Color marking is a process that allows manufacturers to adjust the refractive index, forming a transparent or semi-transparent oxide film. Depending on the substrate with which you’re working, the colors can vary. Rather than using lasers to engrave or cut the surface of a material, marking delivers a contrast in color by varying the oxide layer.
Manufacturers have been using lasers to add color to materials for over a decade. Plastics like ABS, PE and glass-filled plastics with proper additives are compatible with the color marking process. But it’s most common to see metals like stainless steel and titanium in the color marking field since it’s easiest to achieve an oxide layer to change the light refraction with these mediums.
Color marking requires a specific focus beam. Both pulsed and continuous lasers can be used to create identifying marks, barcodes and even numbers. The pulse length and other variables determine how much heat touches the surface of a product. During the color marking process, focused energy is used to change the molecular structure of a material.
In plastics, localized heat allows you to bring out a darker or lighter hue in the material, and the color is determined by the material’s composition. When working with metals, color marking involves precipitating a carbon layer on the surface, which often results in a colorful hue.
Special-built laser systems harness the power of light to change a material’s color. Each laser has several adjustable parameters, such as wavelength, pulse width, spot size and power. You can use different combinations of these laser parameters to achieve your desired application. The process is greatly impacted by the material choice.
By adjusting the laser’s pulse length and width, laser operators can impact the energy density of the material, which contributes to color differences. Taking the laser out of focus can help to prevent damage to a material, which is particularly important in medical marking. And while working with a Master Oscillator Power Amplifier (MOPA), you can even vary the waveforms. Laser Marking Technologies has a matrix that can step in to modify the currents, speeds and other variables to expedite the process.
Fiber and C02 lasers are popular choices for laser marking, each offering distinct advantages.
Fiber lasers utilize a laser beam source of silica glass mixed with rare-earth elements. This composition enables them to achieve high precision and speed, making them well-suited for applications requiring intricate markings and rapid production. Additionally, fiber lasers excel in creating high-contrast markings, which are ideal for applications where readability and visibility are necessary. Fiber lasers are often used in metallic applications.
On the other hand, CO2 lasers derive their laser beam from a mixture of gases, such as carbon dioxide. These lasers are effective for non-metallic color markings and offer versatility in applications with a wide range of desired colors. CO2 lasers are commonly used in the pharmaceutical and food packaging industries, as well as in electrical appliances, PVC pipes, mobile phones and more.
While fiber lasers excel in speed, precision and high-contrast markings, CO2 lasers offer versatility and color options. Choosing between the two depends on the specific requirements of the application at hand and the budget. CO2 lasers generally cost less than fiber lasers.
Color markings serve as crucial communication tools across industries. Incorporating gradient, texture and multilayer techniques enriches the design’s versatility, adding depth and sophistication. Whether conveying information on products, enhancing branding or ensuring safety, these advanced applications elevate the impact and functionality of color markings in diverse contexts. Popular color laser engraving machine techniques include:
By integrating these advanced techniques into color marking practices, businesses can enhance their visual identity, engage consumers on a deeper level and differentiate their products in competitive markets.
Discover the versatility of our color marking applications. Our professional team has a proven track record of great customer service and cost-effective solutions. Contact us today to reap the benefits of laser marking, or request a sample!
