Laser Marking Metal vs. Plastic: The Art of Setting Parameters for Different Materials

The parameters used for laser marking on metals and plastics are significantly different, which directly influences the quality of the mark and the efficiency of the process.By comparing the characteristics of the two materials, and analyzing the techniques for adjusting key parameters such as power, speed and frequency, the system helps operators avoid damaging the material and improve the clarity of the mark. It is suitable for use in industrial manufacturing, electronics component production and other scenarios.

The characteristics of the material determine the strategy for marking.

The results of laser marking on metal and plastic are quite different.Metal conducts heat quickly and is hard, so it requires more energy to leave a mark. Plastic, on the other hand, has a low melting point and is easily carbonized, so it requires a lighter touch.Only by understanding these differences can we "treat the disease.

The following are some of the important parameters for marking metals.

The power should be given, but not overdone.

For example, stainless steel or aluminum alloy should be set at 80-100 %.But when working with thin sheets, you need to be careful. A power setting that's too high might punch right through the metal, so it's safer to drop the setting to around 60 %.

The golden ratio of speed and frequency.

For marking on metal, it is recommended to use a combination of high frequency and low speed, such as 20kHz and 300mm / s.This ensures fine lines and prevents the metal from oxidizing and changing color.

The auxiliary gas cannot be spared.

When marking metal, compressed air or nitrogen must be used. This will rapidly cool the material and prevent the heat-affected zone from expanding.In particular, the auxiliary gas blows away the slag, leaving the mark cleaner.

A plastic label maker.

It's better to have a lower power rating.

For common plastics such as ABS and PP, the power can be controlled at 30-50 %.Extra care must be taken with transparent or light-colored plastics, which will turn yellow if exposed to too much radiation.

The speed must be fast and the frequency must be flexible.

It is recommended that the speed for plastics marking be set to 500mm / s or above, and that the frequency be set to 10-15kHz.For materials such as PC, which are easily damaged by the heat, you can try "intermittent" marking, which involves marking for 0.5 seconds, then resting for 0.2 seconds.

Adjusting the focus is an art in itself.

Don ’ t underestimate the importance of this 1-2 mm difference in focal length! Dark plastics are best suited to slightly longer focal lengths (for example, 1 mm longer than standard) because this reduces surface carbonization. White plastics, on the other hand, require precise focus to achieve the desired foaming effect.

A guide to avoiding pitfalls.

1. First, test a sample: When you get a new material, don't rush to make a batch. First, cut off a corner and test it.

Environmental monitoring: When temperature in the workshop exceeds 30 ° C, it is recommended that laser power be reduced by 5 %.

3. Regular maintenance: Carbon deposits on the surface of the mirror can steal 10-15 % of the laser's energy, so the mirror must be cleaned every week.

Remember, the parameters are only a reference. In actual operation, you have to adjust them flexibly according to the thickness, color, and even production batch of the material.The key is to observe the condition of the marking surface after the process. The metal should have a slight melt texture, and the plastic should show a uniform change in color.