Laser Marking Color|Laser Marking of Metals: Principles of Coloration and Process Control

Laser coloration technology for metal materials precisely controls the interaction between the laser energy and the surface of the material, forming an oxide layer of different colors on the surface of the metal.The key parameters that need to be mastered in order to produce a stable color effect from black to colored are laser power, frequency, and scanning speed.This will help operators solve common problems such as uneven coloration and fading.

The basic principle of laser marking is that the beam causes rapid oxidation or structural change in the surface of the material.When a laser beam of a certain wavelength is shone on a metal, the sudden heat causes the metal to react with oxygen in the air, producing a film of metal oxide.The oxidation film, through the effect of light interference, presents in the human eye a range of colors from light gray to deep black, and even a gradation of colors.For example, on stainless steel, by varying the parameters of the laser, you can produce a range of metallic colors including gold, blue and purple.

The key to process control is parameter optimization.Power density directly affects the thickness of the oxide layer; generally the greater the power the deeper the color. But too much power will cause the material to burn away excessively.The speed of the laser beam and the frequency of repetition determine the amount of time the laser will act on a given area. If the beam moves too quickly, it will not have enough time to burn the ink. If it moves too slowly, it will burn the paper.Taking 304 stainless steel as an example, the best combination of parameters is usually 30-50 watts of power, 800-1200 mm / s speed, and 20-50 kHz frequency.

Different metals require different processing solutions.Aluminum alloys are sensitive to their gas environment, and usually require gas protection. Titanium alloys require precise control of temperature gradients.In actual production, the pre-treatment state of the material's surface must also be considered. The color effect of a polished surface and a ground surface can differ by more than 40 %.By creating a database of materials and parameters, the efficiency of marking can be greatly improved. One company, after adopting a parameter optimization scheme, was able to reduce the percentage of defective products from 15 % to less than 3 %.

Maintenance is often overlooked, but is crucial.The focusing lenses are cleaned at least once a month, and the stability of the laser output is checked every three months. These measures help avoid color bias caused by equipment degradation.Recently, some factories have adopted online monitoring systems, which use CCD cameras to provide real-time feedback on color data, and combine smart algorithms to automatically compensate for parameter fluctuations, raising color consistency to over 98 %.

Daily Maintenance and Color Stability Assurance for Laser Marking Machines

The manual explains in detail how to perform routine maintenance on a laser marking machine, and how to ensure the stability of the mark color. It covers cleaning and maintenance, parameter calibration, environmental control, and other key topics, helping users prolong the life of the equipment and improve marking performance.

Titanium Alloy Color Oxidation and Laser Marking

The book provides a detailed explanation of the practical techniques and points to keep in mind in the process of coloring and etching titanium alloys.The book includes information on surface pretreatment methods, laser parameter settings, and color control tricks, helping practitioners solve common problems like uneven oxidation and color fading, and thus improving the quality and efficiency of their work.

Seven Ways to Handle Uneven Color on Metal Stamps

Color inconsistency when marking metals is often caused by improper parameter settings, material characteristics, or environmental factors.The seven practical processing solutions include optimizing laser parameters, pre-processing materials, and operational techniques. They help to solve the problem of color differences in marking, thereby enhancing the aesthetic quality of the marking and the stability of the process.

How to Avoid Color Fading Problems with Laser Marking

Color fading after laser marking is usually caused by improper selection of material, improper setting of parameters, or improper post-processing.The company's experts analyze the main reasons for color fading, and provide practical solutions such as pre-processing of materials, optimization of parameters, and protective coatings, to help users effectively extend the life of their printed colors.

Parameters for Marking Five Common Metals

The table includes key settings such as power, speed, and frequency, helping operators to quickly match parameters and improve the efficiency and clarity of the marking process. It is suitable for use in industrial processing and marking of parts.

The Effect of Laser Power on the Coloring of Metals

The researchers tested the effects of laser power on the coloring of stainless steel and aluminum alloy, analyzing the relationship between the depth of color, the degree of oxidation, and the laser power.The company also provides data on the optimal parameters for laser engraving and marking.

Common Problems and Solutions in Color Marking of Aluminum Alloy

The company has developed solutions to common problems in the aluminum color marking process, such as uneven color, oxidation, and fading, and provides targeted solutions for parameter adjustment, surface treatment, and equipment maintenance.

A Guide to Laser Marking of Stainless Steel

It provides practical parameters for laser marking on stainless steel, covering optimization of core parameters such as laser power, frequency, and speed to help solve problems such as uneven oxidation and color that is too light.Through concrete examples and analysis of common mistakes, it can be used to achieve more efficient operation and more stable results.