Industrial laser marking machine: You need to know

Brief overview

The importance of identification and coding in modern manufacturing is unparalleled. It signifies product traceability, brand promotion, and high efficiency in production management. Laser coding and marking are commonly used in industries such as electronics manufacturing, automotive manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and packaging.

What is a laser marking system?

The laser marking system is a type of marking and coding device that uses a laser beam to make permanent marks on the surfaces of various substances.

Working principle of a laser marking machine

Laser marking uses a focused high-energy laser beam to create permanent marks on a material’s surface. This is achieved primarily through vaporization, engraving, or chemical changes.

Main components of TINHO’s (CO2) laser marking machine

Taking our CO2 laser marking machine as an example. To guarantee precise, reliable, and permanent marks on non-metal materials such as PET, PP, or glass, our CO2 laser marking system is designed with advanced components engineered for industrial environments.

• High-speed scanner head: 360°Rotatable scanning head
• Laser Head: IP54/ IP65 Rating
• Industrial controller: IP55 Rating
• Software interface: Web-based user interface
• Thermal Management: Air cooling system

4 Common industrial laser marking machines

CO2 laser marker

CO2 laser marking machines use carbon dioxide as a medium to generate a 10.64μm wavelength laser via high-voltage discharge, marking codes on the surfaces of objects. The strong absorption of its wavelength by non-metallic materials allows CO₂ laser marking machines to serve diverse sectors such as electronics, woodworking, leather, and glass products.

Fiber laser marker

Fiber laser marking machines are characterized by high stability, resistance to dust and moisture, and good beam quality. They are widely used in computer accessories, watches, 3C electronic products, food packaging, and other industries.

Ultraviolet (UV) laser marker

An Ultraviolet laser marker, also called a UV laser marking machine, is an industrial laser marking system with a laser wavelength of 355nm. It features a small heat-affected zone and an extremely small focused spot, making it widely applicable to ultra-fine marking needs, such as pharmaceutical packaging, cosmetics, flexible PCB boards, and electronic components.

Handheld laser marker

Handheld laser markers are smaller, more portable, and more flexible than other laser printing machines. They can print in any challenging location, overcoming the limitation of common industrial laser printers that cannot print in certain confined spaces.

Comparison table

Item	CO2 laser marking	Fiber laser marking	UV laser marking
Wavelength	930nm/1064nm/1020nm	1064nm	355nm
Cooling system	Air cooling	Air cooling	Water cooling
Materials	Plastic, Wood, LeatherGlass, Paper, Board	Stainless steel, Aluminum, Copper, ABS, HDPE,	PP, PE, PPR, PERT,
Feature	Hot Processing	Hot Processing	Cold processing
Highlights	Advanced technology Low operating cost	High efficiency Fast speedClear marking	Highest marking accuracy Wide application range
Main application	Food Pharmaceutical Beverage Handicraft	Auto parts Building materials Medicine Metal industry Electronics industries	Pipe manufacturing 3C electronics Cosmetics Beverage

Key benefits of laser marking machine

1.Long-lasting and permanent marking

The coding engraved by a laser printing machine is integrated with the workpiece itself and will not fall off or fade due to friction or the passage of time, making it a permanent mark.

2.Non-contact

A laser marking machine uses a non-mechanical “light knife” for processing, avoiding pressure and deformation of the workpiece. In addition, laser printing machines can easily process special surfaces, such as irregular and uneven surfaces, for marking.

3.High precision and resolution

The laser beam is focused to an extremely small spot, enabling highly precise coding with a minimum line width of 0.04mm. The markings are clear, durable, and aesthetically pleasing, and can print high-precision barcodes such as 2D barcodes.

4.Traceability and anti-counterfeiting

With advanced software-Linux automatically generate and mark unique numbers, barcode laser marking, and QR coding. It is crucial for inventory management, anti-counterfeiting, and supply chain traceability.

5.Wide material compatibility

Laser marking systems are differentiated by their power, wavelength, and optical characteristics. They are suitable for printing on a wide range of materials. It allows us to offer specialized solutions, whether you require a laser marking machine for glass, a high-contrast laser marker on metal, or a laser printer for wood and plastic materials.

6.Low operating cost

Due to its fast marking, one-time forming, and low energy consumption, industrial laser marking machines have relatively low operating and maintenance costs.

7.High speed and throughput

Under software control, the laser beam can move at high speed (5-7 m/s), and marking on the workpiece can be completed in seconds, significantly improving marking and coding efficiency.

Various applications of the laser coding machine

Automotive parts

Laser coding can be used for permanent marking on automotive parts. Marking serial numbers, production batches, and dates on key automotive components facilitates quality control and after-sales service.

Electronic elements

The most popular application of laser marking is on electronic elements such as chips, integrated circuits, mobile phone chargers, and switch controls.

Wooden carving handicrafts

The biggest advantages of using a laser printer for customized “carving” on wooden handicrafts are its convenience, fast, exquisite detail, and can create a 3D relief effect. (For detailed information on wooden handicrafts, please contact us.)

Pharmaceuticals industry

Pharmaceutical products have extremely high requirements for being non-toxic, harmless, corrosion-resistant, and hygienic. Compared to inkjet printers, laser coding machine produces no chemical pollution, is less prone to flaking, and does not come into contact with the surface of the item.

Building materials (pipes)

A laser printing machine is an ideal choice for marking pipes, cables, and industrial pipelines such as PVC, HDPE pipes in building materials.

Consumer packaging

In daily life, various production dates, shelf life, and codes can be found on food and beverage packaging (such as mineral water bottles, cosmetics, etc.). They are marked using laser marking systems, which not only increases user engagement and facilitates traceability but also makes it easier for businesses to control and manage product quality.

How to choose the right laser marking machine?

Industrial laser marking machines are not limited to the types mentioned above. How to choose a reliable laser marker to achieve your desired coding effect? Please consider the following aspects:

• Workpiece material
• Speed requirements (Throughput efficiency)
• Daily workload & budget
• Environmental factors
• Technical support and expertise

With a team of experts boasting over 20 years of technical experience, we are committed to growing together with our clients. Contact us now!

Conclusion

Laser marking technology, with its high efficiency, sustainability, traceability, and intelligence, is of great significance to many industries.

TINHO’s advanced industrial laser marking system will continue to assist you in achieving superior marking and coding.