Machine type usedM Series laser amrkign system
Laser sourceNd:YAG Q switched laser
ApplicationAlphanumeric text
Completion year1998
CustomerIBM
MaterialCeramic, plastic, fr4

Back in the day, when a computer processor actually had value, manufacturers played with the idea of being able to identify their products. This followed a court case, in America, where thieves walked out of court because the prosecution were unable to prove that product (devices) found on the arrested individuals belonged to their client, the manufacturer. IBM led the field with a programme that had them facilitate all their manufacturing sites worldwide with laser marking, in order to customise their product for future reference. The programme included laser marking the outside, but also logging ID numbers within the chips reference library.

The photo shows a number of different chipsets, all laser marked with a variety of identifying information. ND:YAG was used to mark the selection of plastic and ceramic based components. Some complications arose from marking too deep, but these were resolved quickly. The detail required at this level is quite remarkable, but the laser marking does not affect bonding wires yet, is of course, permanent.

Due to the quantity required in each manufacturing batch, the M series was built with a tray to tray transfer facility (Jedec trays were used to transport most of the devices being used). The scan field was able to process approx. half of the tray in one sequence; the tray would then be indexed so that the remaining devices could be processed. The trays were then sent to an off load station, where non tray based devices were marked, we provided a tube to tube facility, based on gravity feed through the laser marking area.

Nd:YAG laser marking was used back then. Fibre technology is more likely to be used today as it can cope with both materials very well.

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.

Our Case Studies

laser marking anodised aluminium

Laser marking Anodised Aluminium – Electrical symbols

Anodising has become a dominant form of finishing for aluminium. This is largely due to its cost effectiveness, availability and suitability, across a whole host of applications and industrial sectors. Laser marking anodised aluminium, has also become an accepted process across these industrial sectors.

Anodising is an electrolytic passivation process. It changes the microscopic texture of the aluminium by modifying the crystal structure near the surface. The passivation thickness will be…

VIEW CASE STUDY
laser marking anodised aluminium panels - equipment front panel

Laser Marking Anodised Aluminium Panels- Equipment Front Panels

Anodising has become a dominant form of finishing for aluminium. This is largely due to its cost effectiveness, availability and suitability, across a whole host of applications and industrial sectors. Laser marking anodised aluminium panels, has also become an accepted process across these industrial sectors.

What is Anodised Aluminium

Anodising is an electrolytic passivation process. It changes the microscopic texture of the aluminium by…

VIEW CASE STUDY
product branding by laser marking anodised aluminium

Product branding by laser marking anodised Aluminium

A good example of product branding by laser marking is anodised aluminium. It is used in high end audio accessories in the form of cable tidies.  The aluminium is highly polished, prior to anodising, in order to achieve the high gloss finish on the part.

The laser process, delivers small pulses of energy to the component surface. These pulses have enough energy to vaporise the surface of the aluminium where the anodised coating occurs. This exposes the base material, aluminium,…

VIEW CASE STUDY