	Laser Markers

Marking Methods

This section describes various methods of direct marking.

Contact Marking

Handwriting

A worker writes necessary information on products with a pen. This is the easiest method and can be achieved at very low cost. It is effective when production is limited. However, human error and speed are some disadvantages.

Stamping

Stamping can refer to either manual or automatic stamping. It is unexpectedly difficult to continue stamping clearly over time because excessive ink and pressure make characters blur, and insufficient ink and pressure make characters faint. It is difficult to apply stamps to curved surfaces or soft objects. Since characters cannot be changed automatically, stamping calendar dates or counter values requires a good deal of labor and maintenance.

Labels

Attaching labels is not a method of marking information directly on products, but it is used for the same purpose. Since labels can be printed in a separate process, characters are clear and sharp. However, using many labels can be costly, and controlling label stock is an unexpectedly demanding task. Above all, peeling labels are a serious problem.

Engraving

Since grooves are cut in the product surface, the marking will not fade. Changing the marking content requires a lot of time and labor. Precision products cannot be marked because of the direct surface impact.

Non-Contact Marking

Ink jet printer

Characters are written with a spray of ink drops, so there is no contact with the product. This allows curved surfaces or soft objects to be marked at high speed. The marking content can be easily changed. Date information is automatically updated with the built-in calendar.

Laser marker

Characters are written with the heat of a laser beam. A major advantage of using a laser to mark products is that it eliminates the need for messy inks, obstructive labels or frequent machine maintenance. Since the marking does not fade, production history of important parts and products can reliably be recorded.

Advantages of Non-Contact Marking

Since it is unnecessary to stop products, products can be marked during a transfer process.
Curved or uneven surfaces, or soft objects can be marked.
No impact is applied to products so that their precision can be maintained.
The contents to be marked can be easily changed, eliminating the need for exchanging dies or stamps.
Ultra-small characters can be marked.

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