Laser Marking Technology in the Automotive Industry

This article examines an actual case study from the automotive parts industry to illustrate how an upgrade to laser marking can improve efficiency and reduce costs.The book covers the core advantages of laser technology, the problems facing the automotive parts industry, and the practical effects of upgrading production techniques, helping manufacturers quickly understand the value of technological evolution.

Why do automobile parts need clearer identification?

Many people may not know that every automobile part has an "identity card.Every single part, from the engine block to the smallest screw, needs to be labeled with a model number, batch number, and even a QR code.However, traditional ink markings are easy to remove, and machine engraving can damage the surface of the material.Last year, a certain automotive manufacturer had to recall a product because the part numbers were unclear, resulting in losses of more than NT $ 10 million.

That's the core advantage of laser marking.

Precision and durability are both greatly improved.

Laser marking can produce marks on the surface of metals, plastics, and other materials with depths of just a few micrometers, which is three times more precise than traditional methods.One brake pad manufacturer has tested a laser marking, which proved to be clear after 500 hours in a salt fog chamber, far exceeding industry standards.

Flexible production is no longer a headache.

When small batches of many different products are ordered, traditional equipment requires a half day to change the molds.Now that they are using fiber lasers, workers can switch the CAD parameters in the system and start a new batch in 20 seconds.One gear manufacturer has doubled its efficiency in switching production lines.

This is the real benefit of upgrading craftsmanship.

We visited a car parts factory in Zhejiang, which last year invested NT $ 800,000 in upgrading its laser production line.The result is very real.

* Yield rate increased from 89 % to 97 %.

- Saves 3 tons of ink per month.

- The success rate of QR code scanning has been stabilized at 99.8 %.

The plant manager did some calculations: "We recouped the cost of the equipment in a year and a half, and now when clients come to inspect the factory they all say we're specialists in labeling.

Here are three practical suggestions for selecting equipment.

1. Don ’ t just look at power ratings: a 20-Watt fiber laser may be more suitable for precision parts than a 30-Watt model. The key is the beam quality factor (M2 value).

2. Dust protection is important: Dust from metalworking can shorten the life of optical components. Choosing a positive pressure dust filter system can extend the life by three years.

3. Software compatibility testing: Test the printer with your own documents in advance to avoid discovering that the printer doesn't support a special character after you've bought it.

A few simple tips on maintenance and care.

He says, "Every week I use an alcohol-soaked cotton swab to clean the lens, and every month I check the cooling fan.A supplier in Suzhou has a client who insists on regular maintenance, and as a result a six-year-old machine is still working fine.

How can we upgrade in the future?

Now manufacturers are linking AI quality control with laser marking, so that after the marking is done, it automatically takes a picture and compares it with the original. If there are any problems, it automatically goes back and corrects them.The case of a leading company in Dongguan shows that this can cut the number of inspectors by another 30 %.The next time around, maybe it will be your turn.