Laser Marking on Metals - How to Perform?

The process of marking the metals dates back to the invention of CO2 lasers in the year 1964. Although it was an old technique, today it has been improved with the help of various metal marking machines which include direct and indirect lasers.

The steps that are involved in the laser marking on metals include:

• Spray or brush the surface

The first step is to evenly spray or brush the surface while maintaining a certain distance. The quantity of surface to be marked plays an important role while choosing the spray or the ink. Dilution of ink allows it to be used over a wider product than a spray that can be used over a limited surface.

• Exposing the metal surface to a low-powered laser beam from a CO2 laser.

For the next step, the surface to be marked is heated with the laser beam due to which it faces discoloration. The exposed surface turns out to be of dark color, probably black, and permanent. This happens due to the process of oxidation in which the oxygen diffuses below the surface at the time of exposure.

• Wash the surface

Finally, wash the extra material off the surface.

The laser marking process tends to create a long-lasting, dark mark on the metal surface that undergoes it. The metal materials that can be marked include steel, copper, brass, and stainless steel. The basic purpose of marking these metals is to convey information like bar codes, QR codes, serial numbers, text marking, and logos.

The process is cost-efficient and durable which helps it compete with laser engraving and laser etching.