Manufacturing: Laser Marking’s Endless Benefits

Manufacturers used to have to choose between screen printing or engraving when marking a surface with a pattern, such as a barcode, image or text. These processes, however, were expensive, nonpermanent, and often damaged parts.

The implementation of laser marking, however, allows engineers to create characters, numbers or images on parts without damaging them. In place of using physical tools to etch or transmit ink to the surface, focused laser light is used to create easy-to-read, damage-free marks.

The process is clean and environmentally friendly

Marking processes such as inkjet or chemical etching use inks and chemicals that are not only expensive for businesses, but are also harmful to the environment. On the other hand, Marcatrici laser prezzo requires no consumables, making it clean, energy-efficient, and affordable.

Additionally, it eliminates the costs and downtime associated with cleaning, fixing, or powering printers. Laser marking can provide permanent identification for parts and does not require repeated markings as labels do.

Laser marking ensures clean processing with minimal contamination because it is a non-contact process. Unlike printing systems that scorch the material by marking, damage-free processes do not penetrate the material.

Compliance with federal law is made easier by laser marking

To maintain quality, traceability and other standards of safety, many federal groups require some form of identification. Part traceability is used by automotive companies, for example, to identify the date and location of a component’s production in case of failure – assisting in recalls.

Medical manufacturers are required to include a unique device identifier on their products’ labels and packages by the Food and Drug Administration. A UDI consists of a device identifier, which identifies the label and the model/version, and a production identifier, which represents several parts, such as an expiration date and serial number.

The FAA determines which markings are required on each part (such as model, builder, and certification), but the markings must be fireproof.

Using laser marking, parts can be connected to the Industrial Internet of Things

Another advantage of laser marking is its ability to connect with the Internet of Things. A large manufacturer with multiple laser marking machines had to upload a new job each time an order came in (which was time-consuming and inefficient). Mecco Marking and Traceability created a smart manufacturing solution that streamlines this process – connecting automation and laser marking to the IIoT.

David Sweet, president of Mecco Marking & Traceability, says historically, marking systems could not communicate directly with a PLC. Manufacturers who want to incorporate automated part marking into their operations have found it difficult. Its ability to communicate in both directions is a key benefit for us with the Remote API. Our clients’ PLCs can now be seamlessly connected with their laser marking devices, which they could not previously do.”

Counterfeit products are minimized

The global pharmaceutical industry is greatly impacted by counterfeiting – an epidemic that is not only illegal but has many social and economic repercussions. Global pharmaceutical sales are estimated to be counterfeited at 10 percent. This has cost the industry $16 billion, but it also opens a gateway for organized crime and terrorism.