Every capital investment is a huge decision, and purchasing a marking machine is no exception.
Laser marking technology increases productivity and allows manufacturers to get rid of consumables. But how do you know if the next machine you buy is the right one for your needs? To help you choose the right laser technology, CNC equipment manufacturer XQL will explain the pros and cons of the three main laser marking technologies: CO2, solid-state and fiber optic.
Laser marking is possible due to the core fundamental principle of light-matter interaction. Due to its atomic properties, each material reacts differently to incident light. For example, metals absorb more light from a fiber laser than from a CO2 laser.
Since the energy absorbed by the material is what makes the marking possible, the type of laser you need usually depends on the material you are working on. In addition, different laser marking applications have different time and power requirements. Sometimes, the material needs to be exposed to laser light for a longer period of time. Or, more laser power is needed to transfer the right amount of energy to the surface.
CO2 Laser
The most common gas laser, at least in the marking and cutting industry, is a CO2 laser pumped by a discharge. Since there is no increase in heat in the gas medium, CO2 lasers can produce a higher average power output. The CO2 laser emits wavelengths that are more readily absorbed by organic materials than the wavelengths at which other common laser marking solutions operate.
Benefits
Efficient marking of organic materials such as wood, leather and cardboard
Long history in the laser marking industry
Most affordable solution
High beam quality provides crisp, clean marking edges
Fewer replaceable parts
Fiber Laser
Fiber lasers are similar to solid-state lasers, except that they use rare earth elements introduced into the fiber core as the gain medium. This protects and guides the beam until it is ready to be focused on the surface to be marked. Each fiber laser covers its own wavelength in the spectrum and can be used for different applications.
Advantages
Excels at marking metals due to its short wavelength and pulsed laser beam.
Versatile, with adjustable pulse duration and pulse repetition rate
Compact design with no moving parts, suitable for direct integration into production lines
Low maintenance marking solution, as there are no replaceable parts
Lowest operating costs, one of the most efficient lasers
Solid-state lasers
Solid-state lasers use a crystal as the amplification medium, usually pumped with a laser diode or discharge lamp.Nd:YAG and vanadate crystal media produce high concentrations of atoms, resulting in light amplification. However, as the crystal warms up rapidly, the average power is significantly lower than other laser types. This means that the pulses can have a high repetition rate.
Advantages
Better beam quality means it can be focused to small diameters
Provides high power density and high resolution
Faster marking speeds compared to CO2 laser markers
Fast repetition rate makes the system ideal for engraving applications
Can double the pulse frequency of the output beam to mark metals
Conclusion
All three marking technologies are available to meet the different needs of industrial marking. Understanding the different options available in laser marking systems will make it easier to determine which system is best for your application. If you need more information or help making your decision, please feel free to contact our experts.
