Marking on metal

Traditionally, laser marking involves engraving a physical mark onto a surface, generating a simple colour change in a surface, or etching a surface layer of a material to reveal another, highly contrasting layer underneath.

The non-contact nature of the laser process contributes to low maintenance schedules, as tools do not need to be replaced. Additionally laser marking is also highly repeatable and easily readable - even by machines.

It is, however, also responsible for the production of debris - fine metallic particles removed from the surface as part of the engraving process.

For bearing manufacturers, there are stringent requirements for this process debris. So the marking of bearing housings using a laser has traditionally combined a ‘minimal’ engraving process with an induced change in surface colour.

Until recently, Control Micro Systems of Winter Park, FL, USA, had built marking systems for bearing makers using Nd:YAG lasers, but one of its customers was looking for a way to reduce the cost, maintenance, lifetime and reliability issues associated with the Nd:YAG design.