[Actual Problems] Marking/Processing Problems

Posted by gemlasersyao on February 2nd, 2018

Discover GEM solutions used to solve problems in real work sites on this page. Also, learn the tricks behind on-site improvements.

Direct Marking on Surfaces Painted for Rustproofing
Problem 1
We have metal products that are painted, and we are currently managing them by affixing labels, but we are wondering if there is a way to use laser markers to perform direct marking.

However, the paint provides rustproofing, so it is pointless if this paint is peeled off. What should we do?

Solution
CO2We recommend that you try testing with a CO2 laser marker!
It is true that using a laser marker to mark a painted surface tends to peel off the paint due to the heat applied to the surface. However, it is possible to use a CO2 laser marker to perform marking in which not all of the paint is removed and enough paint is left to still provide rustproofing. Our laser markers have been used to mark automotive undercarriage parts (cation-coated products), which are used in an environment that is highly susceptible to rusting.

With laser marking, no running costs are incurred. More than anything, laser marking has the key advantage of marking products in a way such that the marks will not fade.

Laser markers contribute greatly to process improvements.

* GEM makes no guarantees regarding corrosion of painted products after marking.

Be sure to perform evaluations such as salt spray tests.

Processing/Marking on Front and Back Surfaces at the Same Time
Problem 2
We are using edged tools to cut the sheath off of coaxial cables, but we are considering switching to laser markers.

However, our installation space is limited, so it is difficult to install two units to process both the front and back of these cables. What should we do?

Solution
We recommend that you use mirror reflections to process both sides!
The smaller the cable, the greater the advantages to using non-contact processing, which does not damage the cable. It is entirely possible that the existing space is not large enough to install laser markers.

In this case, it is possible to use mirrors to reflect the optical axes of a single laser marker in order to process both the front and back sides.

What's more, with 3-Axis control, there is no need for tooling changes even if the cable diameter changes. This is an original manufacturing process that is only possible with GEM products.

By using a laser, it is possible to perform processing that does not damage the internal conductor.

Also, laser markers are maintenance free, which eliminates any concerns of the edged tools deteriorating.

Laser markers contribute greatly to improved quality and increased yield.

Thick-line Marking without Increasing the Machine Tact Time
Problem 3
We are currently using your laser markers to mark ICs, but we want to improve the marking visibility by using thicker lines.

However, when we configure the settings for thicker lines, the marking time becomes longer, which makes it impossible to meet the machine tact time. Do you have any suggestions for things that we can try?

Solution
We recommend that you try using defocusing!
Configuring the settings for thick lines can indeed make the line width larger as you would expect.

However, this naturally corresponds to an increase in marking time. In this situation, it is possible to perform marking with slightly thicker lines by misaligning the focal point in order to create a defocused state. This simply widens the single lines, so there is no effect on the marking time.

When the Color Generated on the Resin Package Varies between Different Products
Problem 4
We are using YAG lasers to perform contrast marking on resin molded packages, but the colors generated on each product vary due to slight variations in product materials.

The same line is used for multiple different models, so we have to set the conditions every time, which is difficult.

Do you have any suggestions for things that we can try?

Solution
We recommend an SHG wavelength (green) laser!
It's true that there may be differences in generated color and visibility when using the standard wavelength of 1046 nm with resin.

Generally speaking, the shorter the wavelength of a laser, the higher its energy and the higher its absorption coefficient with the material. An SHG wavelength (green) laser has a wavelength of 532 nm and can perform marking with good color generation and visibility under the same conditions even if the resin differs.

With an SHG wavelength (green) laser, contrast marking under the same conditions is possible even if the material differs.

What's more, with the switch to low-profile packages, laser markers also meet needs such as for shallow engraving marking with minimal damage to the internal circuit.