To select a laser application for product needs, it is critical to know how a laser functions and the materials it is compatible with. Continuous wave lasers and pulsed fiber lasers are two forms of energy used to mark products. Discover how each laser functions and with what materials it is most effective.
Continuous wave (CW) lasers are concentrated waves of energy that emit a constant beam of light. CW lasers achieve laser output through continuous excitation energy. Because of the continuous energy, these lasers tend to have a lower peak power and a higher average power. In other words, this laser provides stable and consistent power.
CW lasers are best for applications that require a stable output and high average power, such as cutting on metallic and non-metallic surfaces and welding with crack-sensitive or non-heat-sensitive materials.
Here are some advantages of using CW lasers:
Pulsed lasers, also known as pulsed fiber lasers, release light energy in short bursts or pulses. Because of the brief concentration of energy at one time, pulsed fiber lasers are excellent for controlling the thermal impact on materials. Unlike CW lasers, pulsed lasers achieve high peak power with low average power.
Pulsed lasers are most effective for applications like laser marking, micro-machining and precision cutting — all of which are tasks where high energy density and minimal thermal impact are crucial.
Explore the advantages of pulsed lasers:
While CW lasers and pulsed lasers are highly effective, they operate differently from one another. For instance, CW lasers provide continuous power while pulsed lasers deliver high peak power.
Additionally, pulsed lasers minimize thermal impact, making them ideal for heat-sensitive materials. On the other hand, CW lasers may cause heat-related issues in certain applications. Based on these outcomes, it’s crucial to consider the materials being marked and how each laser would affect the result.
One strong benefit of both lasers is their flexibility. Pulsed lasers can adjust frequency and pulse duration for high-precision operations. CW lasers are capable of providing consistent power for extended periods.
Safety measures should be established before using any laser applications. Calculating the maximum permissible exposure (MPE) to radiation emissions, which stimulate the energy of a laser, is the best way to ensure safe operations.
While calculating MPE for CW lasers is easy due to the consistent and stable energy emitted, calculating MPE for pulsed lasers is difficult since the peak energies can be hard to calculate.
With over 100 years of collective laser experience, Laser Marking Technologies provides state-of-the-art and cost-effective solutions to the laser marking industry. Our team is here to guide you in choosing laser marking solutions that meet your needs.
Contact us to learn more.
