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Laser Metal Marking Basics
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Epilog offers two solutions for marking metal with bar codes, serial numbers and logos. Coming soon, our new FiberMark system will allow you to engrave directly on metal. Using a Fiber Laser within our system, non-contact metal marking is possible without any additional sprays or other materials.
If you're looking at the more versatile CO2 laser systems that Epilog manufactures, including the Mini, Helix and Legend EXT, you can still work with many different types of metal. Using a two-step process called Metal Marking you can permanently mark bare metals with 2D and data matrix bar codes, serial numbers and logos. Simply spray a metal marking solution on the bare metal, let it dry, and laser engrave your image into the metal. Wash off the material with water and you have a great, inexpensive way to permanently mark metal! |
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The Advantages of Fiber Laser Metal Marking
Permanent marks of all kinds are required on many products today. Fiber lasers, because of their extremely long operational life, lack of required maintenance or alignment and relatively low cost are rapidly becoming the marking method of choice for industrial marking applications. As government regulations become more strict about disposal of traditional marking materials like ink and acid etching chemicals, companies are looking for ways to make their product marking easier and environmentally friendly.
Non-contact fiber laser marking is a perfect choice for many metal marking needs because it:
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Does not affect the integrity of the part
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Produces a high-contrast permanent mark
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Requires almost no maintenance
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Can be operated from almost any Windows-based software
- Is exceptionally easy to use by practically anyone in your organization!
For a brochure and sample kit, please visit our FiberMark brochure request form. |
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The Advantages of Laser Metal Marking
Non-contact CO2 laser marking is an excellent method of permanently marking your products. While traditional metal engraving removes part of the tool, changing the strength of the part, the laser mark is actually on top of the metal. Wherever the laser hits the metal marking spray, a reaction is created where the spray bonds to the metal, creating a permanent black mark. Whether you're marking one part or a thousand, nothing compares to the fast and affordable marking that an Epilog laser system provides. The CO2 laser systems that work with the additional spray are also more versatile than our FiberMark system because they will work with wood, acrylic, leather and many more materials.
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Epilog Laser Engraving Systems
Epilog Laser manufactures four different models of engraving systems with various work areas and laser wattages to fit your needs:
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Epilog Mini 18: CO2 laser system, 18" x 12" work area
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Epilog Mini 24: CO2 laser system, 24" x 12" work area
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Epilog Helix: CO2 laser system, 24" x 18" work area
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Legend 36EXT: CO2 laser system, 36" x 24" work area
- FiberMark: Fiber laser system, 24" x 12" work area
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Is the mark truly permanent?
Physical testing on the metal marking has shown the marks to be resistant to several common strong acids, bases, organic solvents and extreme heat or cold. The laser mark also has good salt spray resistance, scratch resistance and QUV resistance.
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Where can I get this metal marking spray?
There are two manufacturers of this compound: CerMark and Thermark. Check out each one and see which is the right fit for your metal. If you have a metal you would like us to test, please send it to our Applications Lab
Image to Marking in 3 Easy Steps
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Simply apply the metal marking solution to the metal. You can purchase the spray either in a spray can or as a powder that you mix with denatured alcohol.
Spray or brush on a thin, even layer across the entire surface of the metal.
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Place your metal parts on the engraving table and set up the bar code, serial number or logo you want to mark. The system is hooked up to your computer just like a printer. Set a speed and power in the print driver for the material you are cutting, and send it to the laser.
The laser will automatically adjust to the correct height based on the thickness of the material you are working with. |
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Finally, wash off the excess metal marking compound. The resulting mark with be crisp and black, standing out well from the metal.
This process works with a variety of metals, including stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper, nickel, silver and titanium. |
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