Product branding using lasers offers flexability to produce a wide range of complex images at cost effective levels.
The application
An extensive range of tax disk holders, have product branding using lasers for the automotive owner.
Anodising
Available in a range of colours, shown here in black. This electrolytic passivation is widely used across industry on aluminium for a variety of reasons. The process can also provide a huge range of colour variations through the use of colour dying. The process changes the microscopic texture of the aluminium, by modifying the crystal structure near the surface.
Product branding using lasers, in the case of Nd:YAG, is used to vaporise the top surface to remove the area affected by the anodising process exposing the host material. Where a darker dye colouring is used, the contrast levels remain high between the two contrasting surface areas.
Product branding using lasers – CO2
CO2 lasers can also be used to process anodised aluminium. In this case, it is the dye that is directly affected rather than the material. The energy from the laser, creates a heating action that removes the dye from the surface. The use of CO2, is generally not as well received as Nd:YAG, due to the lower quality created by the mark process. This is directly related to the fact that the heating effect is difficult to control due to “heat creep”. The result is a fuzzy edge to the mark image, and not as crisp as with Nd:YAG. The main advantage, is no material is removed leaving the anodising closer to its original state, while per unit cost will be slightly higher with CO2 due to the process time being slower.
The combined precision of the beam placement, along with our tooling design, means the part and mark are precisely aligned every time we set up a new batch. Your files are saved and held for as long as you wish to work with us.
If you would like further information on this laser application, or any other application, please request a call back or talk to one of our laser marking specialists on 01737 826902.
