What range can the marking depth of a laser marking machine be precisely controlled within?

In the use of laser marking machines, precise control of marking depth is crucial, as it directly affects whether the product marking effect can meet the requirements. Whether for clear identification of product information or achieving specific process effects, understanding the precise control range of marking depth is key.

Different materials and marking depth control

Metal materials: For common metals such as stainless steel, carbon steel, etc., the marking depth control range of laser marking machine is relatively wide. In general, by adjusting parameters reasonably, marking depths ranging from micrometers to a few tenths of a millimeter can be achieved. For example, when marking the product model on the surface of stainless steel, it is required to have a shallow depth to ensure a beautiful surface. The depth can be precisely controlled within 10-50 microns; If permanent depth markings are to be made on carbon steel workpieces, the depth can reach about 0.2-0.5 millimeters. However, the actual control range may vary among different metal materials due to their different absorption and conduction characteristics of laser.

Non metallic materials: Taking plastic and wood as examples, plastic materials are diverse, and the control range of marking depth varies. Ordinary plastics such as polyethylene can be accurately marked at a depth of 0-0.3 millimeters; For some engineering plastics, the control range may be slightly narrower. When marking wood, in order to avoid excessive carbonization affecting the appearance, the marking depth is usually precisely controlled at 0-0.2 millimeters, which can leave clear marks without damaging the wood structure.

Factors affecting the accuracy of marking depth control

Laser power adjustment: Laser power is a key factor affecting the depth of marking. The higher the power, the deeper the marking depth. However, when adjusting the power, precise control is required. For example, in metal marking, the marking depth will change accordingly for every increase or decrease in power by a certain value, usually accurate to the milliwatt level, in order to achieve fine control of the marking depth.

Pulse width and frequency: The combination of pulse width and frequency affects the marking depth. A longer pulse width and appropriate frequency can allow laser energy to be more concentrated on the material, increasing the marking depth. When adjusting, the pulse width can be precise to the nanosecond level, and the frequency can be precise to the kilohertz level. By accurately setting them, precise control of the marking depth can be achieved.

Equipment precision and marking depth control

High end laser marking machines have higher precision in design and manufacturing, and their control systems can execute marking depth control instructions more accurately. For example, the depth control error of some advanced equipment can be controlled within ± 5 microns. Compared with ordinary equipment, it can achieve more accurate marking depth control and meet the application scenarios that require extremely high depth accuracy, such as microelectronic device marking.

The precise control range of the marking depth of the laser marking machine varies depending on the material and is influenced by various factors. By precise adjustment of equipment parameters and ensuring the high precision of the equipment itself, it is possible to achieve precise marking depth control from micrometer to millimeter levels on different materials to meet diverse marking needs.