Five Tips for Adjusting Laser Marking Colors

If you find that your laser marking is uneven, here are five practical tips that will help you get your laser marking back on track, including parameter setting optimization, material preparation, and equipment maintenance.

Why are the colors not uniform?

Don't jump to the conclusion that your machine is broken when you have uneven ink density.For example, if the power is set too high, the material will burn, and the different absorption rates of different metals also have a direct impact on the color effect.

Adjustment technique # 1: Check the basic parameters.

Power and speed should not be in conflict.

Too much power causes the surface of the material to burn, and too fast a speed causes a lack of energy.It is recommended that one start with waste material, using low power (for example, 20 %) and medium speed (800 mm / s), and then gradually adjust until the color is uniform.

Don't change the frequency.

The higher the frequency, the more pulses per unit of time, and the more suitable it is for dark markings; the lower the frequency, the more suitable for light markings.The frequency of 80 kHz is most effective for stainless steel, while wood or plastic may require a lower frequency of 50 kHz or less.

Step two: "Physical examination" of material.

You can't be lazy about cleaning the surface.

Oil, oxidation layers, and even fingerprints can affect the absorption of the laser.Wipe it twice with alcohol and then with a lint-free cloth. Don't underestimate this step, it may well solve your problem.

Special materials are coated.

Aluminum and titanium are "reflective pros," so it is suggested that they be painted a matte black first before being engraved.The thickness of the coating is controlled to be 0.01-0.03 mm, too thick and it will become a sticky mess.

Adjustment tip three: Take the equipment's "pulse.

The lenses have to be checked regularly.

If there is dust or moisture on the lens, it is like wearing dirty glasses. The energy distribution will certainly not be uniform.Every week use a special lens wipe and cleaning fluid. Never use a tissue to rub it!

The cooling system must be kept clean.

Insufficient heat dissipation can lead to fluctuations in laser power.If you hear a strange noise coming from the fan or if the body of the computer feels hot to the touch, quickly check to see if the ventilation ports are blocked. It is recommended that you clean out the accumulated dust inside the computer once every three months.

Tip 4: Don't ignore environmental factors.

Changes in the temperature of the lab can affect the stability of the light path.When the temperature difference between day and night is large during the spring and fall, it is recommended to let the machine warm up for 15 minutes before using it.If the humidity is above 70 percent, the dehumidifier must be turned on, or the water vapor will cause condensation on the surface to be printed.

Adjustment technique five: Make good use of auxiliary functions.

Turn on the energy-saving mode.

When complex patterns are encountered, the machine's energy compensation function can be activated to automatically balance the energy accumulation problem at the corners.

They are marked by region.

If there is a large area of color, don't be greedy and try to do it all at once.The overlapping of the adjacent areas by 0.1 millimeters avoids the problem of seams and also guarantees that the color transitions are natural.

If you've tried all these methods and you still have a problem, then remember to check the life of the laser. A machine with a 200,000-hour life span will start to lose energy at 150,000 hours.