Five Practical Tips for Laser Marking Metal Plated Surfaces

When laser marking machines are used to mark metal coatings, how can the base material be protected while still producing a clear mark? Here are five practical tips, covering parameter adjustment, pre-processing of the coating, and layer marking, which can help you solve problems of blurred or peeling marks, and improve processing efficiency and product quality.

Adjusting the parameters is the key.

The parameters of the laser marking machine directly affect the results of the plating process.The requirements of different metal plating (such as zinc plating and nickel plating) are very different.For example, if the plating layer is soft, 20-30 % power may be sufficient, but if the plating layer is hard, such as chrome, it may require more than 50 % power to penetrate.

Start with a small area.

Before starting, remember to test the machine on a corner.If the mark is uneven, or if you see charring or flaking, lower the power and raise the frequency.Don't be put off by the trouble; it saves a lot of time in the long run.

Preparation is key.

Many people complain about poor results from their tattooing, but the problem is usually that they have not cleaned the area properly.The grease and oxide layer on the surface of the coating act as a heat barrier, dispersing the laser energy.Cleaning with alcohol, then ultrasound, can improve the clarity of the markings by more than 40 %.

Tips for removing stubborn stains.

If you have a piece that has been coated for a long time and is very dirty, you can try lightly rubbing the surface with a diluted hydrochloric acid solution (no more than 5 % concentration).When using the product, remember to wear protective gloves, and wash your hands with clean water immediately after use.

Layered labeling is safer.

Worried that the laser beam might penetrate the plating and damage the base material? Try multi-layer marking.First, the surface of the coating is marked with a low-power beam, and then the power is gradually increased until the desired value is reached.This method is particularly suitable for processing thin coatings (under 0.05mm) and can effectively control the depth of penetration.

Use auxiliary gases.

Don't underestimate the importance of the thin gas line! When the nitrogen or argon gas is turned on during the marking process, it blows away the slag, making the mark cleaner, and also prevents the coating from oxidizing at high temperatures.The best results are obtained with flow rates of 8-10 liters per minute.

Regular maintenance cannot be ignored.

A laser lens that is covered with metal dust is like a nearsighted person who is not wearing glasses.It is suggested that you clean the optical parts weekly with a special lens cloth, and check the laser cooling system quarterly.With proper maintenance, the accuracy of the machine can be maintained for three years or more.

If you want to deal with plating in a long-term stable manner, besides mastering these techniques, the most important thing is to be able to flexibly adjust according to actual conditions.After all, each piece of equipment and each type of material is different, and only through a lot of practice can you find the method that is best for you.