LASER ANNEALING

WHAT IS LASER ANNEALING?

Our laser annealing machine leaves no measurable surface ablation or appreciable material removal on stainless steel and other metals but will provide a dark contrast mark that, if applied properly will pass the most rugged passivation cycles. This is because there is no ablation since no material is taken away. Using the laser annealing machine, with certain metals such as stainless-steel alloys, allows for corrosion-resistant marking. Through this process, there is no damage done to the surface’s structure, and the mark is permanently applied. By Utilizing MOPA (Master Oscillator Power Amplifier) different colors can be achieved with the different frequencies and the pulse width modulations featured on the laser annealing machine. Of course, laser annealing is also possible on any alloy which contains iron. For a technical description of color marking please see our MOPA supplying partner SPI Laser Source from Southampton, UK.

WHEN TO USE LASER ANNEALING

MEDICAL

The exact type of mark required by the medical device industry is typically called a laser annealing mark. Black Laser Annealing does not remove or engrave the material. Instead, marks left by the laser annealing machine are created by using the heat of the laser beam and bringing the work piece close to its melting point. As a result, the MOPA pulsed fiber laser annealing beam creates the desired dark oxide layers on the medical metal surface. As always, the result is highly dependent on the composition of the material and the resulting oxide. LMT can assist you with choosing the right laser annealing machine to help guide you through this process.

CUTTING TOOLS

We developed the formulas to effectively mark carbide tools with our laser engraving machine for metal without disrupting the final diameter of the cutting tool, thereby allowing the cutting tools to run in shrink fit tool holders without any run-out! Allowing laser marked carbide and HSS tools to be ran in shrink-fit tooling operations. We completed comprehensive trials to prevent any stress fracturing due to stainless steel laser marking on carbide micro tools and have been the pioneer in the marking of cutting tools with literally thousands of customers in the industry!

METAL

PLASTIC

AUTOMOTIVE

DENTAL TOOLS

ORTHOPEDIC PRODUCTS

SURGICAL EQUIPMENT

MEDICAL

CUTTING TOOLS