Decades of knowledge in the Tool & Die Industry
Laser marking and engraving technology meets the demands of these markets to brand, serialize and create permanent, legible, and accurate markings and deep engravings. These critical markings can include logos, serial numbers, part numbers, customer numbers, engineering revision and size markings. Beamer Laser Marking System offers years engineering solutions to support tool & die industry. Offers multiple solutions for the effective use of laser marking and engraving on metal (etching, annealing).
Laser marking technology allows tool and die manufacturers to produce a higher-quality product including; cutting tool, molds, check fixtures and dies, in less time, with fewer process steps – while eliminating excessive heat. Engaging our applications engineering team, we can review the process for the appropriate style of equipment implementation. In many case studies reducing the throughput and increasing profitability.
Tech Tips: Types of Marking #5
Foaming and Charring
When discussing laser marking, there is a misconception regarding the terminology being used. “Laser etching” is more of an overall term that is commonly used to describe what the laser’s capabilities are and not specific to types of materials, industry requirements, and or actual application solutions. We would like to better break down the different types of marking that can be accomplished with a 1064nm fiber laser and the applications that are most specific to those types of marking.
Fiber marking systems can mark or “laser etch” a multitude of different materials such as metals, plastics and ceramics all in contrast. Contrast marking is the discoloration of any material that either makes a lighter in contrast or darker in contrast permanent mark on the sub-straight material. Let’s break down some of the most common markings and materials associated with “laser etching”.
Foaming and charring are markings that are specific to polymers. There is a wide range of plastics / polymers and resins that mark very well. Foaming and charring are essentially the same marking but in different contrasts. When marking a light plastic / polymer and creating a darker contra mark the mark is “charring”. On the other hand, marking a dark plastic / polymer with lighter in contrast marking is “foaming”. Microscopically what is creating the marking on the material is microscopic bubbles in the plastic at the surface of the material in a very precise manner. This is a permanent marking that lasts for the life of the part / component. An example of these types of marking we like to use is in the automotive industry. If you were to open your fuse box on your vehicle, the marking of what fuse is designated for most likely has been created by foaming the plastic sub straight to create a permanent marking that is resistant to the elements for the life of the part. Foaming and charring is possible on a multitude of materials such as, ABS, LDPE, HDPE, Nylon, Peek, and many others. Some plastics that do not mark as well include white Delrin and clear plastics. We have noticed industry wide as well with glass filled polymers. Material with over 30% glass fill can have some difficulty marking due to the reflective nature of the glass in the material.
Industries that utilize foaming and charring types of marking include Automotive, Medical Devise, Medial Supplies, Dental Instruments, Medial Disposable products, R&D Facilities, Food Pack, and many more. Settings for a 1064nm fiber marking system vary greatly for each type of material. Utilizing Beamer’s test marking capabilities to finds the optimal settings for each material.
Contact us for a test marking today!
Every month: Look for our tech tips in The Laser Journal!
As the U.S. opens up, per your request we can now do face-to-face meetings. If you are interested, request a meeting by clicking the button above.
Customer Testimonial: Long-lasting American Made Machines
The owner of a Tool & Die Shop in the Midwest purchased a Beamer Laser Marking machine back in 2004. The manager stated “I’ve never had any problems and it’s still running today like it did when we purchased it!” American made performance has resulted in the longevity of production usefulness, no maintenance costs, and enhance production return on investment. For Laser Etching solutions, Beamer offers a value proposition second to any competitors.
Our Virtual Demonstration with multiple contributors offers a deep dive into the Beamer Laser Etching samples.