Optimizing the Process: How to Use Existing Equipment to Improve Efficiency in Metal Stamping

Want to improve the efficiency of your metal marking equipment without adding any new equipment? This book explains how to achieve faster marking speeds and more stable quality by adjusting parameters, performing maintenance, and upgrading software. It is suitable for small and medium-sized processing enterprises and individual users.

Why can't your equipment efficiency be further improved?

A lot of my friends think that when they buy a piece of equipment they can only use it with the default parameters, but in reality the potential of a metal marking machine is far greater than this.For example, we previously worked with a small factory that used a fiber laser marker. By adjusting the parameters of the machine, we were able to increase its efficiency by 30 %.The key lies in understanding the "temperament" of the equipment, rather than blindly pursuing new machines.

Adjusting parameters: Don't let the default settings hold you back.

The balance between power and speed.

Most people are used to using the factory settings, but different metals need different settings.For example, stainless steel is best suited to medium or low power and slow scanning, whereas aluminum requires a short burst of high power.He suggests that first they try it with scraps of material, and do a series of tests to record the clarity and time required for different combinations.

The secret of frequency.

More frequent is not always more effective.When marking copper, dropping the frequency from 20kHz to 15kHz not only reduces scorching but also saves 15 % of the power consumption.Remember to use a magnifying glass to check the results. Small adjustments can bring unexpected results.

Upgrading maintenance: Spending a little to do a lot.

The cycle for cleaning the lenses was shortened.

If the laser marking is not sharp, don't rush to send it in for repair. Some users have reported that cleaning the lens twice a week with a cloth and compressed air to remove dust has doubled the length of time the machine can work continuously.Especially when coating materials, the rate at which particles stick to the object being coated is much faster than one might imagine.

A new approach to lubrication.

Older equipment often suffers from imprecise operation due to wear in the slide.We tried mixing industrial grease with graphite powder, and it lasted longer than using grease alone.One workshop used this technique to rescue a five-year-old machine, reducing its positioning error from 0.2 mm to 0.05 mm.

Software can also be improved.

Don't forget to update the firmware.

Last year, one manufacturer released a 2.3 version of the firmware, which improved the algorithm for filling graphics.The time required to print the same QR code has been shortened from 8 seconds to 5.Remember to check the website regularly for the latest updates, as many hidden functions won't be listed in the user manual.

The library has to be built by ourselves.

Creating templates for frequently used logos and serial numbers is much faster than having to re-import them each time.One craftsman who cuts designs into knives and other objects has pre-stored over 50 designs, and can now switch between them in just three seconds. His customers all say he responds quickly.

Case in point: The comeback of a car parts factory.

A Zhejiang auto parts factory, which had been using equipment from 2018, has achieved a comeback in three steps:

1. Increase the gap between the stainless steel nameplates from 0.02 mm to 0.03 mm (which is almost imperceptible to the naked eye).

2. Add a USB fan to the control panel to improve air circulation.

3. Use vector graphics instead of bitmaps.

Now the factory can produce 1200 units per day, and the lifespan of the laser tubes has been extended by six months.In fact, it has been proven that optimizing is often more cost effective than replacing equipment.