What to Consider When Purchasing a Laser Marker

Laser marking machines have become popular alternatives to other marking methods like dot peen markers. Their efficiency, versatility and cost savings make them an excellent fit for many manufacturers in sectors ranging from packaging to microelectronics. While you may be ready to purchase a laser marker, it’s helpful to know how to buy the right laser machine for your goals. 

1. Functionality

The laser’s wavelength, power and frequency will influence what type of mark you can create, so it’s important to understand how you’d like to use your laser marker. For example, an infrared beam and an ultraviolet (UV) beam will produce different marks because they are at different ends of the light spectrum.

Some of the core use cases for this technology include:

• Marking: Laser marking involves changing the substrate’s properties just beneath the surface to create a permanent, high-contrast mark. This process is most commonly used for critical identification marks like barcodes and product numbers.
• Engraving: Engraving is the process of removing material from a substrate to create a channel or pocket on a substrate’s surface. Deep engraving takes this a step further by removing more material than just below the surface. Engraving, especially deep engraving, is used when ID numbers are at risk of being filed off by consumers to remove traceability.
• Annealing: Annealing is similar to laser marking in that it changes the properties of the substrate just below the surface. However, this process brings carbon to the surface to create that high-contrast mark. Annealing is used for ferrous materials like steel, carbon steel and chrome.

2. Size

Laser marking systems come in a range of formats and designs to suit different use cases. Size is one of the core factors you’ll want to consider when selecting the right model for your operation. System size will relate to the physical size of your space and the scale of your production needs.

Tabletop models and compact workstations are smaller options for manufacturers with limited space. Portable designs can also be an excellent alternative for small operations or those that require laser marking on the field. Higher-volume systems can have footprints of various sizes. For example, Advanced Optowave Corporation has compact air-cooled lasers to fit even the smallest of spaces.

3. Application

When choosing a laser marker, you should evaluate your applications and the types of materials you’ll typically work with. From there, you can decide which laser type to purchase. Laser types and their applications include:

• CO₂: Many manufacturers choose CO₂ lasers because they can work with nonmetallic materials like glass, wood, cardboard and textiles. CO₂ is the active medium used for this laser type, and it has the longest wavelength of the different types. These lasers deliver highly localized heat to leave material structure uncompromised, though they have higher reflectivity than other types.
• Fiber: Fiber lasers are also known for their compatibility with nonmetallic materials. Use this laser type for glass, plastic, rubber and a range of metals. Fiber lasers offer impressive flexibility with various settings and can be used for embossing and discoloration. 
• UV: The most notable selling point for UV lasers is their ability to perform cold marking. Unlike other laser types, UV does not generate high heat, making it more suitable for sensitive materials where heat may cause degradation — such as glass, ceramic and plastic — in addition to materials other lasers can mark. UV laser markers are favored in industries like microelectronics and energy where sensitivity is a top priority.
• Green: Green lasers also generate lower heat levels than other laser types, making them ideal for sensitive materials like polymers and plastics. 

4. Marking Speed

Generally, laser marking is one of the fastest processes available for marking substrates. Among laser marking products, different technologies will offer different speeds. For example, annealing is a generally lengthier process than engraving. You’ll also want to think about how your laser system affects productivity levels on the manufacturing floor.

For instance, a tabletop model can be great for manual marking needs for small volumes of product, but it won’t support high-volume production. Ultimately, this setup will lead to downtime between each product. Mark-on-the-fly systems can be integrated into fast-moving production lines that use conveyors, robots or other forms of factory automation. This setup can lead to impressive productivity gains, as the laser marking processes are continuous and automated. 

5. Cost

Of all the tips for choosing a laser marker, performing an in-depth cost analysis will likely have the greatest impact on your business. There are a few areas to examine when weighing the costs of a laser marking system because the initial investment will not provide a full picture of potential gains. Look into:

• Losses: How much will maintenance cost? How much downtime do you expect with use, and how will this affect productivity?
• Return on investment: How much time will you save on marking processes compared to your old method? How will your profitability increase as a result of increased productivity? 
• Revenue gain: How much will a permanent, unfading mark assist in product recalls or quality checks? How much more business could you potentially attract if your product’s laser mark looked significantly more professional than the competition’s?

Laser marking systems can deliver impressive ROI for operations switching from other printing methods like dot peen markers and CIJ printers. While the initial investment is often higher for laser marking equipment, reducing consumable usage, increasing productivity and improving mark quality all contribute to gains in the long term.

6. Installation and Operation

System design will dictate how complex installation and operation will be. When choosing the best system for your needs, complexity in these areas should play a role. Is your operation able to accommodate the downtime for installation if you want a larger system? 

You’ll also want to think about team capabilities. Laser markers operate with a computer system, but the requirements for operation will vary between products. Make sure your team includes someone capable of operating the machine or willing to learn the system to make the most of the investment. If you lack the personnel to run it, you may want to consider an automated model. 

7. Life Span and Maintenance

Life span and maintenance often relate to the total cost of ownership. To make your laser system worth the investment, you’ll want a product with a long life span and minimal maintenance requirements. Generally, laser markers have low maintenance requirements, especially when compared to more traditional alternatives like CIJ printers. 

The life span of a laser marking machine depends on its design and how often it is used. One piece of advice for buying a laser marking machine is to source from a trusted manufacturer in the space. Speak with a manufacturer’s team to learn more about maintenance demands and projected life span. 

Find the Best Laser Marking System for Your Needs at Advanced Optowave Corporation

Advanced Optowave Corporation has developed industry-leading laser marking solutions since 2007. Our experience in the industry and our commitment to research and development empower us to deliver high-performance products for critical industries like microelectronics, medical device manufacturing, automotive manufacturing and beyond. With our selection of laser marking products, you can find the right model for your applications and production scale. Get in touch with us today to learn more.