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Laser Marker Q&A Answers Part 1 |
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| Q1 |
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What is the difference between YAG laser markers and CO2 laser markers? |
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| A1 |
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The wavelengths of the laser beams are different. The wavelength of a YAG laser is 1.064 µm, and that of a CO2 laser is 10.6 µm.
Differences between YAG and CO2 lasers |
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| The wavelength of a YAG laser is one-tenth that of a CO2 laser. This allows lower reflection of the laser beam on a metal surface, reduced loss of energy, and easier working of metals. Conversely, a CO2 laser is in the range of the wavelengths in which energy is easily absorbed into glass and other transparent objects, making it suitable for marking clear targets. Note that the ability to change the color of plastics varies depending on the material because of the difference in the laser-beam absorptivity (Refer to the table in A3 as a guide). In general, a YAG laser can change the color of more varieties of plastic than a CO2 laser. |
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| Q2 |
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How do I know which marking device to use for specific materials? |
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| A2 |
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The following table shows marking devices and their applicable materials. |
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| Material |
YAG laser marker
MD-Y Series
(Reference: KEYENCE product) |
CO2 laser marker
ML-G Series
(Reference: KEYENCE product) |
| Plastic |
○ |
○ |
| Metal |
○ |
○ (Stainless steel only) |
| Plating |
○ |
× |
| Transparent object (glass, plastic) |
× |
○ |
| Ceramic |
○ |
○ |
| * |
○ and × in the table may vary depending on the target condition, use of additives, and marker settings. |
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| Q3 |
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What are the materials that change or do not change colors
with YAG and CO2 laser markers, respectively? |
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| A3 |
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The following table shows typical materials that change colors with the respective markers.
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Material |
YAG laser marker
MD-H Series
(Reference: KEYENCE product) |
CO2 laser marker
ML-G Series
(Reference: KEYENCE product) |
| Plastic |
PE (Polyethylene) |
◎ |
○ |
| PC (Polycarbonate) |
◎ |
○ |
| PP (Polypropylene) |
◎ |
○ |
| POM (Polyacetal) |
◎ |
○ |
| PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) |
◎ |
○ |
| PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) |
△ |
○ |
ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene
styrene) |
◎ |
○ |
| EP (Epoxy) |
◎ |
◎ |
| PF (Phenol) |
◎ |
◎ |
| UF (Urea) |
◎ |
◎ |
| PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) |
○ |
◎ |
| PA (Polyamide/Nylon) |
◎ |
○ |
| Metal |
Iron |
◎ |
Unacceptable |
| Aluminum |
◎ |
Unacceptable |
| Stainless steel |
◎ |
○ |
| Plating |
◎ |
Unacceptable |
| Alumite treatment |
◎ |
○ |
| Ceramic |
○ |
○ |
| Other |
Glass |
Unacceptable |
○ |
| Rubber |
○ |
○ |
| * |
◎, ○, △, and Unacceptable in the table may vary depending on the target condition, use of additives, and marker settings.
◎: Very good for this material.
○: Good for this material.
△: Acceptable for this material.
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| Q4 |
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How are lasers classified? |
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| A4 |
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"Laser Product Emission Safety Standards" (specified in JIS C6802) classifies all types of lasers into 5 levels based on their influence upon a human body.
Safety class standards
| Class 1 |
Inherently safe |
No special safety measures required (e.g. laser printer, CD). |
| Class 2 |
Safe |
Class specified for visible light (e.g. laser pointer). |
| Class 3A |
Potentially hazardous |
Viewing the beam with optical instruments is hazardous (a system that emits a visible laser). |
| Class 3B |
Rather dangerous |
Directly viewing the beam is hazardous. (It is safe to view the diffuse reflection from a distance of 13 cm or more for 10 seconds or less.) |
| Class 4 |
Extremely dangerous |
Even the diffuse reflection may be hazardous, causing skin injuries or burns, or fire. (Many experimental or industrial lasers are in this class.) |
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| Note: Laser manufacturers must attach warning labels on products classified as Class 2 or higher. |
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| Q5 |
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What safety measures are required to install a laser marker? |
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| A5 |
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A typical installation example is shown in the figure below. |
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