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Laser marking machines can be roughly divided into three types, CO2, Fiber and UV laser marking machines, according to the different light sources. Today we will briefly understand their basic knowledge.
Fiber laser marking machine is a marking equipment that uses a fiber laser to strike a laser beam on the surface of a variety of different materials. The surface material is physically or chemically changed through light energy, thereby engraving permanent marks such as patterns, trademarks and texts. Its components include: fiber laser, laser galvanometer, field lens, industrial computer, display, cabinet, control switch, power supply, ruler and lifting shaft, etc. MOPA laser marking machine also belongs to the type of fiber laser marking machine.
CO2 Laser Marking Machine uses a gas laser with an infrared light band of 10.64μm. The CO2 gas is charged into the high-pressure discharge tube to generate glow discharge, which causes the gas molecules to release the laser, and the laser energy is amplified to form a pair The laser beam for material processing, the laser beam vaporizes the surface of the processed body to achieve the purpose of carving.
UV Laser Marking Machine uses a 355nm UV laser to strike a laser beam on the surface of various substances, and directly break the molecular chain of the substance through a short-wavelength laser, thereby engraving patterns, trademarks and texts, etc. Permanently marked marking equipment.
The differences between optical fiber, carbon dioxide and ultraviolet laser marking machines are as follows:
1. Different lasers: fiber laser marking machine adopts fiber laser, carbon dioxide laser marking machine adopts CO2 gas laser, and ultraviolet laser marking machine adopts short-wavelength ultraviolet laser. Ultraviolet laser is a technology that is completely different from carbon dioxide and fiber laser technology. Ultraviolet laser is also called blue laser beam. This technology has low calorific engraving ability. It does not heat materials like fiber and carbon dioxide laser marking machines. The surface is cold light carving.
2. The laser wavelength is different: the laser wavelength of the fiber marking machine is 1064nm, the laser wavelength of the carbon dioxide laser marking machine is 10.64μm, and the laser wavelength of the ultraviolet laser marking machine is 355nm.
3. Different application fields: CO2 laser marking machine is suitable for engraving most non-metallic materials and some metal products, fiber laser marking machine is suitable for engraving most metal materials and some non-metallic materials, and ultraviolet laser marking machine can Clearly mark all plastics and other materials that have an adverse reaction to heat. It is especially suitable for applications such as marking, micro-perforation, high-speed division of glass materials, and complex pattern cutting of silicon wafers and wafers for food and pharmaceutical packaging materials.
| Feature | CO2 Laser | UV Laser | Fiber Laser |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wavelength | 10.6 µm | 355 nm | 1064 nm |
| Marking Material | Non-metallic materials (plastics, glass, wood, rubber, leather, etc.) | Primarily plastics, glass, ceramics, and some metals | Metals, plastics, ceramics, and some composites |
| Marking Process | Heat-based engraving, vaporization, or surface modification | Cold marking (minimal heat) | Heat-based engraving, ablation, or surface hardening |
| Precision | Moderate precision (typically used for larger markings) | Very high precision (ideal for fine, small marks) | High precision (ideal for industrial applications) |
| Marking Speed | Moderate | Slow (due to high precision and complexity) | Fast (high marking speed) |
| Laser Type | Gas laser (CO2 gas) | Solid-state laser (UV wavelength) | Fiber optic laser (solid-state) |
| Beam Quality | Good, but not as fine as UV or Fiber | Extremely fine beam (high resolution) | Good, suitable for high-speed marking |
| Applications | Packaging, textiles, wood engraving, rubber marking, leather, acrylic | Electronics, high-precision components, medical devices, glass etching | Industrial parts, metal engraving, automotive, aerospace, electronics |
| Maintenance | Moderate (due to CO2 tube) | Low maintenance | Low maintenance (durable and reliable) |
| Cost | Lower initial cost | Higher initial cost (due to complexity) | Moderate to high initial cost |
| Cooling | Requires external cooling (water-cooled) | Requires external cooling (water-cooled) | Typically air-cooled or water-cooled depending on power |
| Energy Consumption | Higher energy consumption | Lower energy consumption | Moderate energy consumption |
Key Differences:
CO2 Lasers: Best for non-metallic materials, offer moderate precision and speed, and are more affordable but require more maintenance due to the CO2 tube.
UV Lasers: Known for their high precision and minimal heat output, which is ideal for delicate materials and high-resolution marks. They are slower and more expensive but excel in fine detail.
Fiber Lasers: Optimized for metals and industrial applications, they are fast, efficient, and durable with high-quality beam performance but typically cost more upfront.
Read more: Difference Between Fiber and UV Laser Marking Machines