Laser Marking: Common Mistakes in Frequency Settings

Explaining the common mistakes of setting the frequency of a laser marking machine, the article focuses on the errors that novice users often make when adjusting parameters. Combining practical experience, the article explains how to correctly understand frequency parameters, avoid damage to the material, and optimize marking results.Mastery of key techniques can help you improve your work efficiency and product quality.

Why is the frequency setting always a problem?

Many people who are new to laser marking machines think that "the higher the frequency, the better the effect." As a result, they either burn the material or don't mark deeply enough.In fact, the frequency parameters are directly related to the characteristics of the material and the processing requirements. Blindly adjusting the parameters is more likely to lead to a dead end.

The three biggest mistakes made by new operators.

Misconception 1: All materials use the same frequency.

Some people, to save the trouble of figuring out the right frequency, just use 20 kHz for everything.The metal turned black and the plastic melted.Different materials absorb different amounts of laser energy, so for example metals are best cut at high frequencies (80-100 kHz), while materials that are easy to melt like acrylic are more safely cut at lower frequencies (5-10 kHz).

Misconception 2: Frequency and power are bound together.

I always thought that if you had a high output, you had to lower the frequency, or vice versa.In fact, the two need to be combined: high power and high frequency are suitable for fine cutting, while low power and low frequency are more appropriate for shallow engraving.It all depends on the marking speed and the depth of the mark required.

Mistake three: Ignoring the influence of temperature.

If you use the parameters for winter in summer, the laser's cooling efficiency will vary and the actual output will be unstable.It is recommended that you check the marking effect every hour and reduce the frequency by 5-10 % when the temperature varies a lot to avoid overloading the equipment.

The result is a twofold increase in efficiency.

Start with a small test area.

A test area is left on the edge of the material, and the marking is done at different frequencies (for example, from 20 to 100 kHz, increasing by 10 kHz each time).They then observe which interval has a clear line without any burned edges, and determine the final parameters.

Learning to read "stitching marks.

White or gray = too high, lower a bit. Light color = too low, increase gradually.When the metal material shows a mirror-like reflection, it indicates that the frequency should be lowered to prevent the material from being over-melted.

Use the preset parameters.

Regular brands all provide material parameters for their equipment.For example, stainless steel is usually cleaned at 50-70 kHz and leather at 20-30 kHz.These numbers can save 80 % of the time spent on debugging.

How can we make up for our mistakes?

If the frequency has been set incorrectly and the food has been damaged, don't panic.Metal parts can be marked again at low frequency and high speed to cover up the traces. Plastic parts can be wiped with alcohol to remove the carbonized layer on the surface, then remade at a lower frequency.The habit of backing up data can save your life in the critical moment!