Fibre lasers (or lasers with similar wavelengths), are traditionally used for metal marking due to their energy being absorbed more efficiently than other wavelengths. This higher efficiency leads to faster process speeds, providing better process economics, along with much higher quality levels. Laser marking stainless steel street furniture is a great example of this.
Black anneal marking
This is a common type of marking seen on the range of stainless steel materials used throughout industrial sectors. The mark is created by enhancing the oxide layer thickness to the material surface by heating using the laser energy.
Stainless steel, for example, changes colour when it reaches temperatures between 200 and 300°C. During this range the material surface can achieve different colours, though, the goal is usually a ” black”. See the image showing laser marking of stainless steel street furniture.
Colour marking
Certain materials such as stainless steel, can be processed by laser to achieve colour changes to the surface. Due to the complexity of achieving this, along with available process speeds it is not a process that is actively used on a commercial basis.
In the example shown the stainless steel disk is 200 mm in diameter and 6mm thick. It forms part of street furniture providing various places in the town with identifiable names. These disks would be fixed to stands and furniture completing the forms.
For further information please visit our subcontract page, where further details can be found on how Thinklaser can help with your laser marking of Stainless Steel Street Furniture.
If you would like further information on this laser marking application, or any other application please request a call back or talk to one of our laser marking specialists on 01737 826902
