The Impact of Temperature Variations on Laser Marking and a Solution

Changes in temperature directly affect the precision and stability of laser marking, leading to problems such as oxidation of the surface of the material and changes in the focal length.From the perspective of practical applications, it analyzes the impact of temperature on laser equipment, and provides temperature control solutions, parameter adjustment, and daily maintenance recommendations.

How does temperature affect the results of laser marking?

Lasers are actually quite sensitive to temperature, and if they are used for a long time or in an environment with a large temperature difference, the equipment can "throw a tantrum.For example, in summer the high temperatures in the factory make it more difficult for the laser to dissipate heat, and cause the optical system to expand, resulting in the focal point being moved.The resulting pattern may be blurry around the edges or have uneven shading.In winter, certain metals contract in the cold, and the process of stamping them can produce tiny cracks, affecting the finished product.

Materials react differently.

Different materials have different "temperatures.Metal materials are more susceptible to oxidation at high temperatures, and the marking area will turn black. If plastic materials are exposed to low temperatures, the increased brittleness of the material may cause the marking area to crack.I suggest that people do material tests in advance, according to the changes of the seasons, and don't wait until they are in mass production to discover problems.

Three steps to solve the temperature control problem.

Install air conditioning.

It is just as simple and effective to install a water or air cooling system in a laser as it is to install a fan in a computer.If there is a large temperature differential in the work area, you may want to consider installing air conditioning or industrial fans to keep the temperature within ± 3 ° C.

The parameters are adjusted dynamically.

Don't stick to one set of parameters from start to finish! When the temperature changes, it is possible to adjust the power (for example, from 60 % to 55 %) or speed up the marking to effectively avoid over-burning.Remember to save a few sets of different seasonal parameters in the software so that you can switch between them more easily.

Periodic calibration of light paths.

Thermal expansion and contraction can cause the position of the lens to change slightly, so it is recommended that you use a calibration sheet to check the quality of the laser's spot every week.If the focus is off, don't rush to open the machine. Turn it off and wait until it cools down, then try adjusting the focus again. This can save you a lot of repair costs.

Some tips for routine maintenance.

Get into the habit of letting the computer warm up for 10 minutes before use, just as you would warm up the engine of a car in cold weather.Don't be lazy about cleaning the lens. Use pure alcohol rather than water, as water stains can cause condensation at temperature changes, which can affect light transmission.Finally, we should remember to put a dust cover over the equipment when it is not in use. This will keep it warm and dry, and prevent it from getting dusty.