Batch code laser marking machine

Types of batch code laser marking machine

A batch code laser marking machine is useful in making batch codes and other important details on products. Such machines help industries to print variable data like batch codes, dates, barcodes, and serial numbers in an efficient way.

These machines are usually divided into several categories based on features, laser types, and applications. The most common types are:

Fiber laser marking machines

Fiber laser marking machines are suitable for several surfaces and are particularly effective on metals. The high accuracy of fiber laser markers makes them ideal for fine and detailed markings, which is often required in electronics and tools.

CO2 laser marking machines

CO2 laser marking machines use a carbon dioxide laser. These machines are ideal for marking non-metallic materials like plastic, wood, paper, and glass. They can also be used in printing batch codes and other important product information.

Diode-pumped laser marking machines

Diode-pumped laser marking machines is a laser source, usually with a solid-state crystal that an integrated laser diode pumps. These machines combine features from both fiber and traditional laser marking systems, which gives off a consistent and detailed marking.

Desktop laser marking machines

A desktop laser marking machine is compact and can fit on a desk or a small working surface. These machines commonly feature CO2 or fiber lasers for variance in their application. The small size and versatility of desktop machines make them suitable for light industrial work, small workshops, and even niche markets.

Hybrid laser marking machines

Hybrid laser marking machines fuse different laser technologies together, for instance, combining fiber and diode lasers. These machines deliver enhanced flexibility in marking different materials.

Industrial applications of batch code laser marking machine

Pharmaceuticals

Pharmaceuticals is one of the major industries that batch code laser marking machines are used. These machines are beneficial in ensuring compliance with traceability regulations. The laser machines help imprint batch codes, expiry dates, and other essential information in a legible and permanent manner. This prevents counterfeiting and helps in ensuring product safety.

Food and beverages

In the food and beverage industry, maintaining freshness and ensuring traceability is important. Laser marking machines help in creating batch codes, use by dates, and other necessary product details directly on the packaging material.

Electronics

As for the electronics industry, laser marking machines are used to mark serial numbers, QR codes, and other identification information. Laser marking provides indelible marks that can survive several processes like testing, assembly, and shipping.

Cosmetics

Laser marking machines in this industry mainly help in product traceability and authenticity. Since counterfeiting is a big issue in the cosmetic industry, these machines help in marking batch codes, manufacturing dates, and other useful product information to ensure each product can be traced back to its origin.

Automotive

Automotive parts require markings like serial numbers, barcodes, and sometimes even QR codes for traceability. In this industry, laser marking machines are considered one of the most efficient ways to implement batch codes while ensuring the codes remain legible even after several automotive processes.

Manufacturing

Manufacturers use a laser marking machine to create barcodes, QR codes, and other necessary details directly on metal parts, tools, and their packaging. Such machines help reduce human input during the inventory management process.

Product specifications and features of a batch code laser marking machine

Technical specifications

The important batch code laser marking machine specifications include:

• Laser type: This is commonly a fiber, CO2, or diode-pumped solid-state laser, which is derived from a varying material.
• Marking area: Marking areas for laser marking machines vary from 70mm x 70mm to 175mm x 175mm. Most, however, have an adjustable marking area depending on the surface they will be used on.
• Laser power: Laser powers, most times, range between 5W and 50W. Higher powers are ideal for more industrial and heavier work.
• Engraving speed: This usually varies from 20 m/s to 100 m/s. Higher speeds mean that a machine can make marks faster without any loss of quality.
• Cooling system: This can be air or water cooling, depending on the kind of industry the machine is used in. Water cooling is more suited for long hours of use, while air cooling works fine during less intensive operations.

How to install

Setting up a batch code laser marking machine is done in the following steps:

• Unpack the machine and get all the parts intact as per the accessories list. Then place the machine in its right position and connect the base to the stand to make it stable.
• Install a cooling system if the laser marking machine requires one.
• Install the laser attachment on the machine gantry and ensure it is secure and tight. Then connect the laser to the power supply.
• Install the lens that matches the job by referring to the user manual which gives details on switching marking lenses.
• Install the worktable or item holder for steady positioning.
• Use an USB cord to connect the machine to a computer so that the machine will be given tasks.
• Open software on the computer, and select options on the software to correlate with the work area measurement.

How to use

The usage procedure involves the following steps:

• Prepare the materials by adjusting the height and focusing the laser on the item to be engraved or coded.
• Power on the machine and launch the software that controls it. Establish a link between the software and hardware.
• Load the content for marking such as batch code, serial number, and other variable data. The data can be entered manually or imported from a saved file.
• Choose the desired font, size, and position among the available templates in the software.
• Conduct a trial marking on a test piece to confirm settings and content.
• Once satisfied with the test, proceed to mark the actual product.

Maintenance and repair

Maintenance and repairs include the following:

• Regularly clean the lens with recommended solutions and materials.
• Regularly check for laser beam alignment.
• Inspect and replace faulty electrical wiring.
• Inspect and replace faulty electrical wiring.
• Inspect and replace faulty electrical wiring.

Quality and safety considerations of a batch code laser marking machine

Quality considerations

Quality considerations mostly focus on how to ensure that laser marking gives batch codes with good readability.

• Use high-quality focusing lenses to improve the quality and functioning of the laser beam.
• Regular machine cleaning prevents contamination of the lens or laser aperture. This ensures the laser beam is clean and powerful.
• Regularly conducting maintenance checks keeps the machine in optimum working conditions, preventing random failures that might affect marking quality.
• Ensure the machine has been properly set up with correct focal lengths, power settings, and marking speeds according to the material.

Safety considerations

Some safety precautions to consider when operating laser marking machines include:

• Employees working close to a batch code printer should wear suitable protective gear, as the laser can cause injuries if touched. The gear includes laser safety glasses, gloves, and sometimes face shields to prevent arc flash burns.
• Laser marking machines should be placed in such a way that bystanders do not come close to the laser beam or reflections. If reflected, the beam has the potential to cause serious laser-induced injuries.
• All doors and covers of a laser marking machine should be interlocked with a stopping feature that stops the laser as soon as the door or the cover is opened.
• Use of a fire extinguisher in the case of fire outbreak due to laser operation that causes sparks or ignites flammable material.

Q&A

Q1. Which materials are suitable for laser marking?

A1: A batch code printing machine works well on most materials. However, materials like plastics, wood, paper, and glass are best for CO2 laser marking machines. Metal and materials with thin layers of marking are more ideal for fiber laser marking machines.

Q2. Is there a difference between laser etching and laser marking?

A2: The difference between laser etching and laser marking is depth. While laser marking is just the surface level of a product to make details, laser etching goes a little deeper into the material.

Q3. How does a laser marking machine work?

A3: When a laser marking machine's beam strikes the surface it is working on, it melts, vaporizes, or moves the material apart, in that order, to create a mark. In simpler words, the laser beam transfers energy to the surface where it focuses on to create the mark required.

Q4. What safety measures can be used to minimize the dangers of a laser marking machine?

A4: Some effective ways to minimize safety risks include using a machine with a shield, wearing personal protective equipment, and ensuring proper maintenance of the machine.

Q5. What is the life expectancy of laser marking machines?

A5: Laser marking machines can be used for 25,000–30,000 hours, depending on usage.