Benefits of Laser Marking Machines for Your Business

Laser marking machines mark permanently. The marks cannot be rubbed off or fade away through time or exposure to contaminants.

Laser marking can be a quicker and more efficient marking process than chemical etching and inkjet printing. Chemical etching requires many steps that can last days, and laser marking happens instantaneously. Inkjet printing/labeling has consumables and replacement parts that can slow down the process and often lead to downtime—laser marking technology does not.

3-Axis Hybrid Laser Marker MD-X Series

KEYENCE's hybrid laser marking system can mark across an area of 330 mm (12.99 in) x 330 mm (12.99 in) x 42 mm (1.65 in).

3-Axis UV Laser Marker MD-U Series

KEYENCE's UV laser marking system can mark across an area of 330 mm (12.99 in) x 330 mm (12.99 in) x 42 mm (1.65 in).

3-Axis Fiber Laser Marker MD-F Series

KEYENCE's fiber laser marking system can mark over an area of 300 mm (11.18 in) x 300 mm (11.18 in) x 42 mm (1.65 in).

3-Axis CO₂ Laser Marker ML-Z Series

KEYENCE's CO₂ laser marking system can mark across an area of up to 300 mm (11.18 in) x 300 mm (11.81 in) x 42 mm (1.65 in).

Telecentric Green Laser Marker MD-T Series

KEYENCE's green laser marking system achieves microscopic-level detail marking. This laser can create a readable 2D code as small as .35mm (.01 in) x .35 mm (.01 in).

There are a myriad of reasons why businesses are moving towards using fewer consumables. Here are a few of them:

• Decrease environmental impact
• Consume fewer materials
• Reduce waste
• Lower PPE equipment budget

Whatever the reason may be, laser marking technologies are often a viable solution. Laser marking machines use light to directly mark products and do not need any other materials. Because of this, there is no extra maintenance, material, PPE, or toxic waste costs.

In addition to the physical mark withstanding outside conditions, the actual machine has enhanced durability and longevity.

KEYENCE's MD-X, MD-U, and MD-F laser marking machines meet the IP-64 resistance specification. This specification means that water splashing from any direction will have no harmful effect on the machine's use and there will be no ingress of dust, often referred to as dustproof and water resistant.

KEYENCE's MD-X, MD-U, MD-F, and MD-T laser marking machines all have built-in thermopile power monitors.

The thermopile power monitor is an aspect of the laser marking technology that acts as a predictive maintenance tool by measuring the output power of the laser to detect any drops in power over time.

The predictive maintenance will then give a warning about possible malfunctions so that you can proactively fix them before it affects manufacturing processes.

The MD-X comes attached with a lens protection filter installed. This filter decreases wear and tear on the lens so that your laser marking machine will last even longer.

As of 2013, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires all medical devices (besides Class I devices) to display a unique device identification (UDI). The UDI must be readable by machines and humans and contain identifiers like serial, batch number, expiration date, and manufacturing date. Since UDIs store a lot of information on a small device, many businesses choose to use 2D codes.

If you're in the medical sector, incorporating a laser marking system is a sure way to stay in compliance with traceability standards. KEYENCE's laser marking machines outperform alternatives like stamping, labeling, and chemical etching. Laser marking machines can mark the non-geometric shapes of medical devices and do not ever rub off for accidental contamination. These laser marking machines also mark the most common device material, stainless steel.

IPC-1782 requires electronic devices to have traceability about product ID/label, documentation/record keeping, and data exchange/sharing. 2D codes by laser marking machines store over 1,000 characters for the amount of information. Additionally, laser marking machines can mark microscopically yet clearly on small electronic semiconductors. Since laser marking doesn't use force, these fragile materials can be marked without impacting the structural integrity of the part.

Shot blasting is known for creating a perfect finish while covering traceability marks, which is frustrating when you have to redo the mark.
Laser marking technology can mark the 2D codes to be shot blast resistant. By deep engraving the 2D code the depth of the mark will outlast any shot blasting and still be readable afterwards to keep traceability intact.