This laser marked threaded coupling, has undergone a process called \blackening\. It is used to add mild corrosion resistance, for appearance and to minimize light reflection. When laser marked, the resulting images can be quite unusual. With this component, the resulting laser marking appears to be gold in appearence.
The shape of the component lends itself to marking on the flat surface, but using a radial software too, so the mark details follows the diameter of the product, which is a standard feature on most laser marking systems today. Removing the blackening, provides the highest level on contrast to the mark.
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 of parts. Tooling design uses a cross slot and dowel locating system, while jigging is specifically designed to accommodate both simple and complex shapes as required. The operating software holds positional data, so the laser and tooling are aligned.
We used an Nd:YAG Q-switched laser, in our M Series marking unit, to process the parts. It is important to make sure appropriate parameters are made, to ensure vapourisation to the surface takes place, without burning the base material, which in this case is steel.
If you would like further information on this laser marking application or any other application please call us on 01727 224731
