5 Common Problems with and Solutions for Laser Marking Stainless Steel

The article provides five typical solutions to the problems of blurry markings, uneven coloring, and oxidation.It covers parameter setting techniques, material pre-treatment, and equipment maintenance, helping users quickly solve actual problems such as yellowing of the laser mark and breaking of lines.

The color of the markings is uneven.

A problem is presented.

After printing, some areas are found to be white, some yellow, as if the label has faded.This problem occurs most often with high-nickel stainless steel.

Solutions.

Rather than adjust the equipment, try wiping the surface of the material with alcohol.In many cases, oil stains cause the laser to reflect unevenly.If this still doesn't work, try reducing the pulse width to 0.02 milliseconds, keeping the power at about 80 %. The colors produced will be much more stable.

The marked area has oxidized.

The problem is characterized by the following features:

The next day, they discovered that the marks were already rusting, especially on products like kitchen utensils which come into frequent contact with water.

The skill of responding.

Before the material is marked, it is given a "facial" by being coated with a thin layer of anti-oxidation agent.After stamping, the area is immediately blasted with cold air to prevent heat from being trapped in the material.If it has oxidized, don't panic, just wipe it with a dilute oxalic acid solution.

The tiny letters are broken off.

This is a common scene.

When writing small characters such as product codes, the lines are often broken, especially at the corners, where there is a tendency for "windows" to appear.

Optimizing the plan

The spacing between the lines was reduced from 0.05mm to 0.03mm, and the speed was reduced to less than 800mm / s.Sometimes the laser beam will be split by dust on the lens.

The material deforms after it's been labeled.

Danger signal.

After the stamping process, the sheet will have a wavy appearance, which is especially evident in stainless steel sheets less than 0.3 mm thick.

Rescue measures.

The use of pulse mode instead of continuous mode is like using a hammer to strike quickly rather than continuously pressing down.At the same time, install a water-cooled plate under the workbench, or if that is not available, use a wet towel.

The tags are easy to remove.

The awkward situation.

The paint looks good right after it's applied, but if you rub it with a steel wool pad, the color will start to come off.

Strengthening Methods

Try the "two-pass" technique--do an outline with low power, then fill in with normal parameters.This is equivalent to giving the mark "double insurance.Before you start, remember to sand off the surface polish. A smooth surface is like a skating rink, and the laser has a hard time "getting a grip.