The laser marking process is suitable for applying a wide variety of markings or designs to almost any material without contact and at maximum process speed. With its process-technical and cost-efficient advantages, laser marking substitutes conventional printing processes and etching engravings in many industrial sectors. Complex laser markings such as graphics or QR codes can be produced, for example for part marking, traceability or counterfeit protection.
Depending on the objective, marking lasers or laser marking machines from MLT are used for different marking applications and equipped with appropriate technology. Here are the common processes:
In the case of annealing marking by means of laser marking, the laser does not remove any material, but rather achieves a color change through an oxide layer by means of high-precision heating. This process is used for metals (metal foils) such as steel.
Laser marking by engraving is suitable for almost all materials. In the process, a microfine layer of the surface of the material is removed by the marking laser. A depression is created at this point, which changes color depending on the material and thus makes the laser engraving even more visible.
This laser marking process is used for cardboard, labels, painted materials and anodized aluminum. In this process, the laser is used to laser away the ink, varnish and top layers at a defined depth down to the color-distinguishable base layer.
For plastics and plastic films, laser marking can be used to achieve a color change in combination with a tangible foaming effect.
Carbonizing by laser is used for light-colored plastics and materials such as paper, cardboard, wood. With carbonizing, a dark discoloration is achieved at the marked areas by the laser.
