Anodised aluminium laser marking is common place in today’s industrial sectors. The anodising is removed to expose the aluminium base material, creating a very highly defined image.
The application
The part is manufactured from Aluminium and anodised black. With this variation we create the part ID mark on the top surface of the component where it is relatively straight forward. There is no set position around the diameter, and therefore the part can go into a straight datum corner jig. The laser marking information is set up to be on a radial marking format making best use of the area and providing a better finish.
An Nd:YAG Flash lamped laser is used in the laser marking process. CO2 laser can also be utilised for marking anodised materials. In this case, the wavelength removes the dye in the material finish delivering a white mark finish. While this can look very good, it is difficult to control due to the heat creeping away from the mark area. The end result can be blurred edges to the mark. In most cases Nd:YAG would be the preferred laser to use.
The part shown in the picture makes up part of a family. With some of the components, the mark is placed on the angled face. With those with small angles we can mark from directly above. The angel is not severe enough to create distortion on the surface. Those with a much greater angle, we flatten the angle out within the jigging, so the part can be marked on opposite sides. This does introduce more handling of the part, but the end result is much better.
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.
