	Laser Markers

What is a Laser Marker?

Some users want permanent marking. Some users do not want the hassle of using ink. Some want to mark logos or tiny characters. Laser markers meet all these needs. As the name indicates, a laser marker writes characters with a laser beam that applies heat to a product surface. Since the target surface is physically altered, the characters will remain permanently.

Examples of the physical effects available with a laser marker

Effect	Material
Melting the surface	Plastic
Scorching	Paper, plastic
Removal of the surface layer	Plated metal, printed paper
Oxidization of the surface	Iron, stainless steel
Engraving	Glass, metal
Change of color	Plastic

The reaction varies depending on the type of plastic.

A laser marker applies a laser beam to the target surface to sharply print characters, patterns, or marks. Laser use does not require regular maintenance, including resupply of ink or other consumables.
A focused laser beam allows fine marking on small electronic components.
In general, CO2 and YAG lasers are used for laser marking applications. CO2 laser markers are a general-purpose type. They are used in many applications such as marking on cartons, plastic, glass, and timber. YAG laser markers can be used for metal, and can effectively change the color of many plastics to mark easy-to-see characters.

Principle of a Laser Marker

A laser marker uses a laser beam to apply heat to the surface of metal or plastic objects to mark characters, symbols, or logos without contact. The laser beam is reflected between the mirrors inside the oscillator and is amplified. The amplified laser beam is emitted from the output mirror, passes through the fθ lens, and is focused onto the target surface. This focused point is moved with scanning mirrors along the X- and Y-axes to represent a character, and the character is marked by removing, chemically changing, or engraving the target surface.

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