How can one choose laser marking equipment that meets international standards?

By choosing laser marking machines that meet international certifications, manufacturers can not only ensure the safety and quality of their products, they can also meet the needs of the global market.Starting from the core certification standards of CE, FDA and ISO, and combining these with real-world application scenarios, we will help you quickly master the key points of equipment selection, and avoid falling into pitfalls when making purchases.

Why is international certification so important?

If you are selecting a laser marking machine for your factory or R & D center, don't forget to check out international certifications.For example, last year a company bought a machine without CE certification, and when it was exported to Europe it was stopped by customs and the company lost over NT $ 100,000 in freight charges.International certification is like a "passport" for equipment. For example, the CE mark represents compliance with EU safety standards, FDA certification addresses the safety of materials used in the medical field, and ISO certification concerns a company's overall quality management system.Certification not only protects you against legal risk, it also makes customers feel more secure about your products.

Three steps to lock down compliance.

Clearly define your industry's needs.

The requirements for certification vary widely from industry to industry.For example, for medical device packaging, FDA certification is essential, while for auto parts, IATF 16949 certification is required.First make a list of the countries your product is to be exported to, the materials involved, and the required level of marking precision. Then tell these requirements to your suppliers. This will quickly narrow your choices.

The documents are verified on site.

Don't take the word "certified" on a brochure at face value.Last year, when we were inspecting factories, we found that some companies had put up expired CE certificates in their showrooms.You must always request the latest certification number from the supplier and check the authenticity of the number on the official website.For example, CE certification can be checked against the European Union's NANDO database, and ISO certification can be checked on the websites of the International Accreditation Forum's member organizations.

Testing the stability of equipment.

After receiving the sample, we suggested that the company do a 48-hour continuous labeling test.Two things are observed: whether the laser power fluctuates, which affects the consistency of the markings, and the performance of the heat dissipation system, as overheating can damage the components.One customer reported that a certain brand of machine worked perfectly for the first eight hours, but after 12 hours began to produce blurry images.

Hidden costs are easily overlooked.

Cost of maintenance.

When choosing equipment, many people only focus on the purchase price.In fact, whether or not the core components of the laser, such as the laser tube and mirror, conform to the IP rating system (such as IP54, which is dust and water resistant) directly determines the frequency of later maintenance.We compared two brands of equipment: Brand A was 20,000 NT dollars cheaper but cost 8,000 NT dollars a year in maintenance. Brand B was more expensive but had no problems for three years. In the long run, it was the better buy.

Upgrading and expanding space.

Now many companies need to label a variety of materials, such as metal and plastic.When choosing a machine, you should ask if it supports modular upgrades, like the addition of a UV laser module. Does it have a software interface? Last year, one of our customers bought a closed system and was unable to upgrade when the industry standard was updated.

This way of choosing suppliers is more trustworthy.

It is advisable to choose a manufacturer with at least five years of experience in the industry.One simple way to evaluate the vendor is to ask for customer case studies from the past three years, particularly those in your industry.For example, when we needed a laser etching service for our jewelry, we went with a supplier that had worked with Chow Tai Fook and Lao Feng Xiang.Another thing to look at is how quickly the manufacturer responds to problems after the sale. A reputable manufacturer will promise to send a technician to your home within 48 hours to fix the problem, rather than making you send the product back to the factory to be repaired.

The final reminder is: don't be taken in by exaggerated claims.International certification has clearly defined applicability. For example, CE certification is divided into many categories.Only by being rational and methodical in the selection process can one find a machine that is both safe and functional.