Low frequency vs. high frequency

The system provides a comparison between high and low frequency marking modes, and also helps users choose the right frequency for different materials such as metal, plastic, and glass. This helps users quickly match parameters to their processing needs, thereby improving marking efficiency and accuracy.

What is the difference between high and low frequency?

Many people who are just beginning to work with laser marking machines get confused when they see the term "frequency adjustment" in the operating parameters.In fact, the high-frequency mode is like a machine gun, with a more concentrated stream of laser pulses in a given time period, which is suitable for fine carving. The low-frequency mode is more like the pounding of a heavy hammer, with more energy in each shot, and is better for dealing with "tough bones.Let's use a down-to-earth analogy: high frequencies are like sewing needles and low frequencies are like axes. You have to use the right tool for the job.

How do you know what frequency to use?

Metal processing.

For stainless steel and aluminum alloys, high frequencies (e.g.In particular, when a logo or QR code needs to be displayed, high frequency ensures that the lines are clear and not muddled.But if the metal piece has a thicker oxide layer, try lowering the frequency to about 10 kHz to boost the penetration power at a single point.

Plastics and rubber products.

Materials that are afraid of heat, such as PVC and acrylic, are safer at low frequencies (5-15 kHz).Too high a frequency would burn the surface, but using a low frequency with low power produces the desired color without melting the edges.However, for materials such as black ABS, which have a good light absorption capacity, using a higher-frequency 30 kHz laser actually produces a higher-contrast mark.

Glass and ceramics.

This kind of fragile material tests the limits of frequency control.For etched glass, use a high frequency above 50 kHz, and move the device slowly to avoid local overheating and cracking.If you want to produce a frosted effect in ceramics, you switch to a low frequency of 10 kilohertz. The ultrasonic vibrations break up the surface glaze, creating a special texture.

How can you switch between them in actual production?

One old-timer was heard muttering, "Frequency follows the material, but power follows thickness.For example, when cutting the serial numbers on the metal frames of cell phones, they use 60 kHz at 30 % power. But when stamping the serial numbers on steel engine blocks, they use 8 kHz at 80 % power.Many of today's intelligent cameras have a "materials-parameters" shortcut for quick presets. Beginners are advised to first use the manufacturer's basic settings and then make fine adjustments to find the right feel.

Common problems and how to avoid them.

If the ink begins to yellow, there is an 80 % chance that this is due to excessive heat buildup, particularly when working with white plastics.On the other hand, if the lines are broken or discontinuous, then the first thing to check is whether the frequency is too high, causing the energy to be scattered.There is also a hidden trick: when processing curved objects, reducing the frequency can compensate for focusing errors. This kind of practical experience is not written in any manual.