Five Tips for Avoiding Material Damage When Using UV Laser Markers

If the laser parameters are set incorrectly, the material can be burned or the marking may not be clear enough.Sharing five practical experiences, including tips for adjusting key parameters such as power, frequency, and speed, to help users avoid damaging materials and improve marking results.This is a good reference for laser users and technicians who want to improve their skills.

Why would the setting of a parameter influence the damage to a material?

Although UV laser marking machines are highly accurate, if the parameters are not adjusted correctly, the surface of the material can easily be damaged.For example, if the power is turned up too high, the plastic may melt. If the speed is too fast, the markings will be unclear.These problems are mostly caused by the operators 'lack of understanding of the equipment's "personality" and the irrational matching of parameters.

5 keys to adjusting your parameters.

Don't try to go too high too fast.

A common mistake of beginners is to pull the trigger and go straight to full power, which results in the material being destroyed.It is suggested to begin at 60 % of the recommended power, and then observe the surface of the model to see if it has become discolored or deformed.Materials of different colors have different light absorption rates, and dark materials need to have their power lowered.

Frequency matching material characteristics.

The higher the frequency, the more points the machine can hit in a given time, but it also means that the heat can build up more quickly.Metal is a good thermal conductor, so it can be welded at high frequencies above 40kHz. But for heat-sensitive materials such as acrylic, a safer range is 20-30kHz.When using materials with a low melting point, remember to lower the frequency and use cooling measures.

Finding the right balance between speed and accuracy.

If the speed is too fast the mark will be too faint, and if it is too slow it may burn through the material.There is a little trick: First mark at a medium speed (such as 500mm / s). If the edges are not clear, then reduce the speed to 300mm / s to observe the effect.For complex patterns, the speed can be set for each section--slower for the outline, and faster for the filled areas.

The secret of spacing.

When a solid area is required, the density of the dots is too great and the heat is too intense.For ordinary text, a line spacing of 0.02 mm is suggested, while for large areas of filled-in space, a spacing of 0.05 mm is sufficient.When marking reflective material, try using a cross-fill pattern, which can reduce the accumulation of energy caused by laser reflection.

Don't forget to calibrate the lens.

An improper focal length, like a camera that isn't focused properly, will result in uneven distribution of energy.After changing the thickness of the material, it is necessary to calibrate the laser by using the step test method: mark the material at different heights and select the one with the most even effect.For curved objects, you can turn on dynamic focusing to avoid overexposure in any one area.

A quick and dirty way to verify parameters.

Before beginning the formal laser engraving, a nine-square grid of test markings is made on the scrap. The squares on the horizontal axis are made with different power settings, while those on the vertical axis are made at different speeds.Recording the results of each test allows the safe range of each material to be determined.When you run into new materials, this method can help you avoid paying a lot of "tuition.