you know, CO2 can not engrave metal parts, but you can remove the coatings on top of them. Because of this, your underlying metal doesn’t get any scratches.
Also, diode lasers can engrave metals but are limited to a few applications. You could also use a fiber laser for the ablation technique. However, this laser marking machine can also be employed on ceramics and certain plastics.
Laser Engraving
Engraving means cutting or incising, but not too deep. In the case of laser marking, this method creates a tiny trench on the material’s surface. People also call it laser carving or etching. It is the most common method of laser marking.
Laser engraving can be done on any material, making it versatile. You can engrave designs, texts, or patterns on metals, wood, plastics, or leather. However, you must be very careful with the laser settings for leather and plastics.
Laser Foaming
Foaming means creating a mass of bubbles or foam in a liquid or solid material. Similar situations can occur in laser marking, especially when plastic materials are used.
During laser marking, the highly focused beam hits the plastic surface and creates a rapid temperature rise. At this moment, instead of vaporizing, the molten plastic creates a mass of bubbles. Later, this looks like foam. Hence, the process is called laser foaming.
This method marks many plastic bottles in the food and beverage industries. Marking plastic casings is also common in the electronics industry.
Laser Coloring
This technique is another popular one in industrial laser marking. Its core functionality is to change the material surface structure by heating it with lasers.
As you know, the color we see in our eyes is just a light projection. The laser exposure during laser marking changes the surface structure so that light reflects differently on it. Hence, you can experience different colors on that material. Laser coloring is widely used on metals, especially on stainless steel.
Laser Dyeing
Dyeing originated from the leather industry. People used this method to add colors to textile items. You can do the same in laser marking but in different ways.
Depending on your product, you can use chemicals or special coatings before using it for the laser marking process. Then, apply the laser with the correct settings and see the magic! This way, you can add many colors to the surface of your product.
Laser Carbonization
Carbonization is one of the most important topics in organic chemistry. The term “carbonization” means creating carbons by heating or adding chemicals. In the modern era, people use this technique in laser marking. Laser marking on organic materials is safe and environmentally friendly.
Laser Marking Machine Uses: Based on Materials
You have seen six different applications of laser marking in modern manufacturing. This section will help you understand how versatile laser marking is when applied to various materials. Each sub-section will try to highlight some popular products. From this, you can gather business ideas and implement them on your project.
Laser Marking Metal
Laser marking on metals is the most common application. Stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper, and titanium are mostly used in this case.
Different types of lasers behave differently on metals. Fiber lasers are the most suitable ones in this case. CO2 lasers can not engrave on metals because they have a bigger wavelength. On the other hand, diode lasers can be used on metals, but they are limited to a few applications.
Common Products
- Industrial tools and equipment
- Jewelry and watches
- Medical devices
- Automotive parts
- Electronic components
Laser Marking Machine For Wood
Wood is an organic material so you can do laser engraving and carbonization. Laser marking on wood is also widely popular in our society. You can create a wide range of wooden crafts using lasers.
Fiber lasers are generally not recommended for wood because of their narrow wavelength and high power. In this case, CO2 lasers and diode lasers are the most suitable ones.
Common Materials
- Custom furniture
- Wooden crafts
- Wooden plaques and signage
- Packaging made of wood
- Musical instruments
Glass Laser Marking
Glass laser marking is especially prevalent in the food and beverage industries. Besides, this laser marking on glass is also prevalent in the automotive, manufacturing, and packaging industries.
CO2 laser marking machines are widely used for glass laser marking. Their wavelength is perfect for creating clean and crisp engravings.
Common Materials
- Glass bottles
- Glass awards and trophies
- Fancy glassware
- Automotive glass
- Mirrors
Laser Marking Plastic
Laser-marking plastic is very popular in the electronics, packaging, and automotive industries. It is generally compatible with all kinds of plastic, such as ABS, PC, and PVC.
Laser marking, especially laser foaming, is widely used for plastics. In this case, you can use both fiber and CO2 lasers.
Common Materials
- Consumer electronics
- Packaging
- Automotive components
- Toys
- Medical devices
Laser Marking Leather
CO2 lasers are most effective on leather because the material can easily absorb the laser’s wavelength. Fiber lasers, however, are less efficient on leather material because of the narrow wavelength of the laser. You may also find UV lasers on leather, but they are rare.
Carbonization is the most widely used for leather products among the six laser marking applications. It burns the surface and creates dark and permanent marks.
Common Materials
- Leather accessories (wallets, belts)
- Leather footwear (branding)
- Custom leather goods
- Leather furniture with decorative designs
- Leather journals and bags (monograms, logos)
Laser Marking Acrylic
Acrylic is a very suitable material for laser marking. It is mainly famous for its smooth surface and transparency. These types of materials work best with CO2 lasers. However, the Laser engraving method is widely used on acrylic.
Common Materials
- Acrylic signs
- Awards and Trophies
- Display items
- Keychains and gifts
- POP displays
Laser Marking Fabric
Fabric is an organic material that we often need daily. It is best worked on using a CO2 laser. Fiber lasers are not ideal since they produce more burn marks. However, laser carbonization is often used for laser marking fabric.
Common Materials
- Custom denim
- Fashion accessories
- Upholstery
- Apparel
- Fabric labels
Laser Marking Machine Uses: Based on Production Capacity
You can also find diverse uses of laser marking machines based on production capacity. Two categories can be considered here: industrial and small-scale businesses.
Productivity is an essential aspect of industrial laser marking. In most cases, automated laser marking machines are used. On-the-fly laser marking machines are the most common name here. On the other hand, DIY or small-production laser markers are ideal for hobbyists or small-scale industries.
An on-the-fly laser marking machine is an automatic instrument. Because it automatically marks with a conveyor belt, it is also known as a conveyor belt marking machine. These laser marking devices are ideal for situations requiring great productivity.
Get in Touch with Us!
Contact us for all types of laser marking solutions. ZLTech Laser is a leading manufacturer of high-quality laser marking machines. If you are interested in their quality, ask our customer support.