Laser Marking in the Automotive Industry

Laser technology has a unique advantage in the automotive parts field, where it can be used for non-contact processing to achieve permanent identification, satisfying the needs of traceability management and anti-counterfeiting.Real-world examples show that this technology can not only improve production line efficiency, but its micron-level precision can also meet the challenge of marking curved surfaces. When combined with a traceable QR code system, it provides a guarantee of product quality. It is becoming an essential step in modern automotive manufacturing.

Why are automakers so keen on laser marking?

In car manufacturing plants, laser marking machines are quietly becoming "invisible masters" on the assembly line.Compared to traditional ink-jet marking, it can directly mark metal or plastic surfaces with an accuracy of 0.01 millimeters. The markings will not fade even if exposed to high temperatures or long-term wear.The non-contact nature of the process also means that there is no risk of damage to delicate components, unlike with mechanical engraving.

Each part has its own unique identity card.

Now many car companies require that parts be "born" with a QR code, so that they can trace the production batch and quality inspection records by scanning the code.One brake pad manufacturer we know of uses a fiber laser marking machine to mark 8,000 products a day. The markings are so clear that ten years later they can still be easily read by maintenance personnel.

A scene from a real production line.

Last year, for example, in a project they did for a new energy vehicle manufacturer, the yield rate for the laser marking of the electric motor casings jumped from 92 % to 99.8 %.The secret is in the use of a laser head that can be adjusted for focus, so that the characters will be of uniform depth regardless of the curvature of the surface.Workers joke that even the "best before" date on the instant noodle bowls they eat during lunch is more legible than before.

Anti-counterfeiting measures for engine parts.

Some manufacturers are beginning to add micro-level anti-counterfeiting marks next to the VIN number, like giving the parts an "invisible tattoo.One time, when the police broke up a counterfeiting ring, they used these laser marks, which are hard to see with the naked eye, to locate the counterfeiting workshop.The investigators say that this technology is even more precise than that used in forensic fingerprinting.

These are details to be considered when selecting equipment.

Don't be put off by the fact that laser markers cost hundreds of thousands of NT dollars. In fact, the savings on consumables will pay for the investment in about two years.Last week a gearbox parts factory came to consult with us, and we suggested that they focus on the adjustable frequency range of the equipment. This parameter directly determines whether or not you can mark hardened steel without the markings yellowing.After they tried it out on-site, they decided to buy three machines on the spot.