Laser Marking for Hardware Tools: How to Choose the Right Machine and Parameters

Metal tools: Laser marking of metal tools requires both efficiency and precision. This guide looks at the characteristics of metal materials and explains how to choose the right machine based on the marking requirements (such as depth, speed, and durability). It also provides suggestions for parameter settings, including laser power, marking speed, and focal length adjustment. This will help users quickly match marking solutions to common metal tools such as knives, molds, and screws.

Why do the requirements for marking metal tools on the equipment side have to be so much higher?

Most metalworking tools have to contend with the hardness and complexity of metal surfaces.The low power or poor focus of ordinary lasers can lead to blurry markings or even damage to the surface of the object.Choosing the right machine and parameters can not only improve efficiency, but also avoid the headache of repeated testing.

Three steps to the right laser marker.

First, determine your labeling needs.

Don't rush to look at the specs. First ask yourself a few questions: What materials do you need to mark? (For example, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, or plated metal?) How deep do you need to mark? How much work do you do per day?

Comparing hardware configurations.

The brand of laser (such as IPG and Rofin), the galvanometer speed, and the field lens focal length are all hard indicators of quality.For example, when marking small screws, a 110mm field lens is more precise, and when marking large metal plates, a 160mm or larger field lens is more convenient.Another thing to consider is the cooling system. A computer with a poor cooling system is likely to "go on strike" after a long period of continuous operation.

The results of the test are then printed out.

No matter how good the parameters, it's better to make a few samples.The most important thing is to check whether the edges are clear and whether there are any scorch marks.You can bring them different kinds of waste material (such as rusted iron plates or chrome-plated nuts) to try out the machine on the spot, and observe the effects of different power levels. This is much more direct than reading the specifications.

Avoiding pitfalls in parameter setting.

More power is not necessarily better.

Many people think that the more power the better, but in fact the surface of the workpiece can easily be burnt.For example, when marking aluminum, a 20-watt laser with a high frequency (such as 80kHz) will produce a finer result than a 30-watt laser in rough mode.

How to balance speed and depth.

It's not realistic to expect deep and fast.For example, when marking stainless steel at 800 mm / s, it may take several passes to make the marking clear.The best way is to fix the frequency and gradually increase the power until the desired results are achieved, and then fine-tune the other parameters.

Don't forget the influence of the environment.

If you work in a factory where there's a lot of dust, remember to choose a model with good sealing to prevent the lens from being contaminated.The humid environment in the south will shorten the life of the laser, so the machine should have a dehumidifier module. Asking a few extra questions before you buy could save you a lot of money in the long run.

Maintenance costs must also be considered.

The frequency with which consumable parts (such as lenses and mirrors) need to be replaced has a direct impact on long-term costs.For example, one domestic brand might be 3000 NT less expensive than an imported model, but if you need to replace the focusing mirror twice a year, then the cost is higher than the imported brand.So don't just look at the price lists, but also compare after-sales response speed and spare parts prices.