Fiber Laser: Everything You Should Know

The main benefit of fiber lasers over other types of marking systems is the high-output power that they feature. Compared to other systems, a high-output fiber laser can lead to remarkable improvements in marking time, efficiency, engraving depth, and mark quality.

A common issue presented in these deep engraving applications is the focus of the laser. As engravings go deeper and deeper, the focal point of the engraving becomes further and further from the lens of the laser. This can present issues as an out-of-focus laser will dramatically reduce the amount of depth achievable.

This is another area where the 3-Axis design of KEYENCE's laser engravers stand tall against other solutions. Using the "Deep-Dig" function, the laser's software can account for the varying focal depth due to engraving and automatically adjust the focal distance of the laser beam. This means that as the engraving gets deeper and deeper, KEYENCE lasers will never lose focus resulting in deeper, faster, cleaner engravings.

Walk into any automotive manufacturing facility, and you are likely to see a fiber laser engraving traceability marking on engine or drivetrain components.

Black annealed marking is the process of applying a laser beam to a target and then shifting the focus so only heat is conducted. The laser does not engrave but rather forms an oxide film on the surface that appears as a black mark but cannot be felt to the touch.

KEYENCE fiber lasers are effective for anneal-style marking as they offer 3-axis beam control. This allows the laser to automatically adjust the focus of the laser to spread the beam spot over a wider area. This is instrumental in ensuring a high-contrast anneal, without damaging the surface of the workpiece.

Black annealed marking is used on metals like titanium, stainless steel, and iron alloys and is extremely common in both the medical and aerospace industries as it can provide a fully permanent mark with little to no damage to the surface it is marked on.

Laser cutting is done by focusing the laser light output by a laser oscillator and irradiating any fixed point from the irradiation unit to melt the target. Since the fiber laser uses high output power, the fiber laser excels at laser cutting because of the quick melting of the material. With quick melting, the material is cut instantly without any effect on the rest of the material. When cutting with a fiber laser, a range of materials—from metals to plastic—can be cut by a fiber laser.

The MD-F Series is a fiber laser marker created with speed and quality of marks in mind. This system produces a high output power, enabling deep engraving and high-speed processing for burr removal, etching, cutting, annealing, and engraving. The MD-F comes with features like 3-Axis control, scratch control, wobble control, and deep-dig ensuring that the fiber laser's power is focused correctly and optimized for the best processing.

The MD-X Series is a laser marker that is a hybrid of a fiber laser and a YVO₄ laser. In this case, the highlights of each laser come together; the long service life and high output of a fiber laser and the high quality and depth of focus of the YVO₄ laser. Together, these features create a high peak and short pulse laser. The MD-X performs head and shoulders above general fiber lasers for annealing, plastic marking, and any situation where there are concerns about surface damage or Heat Affected Zone (HAZ). It also comes with specialized features for optimal processing, including autofocus, 3-Axis control, depth of focus, 2D code pattern selection, and quality adjustment levels.