How To Adjust The Power And Frequency of CO2 Laser Marking Machine To Achieve The Best Marking Effect?

CO2 laser marking machine is an important equipment widely used in industrial manufacturing, artistic creation and commodity identification. It uses laser technology to mark and engrave various materials (such as metal, plastic, wood, glass, etc.) with high precision. Due to its high efficiency and non-contact characteristics, CO2 laser marking machine can not only achieve clear and lasting marking effects, but also show great flexibility in processing complex patterns and delicate texts. Therefore, in many fields such as packaging, electronics, medical and automotive, CO2 laser marking machines play an indispensable role in helping companies enhance their brand image and product added value.

When using CO2 laser marking machines, the two parameters of power and frequency have a crucial impact on the final marking effect. Power determines the energy output of the laser beam and directly affects the depth, speed and clarity of the mark. High power settings are usually suitable for materials that require deep marking, while low power is suitable for applications that require delicate marking. Frequency indicates the emission rate of the laser pulse, which affects the speed of marking and the performance of pattern details. By reasonably adjusting these two parameters, operators can obtain the best laser marking effect in various materials and applications to meet the needs of different customers and market standards.

1. Working principle of laser

Laser (light amplified by stimulated radiation) is a kind of light with high coherence, monochromaticity and directionality. The working principle of CO2 laser marking machine is based on carbon dioxide gas as laser medium. In the laser cavity, electric current passes through CO2 gas, excites gas molecules and generates activity energy, forming stimulated radiation. The excited molecules release photons through collision, and the photons are repeatedly reflected in the laser cavity, further exciting other molecules, and finally generating a powerful laser beam.

● Laser generation process:

Gases such as CO2 in the laser cavity are excited by electric current under high pressure.

The excited gas molecules trigger photon emission, and as the reflection increases, a strong laser beam is finally formed.

● Laser focusing:

The laser beam is focused into a very small spot through a focusing lens.

The size and energy density of this spot are crucial to the efficiency and effect of laser marking. The smaller the spot, the higher the energy density, and the more obvious the effect of material evaporation and ablation.

2. Basic steps of the marking process

The process of CO2 laser marking usually includes the following steps:

● Preparation:

Ensure the normal operation of the equipment, set the laser parameters (power, frequency, speed, etc.) and select the appropriate marking material.

Import the pattern or text to be marked through computer software.

● Marking area positioning:

The technician places the workpiece on the working platform of the marking machine and aligns it through the laser positioning system to ensure the accuracy of the marking area.

● Laser marking:

The laser head starts to move, and the laser beam marks along the set path.

The laser energy quickly heats the surface of the material, causing its local temperature to rise, which in turn causes the evaporation or ablation of the material.

As the laser scans line by line, the pattern gradually forms.

● Completion and inspection:

After marking, check whether the marking effect meets the requirements, such as clarity, depth and pattern integrity.

For unqualified products, they can be re-marked or scrapped.

Through the above process, the CO2 laser marking machine can achieve high-quality and durable marking effects on a variety of materials, widely meeting the needs of various industries. Click here for more information

1. Power definition

Laser output power refers to the energy released per unit time in the laser beam, usually expressed in watts (W). In CO2 laser marking machines, power directly affects the energy output of the laser beam, which determines the laser's ability to process materials. High power output means that the laser energy is more concentrated, which can heat and process materials faster and more efficiently, thereby improving marking speed and effect. However, too high or too low power settings may result in unsatisfactory marking effects or even damage the material.

2. The effect of power on marking effects

● Difference between light-colored materials and dark-colored materials

Light-colored materials (such as white plastic or wood) are more sensitive to power settings and usually require lower power for marking to avoid burning or discoloration. This is because the absorption characteristics of fluids and gases can form clear marks at low power without causing fading or damage to the material.

Dark materials (such as black plastic or some metals) can absorb laser energy better and usually require higher power to achieve ideal marking effects. The surface of dark materials is more likely to absorb laser energy, resulting in good contrast ratio and clarity.

● Surface pattern and depth

The marking effect will change significantly under different powers. At lower power settings, the energy of the laser is not enough to deeply engrave the pattern, and only shallow marks can be formed on the surface of the material, which is suitable for delicate patterns and text.

Higher power settings can increase the depth and clarity of the marking, so that the pattern and text form deeper indentations on the surface of the material, improving the overall readability and visual effect. However, this may also cause overburning and damage the material.

3. Adjustment suggestions

● Recommended power settings for common materials

Wood: The recommended power is 20-40W, depending on the density and type of wood to avoid overburning.

Plastic: Generally, the recommended power is 20-60W. Light-colored plastics should use lower power, while dark plastics can increase the power appropriately.

Leather: The recommended power is 30-50W, which can be clearly marked without damaging the leather grain.

Acrylic: The recommended power is 40-60W to achieve clean and rough cumulative marking.

● Experimentation and testing

To find the right power setting, the operator can perform a series of small-scale tests. For example, select different power settings, mark the same material, and then observe and record the results. The best setting can be found by adjusting parameters such as laser speed and frequency in combination with different powers.

You can also refer to the different depths and clarity of material samples to ensure the best marking effect. Quality control is an important step to ensure that the product is qualified and meets customer expectations, so it is recommended to establish standardized test processes and documentation for subsequent reference and reuse.

With reasonable power adjustment, CO2 laser marking machines can achieve high-quality marking of a range of materials, supporting the needs of various industries. Click here for more information

1. Coordination of marking speed

Marking speed, power and frequency are three interrelated important parameters in the laser marking process. The effective coordination between them determines the final marking quality and efficiency. The following is an explanation of the coordination of these three:

● Relationship between speed and power

When the marking speed increases, the laser stays on the material surface for a shorter time, and the heat is not enough to trigger a full material reaction. Therefore, in order to achieve a faster marking speed, it is usually necessary to increase the laser power to ensure that enough heat can be transferred to the material in a shorter time to achieve effective marking. This combination is suitable for fast marking scenarios, but it needs to be carefully regulated to avoid material damage.

Conversely, lower marking speeds allow for lower power settings. At lower speeds, the laser can stay on a point longer, enhancing the concentration of heat, thereby achieving deeper and clearer marking.

● The role of frequency

The marking frequency determines the number of pulses emitted by the laser per second. High frequency can speed up the marking speed, but if the power is not enough, it may cause weak marking or blur. Therefore, it is critical to properly adjust the frequency to suit the required marking speed and power.

When choosing a frequency, you need to consider the material properties. Some materials perform better at specific frequencies. When marking quickly, using high frequency with high power can improve efficiency; when fine and deep marking is required, the frequency and speed can be appropriately reduced and the pulse energy can be increased.

● Comprehensive adjustment

The recommended approach is to make preliminary settings based on the requirements of the material and marking effect, and then fine-tune the speed, power and frequency through trial proofing to achieve the best effect. Establishing an experimental template can help quickly find the optimal parameter combination.

2. The influence of beam focusing

The laser beam focusing is an important factor affecting the quality of marking. Selecting and adjusting the appropriate focusing lens can maximize the marking effect. The following are several key aspects of focusing the beam:

● Selection of focusing lens

The focal length and aperture of the focusing lens directly affect the focusing area and focusing accuracy of the laser beam. Lenses with shorter focal lengths can achieve tighter focusing and are suitable for markings that require high resolution and fine patterns.

Different materials and thicknesses require different focusing settings. For example, when marking thicker or reflective materials, you may need to use a larger lens to increase the spot diameter, which helps improve the uniformity of the mark.

● Adjustment of the focus position

The focus position, that is, the relative distance between the laser beam and the material surface, is also an important factor affecting the marking effect. The ideal focus position should be that the center of the laser beam is exactly on the surface of the material, which can produce the smallest spot and ensure the marking accuracy.

Adjusting the focus depth too small or too large may result in poor marking effect. Overfocus may cause unclear marking, consuming energy but not achieving the effect; while underfocus will cause insufficient marking depth or surface carbonization due to insufficient energy concentration.

● Impact on marking quality

The focus of the beam affects the way the laser acts on the surface of the material. Good focus can ensure a smaller spot at a certain energy and achieve more delicate marking, otherwise it may cause blurred patterns or unclear edges.

For marking works that require high contrast and clarity, precise control of beam focus is particularly important. Therefore, it is recommended to visually observe the sample before marking to ensure that the focus position and lens selection can meet the target effect.

By effectively combining the selection and adjustment of marking speed, power, frequency and beam focus, the efficiency and quality of laser marking can be significantly improved to meet the needs of different materials and applications. Click here for more information