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A Guide to Infrared Picosecond Laser Marking Technology

An infrared picosecond marking machine is a kind of marking machine that uses infrared picosecond lasers that emit ultra-short pulses of light with durations measured in picoseconds (one trillionth of a second) to mark and cut materials.

The wavelength of the picosecond laser falls into the infrared range, which means that the laser beams are not visible to human eyes. The picosecond laser releases optical pulses that last between 1 ps and some tens of picoseconds. As a result, it is classified as an ultrafast laser or an ultrashort pulse laser.

Features

● Customizable software

The functionality and features of the picosecond laser marking machine can be customized to adapt to the specific requirements and preferences of the customers. That is, marking parameters and settings such as laser power, pulse duration, scanning speed, or focus position can be adjusted.

Custom marking templates containing predefined settings can also be saved, which the software can recall and apply whenever necessary. Moreover, the software supports multiple languages. Hence, various types of data, such as serial numbers, batch numbers, date codes, or customized messages, can be generated in the language of the customer’s choice.

● Multiple supported file formats

The laser marking software of the picosecond laser marking machine supports several file formats, including CAD (DXF), PLT, BMP, JPG, and AI. This means that you can instruct the laser machine to generate patterns, designs, or data from any of these file formats, and it will accept all of your instructions.

● Marking capabilities

The picosecond laser marking machine is capable of marking  1D and 2D bar codes, GS1 codes, series numbers, batch numbers, logos, and company information. Besides, it can create color marking on Titanium and black marking on Stainless Steel and Anodized Aluminum.

● Damage-proof marking

The ultra-short pulse duration of a picosecond laser ensures that the markings generated on the materials by the picosecond laser marking machine are not damaged in any way. The heat-affected zone around the markings experiences minimal thermal effects, resulting in a low risk of thermal damage such as burning, melting, charring, or micro-cracking.

So, whether the marking is done on solid materials like metals or on heat-sensitive materials like plastic or glass, the materials will be marked safely.

What are the benefits of Picosecond marking machine?

Picosecond marking machines offer several significant advantages, making them valuable in a wide range of industrial applications. The following are some notable benefits of using a picosecond marking machine.

High contrast

The most significant benefit of using a picosecond laser marking machine is achieving high-contrast markings with clear and sharp edges. The ultra-short high-intensity picosecond lasers create the markings precisely. The patterns or texts appear sharp and clear, making the marking easily readable, scannable, and traceable.

Besides, the ability to create high-contrast black markings on stainless steel, such as QR codes, logos, serial numbers, and so on, makes material identification and quality assurance easier, particularly for medical devices and food packaging.

Faster marking speeds

When compared to other marking technologies, the picosecond laser marking machine creates markings faster while maintaining accuracy. The ultra-short and ultra-fast pico lasers can penetrate the surface of the material and ablate more materials in a shorter amount of time, resulting in increased production efficiency.

Hence. The faster marking speed of the picosecond laser marking machine makes it ideal for high-volume industrial use.

Better surface finish

The markings created by a picosecond marking machine have a top-notch surface finish. The pico lasers penetrate the surface layer of the material to some extent and create high-contrast permanent markings by removing or vaporizing the materials from the marked patterns. Although picosecond lasers are highly intense, their ultra-short pulse duration produces minimal heat.

The minimal heat output prevents the materials from burning, cracking, or melting. Therefore, the surface of the materials has a smooth finish, be it metal, luxury goods, jewelry, or decorative items.

Easy to use

The user-friendly design of a picosecond laser marking machine makes it easy to use even for operators with limited working experience. The machines come with software that has all the instructions pre-programmed. However, there are options to adjust the settings, such as laser power, pulse duration, scanning speed, and so on.

The layout, color scheme, or display options of the software can also be customized to create an intuitive interface that meets operational preferences. The machine also has automated features for precise positioning, focus adjustment, and batch marking, which helps streamline the marking process.

High precision

High precision is another key advantage of using a picosecond laser marking machine. The ultra-short pulse duration allows for precise control of the laser energy, allowing for intricate markings with sharp edges and fine details. During the marking process, the sharp and intense laser beams mark only the text, pattern, or design specified in the instruction, leaving the surrounding area untouched.

This high-quality marking technology is ideal for industries that manufacture high-quality goods, such as medical devices, electronic components, and so on.

Minimal maintenance required

Picosecond laser marking machines require minimal maintenance over their operational lifespan. The major reason behind their durability is the low generation of heat. Machines usually become prone to damage when an excessive amount of heat is emitted during mass production. However, picosecond laser machines can conduct mass production of markings while emitting minimal heat that neither harms the materials nor the machine.

As a result, the frequency of laser replacement or other machine components is almost non-existent, saving a significant sum that would otherwise have to be invested in maintenance.

The common uses of picosecond marking machine?

Picosecond marking machines are different compared to other laser technology that uses nanosecond lasers. The machine can be used for a variety of purposes due to its versatility.

Here are some common uses of picosecond marking machines.

Laser Marking

One of the major and most popular uses of a picosecond marking machine is laser marking. Nowadays, almost every industry needs laser marking machines for creating permanent and precise markings on the surfaces of various materials. The markings can be anything, including a bar code, logo, QR code, serial number, date, price, or other customized information.

Unlike other laser technologies, the pico laser can penetrate deeper into materials. Hence, it is ideal for marking materials that other lasers do not support. Moreover, its high precision, high contrast, and low heat emission make it the perfect technique for marking small, heat-sensitive, or complex markings without the risk of melting, warping, breaking, burning, or discoloration.

Mark medical devices

The use of a Picosecond laser marking machine to mark medical devices has become an essential part of the medical device manufacturing industry. Medical equipment is extremely sensitive and needs to be kept clean because it comes into contact with human bodies. It is inappropriate to mark these devices with conventional ink that contains harmful substances or with other laser machines that produce low-contrast markings.

Besides, marking medical devices needs to maintain several criteria, for instance:

It’s worth mentioning that the picosecond laser marking machine is capable of maintaining all the abovementioned criteria. It can create high-contrast permanent markings on metal medical devices such as scissors, scalpels, forceps, or other devices such as syringes, cannulas, catheters, hoses, implants, and so on, without any human contact or the use of harmful elements.

Moreover, some devices have materials that are so sensitive that other lasers can burn or damage them; on the other hand, some devices are so solid that other lasers cannot create deep, high-contrast markings. In such cases, picosecond laser marking is the ideal solution for creating high-contrast permanent markings that do not fade even when exposed to hospital chemicals.

Automotive parts

A picosecond laser marking machine is used for marking various automotive parts and components. Automotive parts such as chassis parts, engine components, electrical components, etc., are usually made of metals (aluminum, steel, copper, brass, anodized aluminum), plastic, rubber, glass, ceramics, and so on.

With the help of picosecond laser marking machines, serial numbers, batch numbers, manufacturing dates, logos, warning signs, 2D or 3D codes, and other markings are created on different automotive parts.  

Vehicle nameplates, water pump nameplates, air compressor nameplates, etc., are prone to getting damaged easily as they are exposed to water, heat, or chemicals. So, they are also marked with picosecond laser machines to make the markings durable and usable for years to come.

Electronics components

Electronic components such as circuit boards, connectors, resistors, capacitors, integrated circuits (ICs), or PCBs are marked using picosecond laser marking machines. Usually, the QR codes, manufacturing dates, logos, and other necessary numbers are marked on the component. Apart from these, the machine is capable of marking printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) with accuracy and speed.

As picosecond laser marking machines are capable of marking these sensitive electronic components while maintaining their functionality, they are commonly used in the electronic industry.

Consumer products

Food, beverages, clothing, accessories, office supplies, or electronic appliances all require certain information to be displayed on their packaging, such as a logo, batch number, manufacturing date, expiration date, price, safety instructions, warning signs, and so on. Some of its packaging is made of plastic, while others are made of metals such as paper, aluminum, or glass.

As this information should be permanent and resistant to tear and wear, picosecond laser marking machines are mostly used. Although other laser techniques can also be used, not all laser technology supports the marking of sensitive plastic films or hard metals, like picosecond lasers.

Surface Texturing

A picosecond laser marking machine is also used to create textures on various surfaces. Surface texturing is used in a variety of industries; for example, microdimples on automobile parts improve the frictional properties of brake rotors or engine blocks; food packaging to improve gripping; and decorative items to improve the aesthetics of the materials.

Picosecond laser machines can produce precise markings-be they text, logos, or patterns. Furthermore, its low heat generation during the marking process ensures the safety of the marked materials, which is why its demand for surface texturing is increasing.

Applications of picosecond marking machine

Let’s learn about the different applications of the picosecond marking machine.

Laser Material Processing

Laser material processing includes laser marking, laser drilling, laser cutting, surface structuring, etc. Picosecond marking machines are widely used in industries that require micro-machining, micro-structuring, or thin film ablation. Nanosecond lasers have long pulse duration causing more heat diffusion compared to the ultra-short pulses of a picosecond laser with high peak powers. So, picosecond lasers are better at creating high-quality fine structures (micromachining).

Industrial Manufacturing

The picosecond laser marking machine is designed for industrial manufacturing.  Picosecond marking machines uses ultra-fast picosecond laser to create the marking on the materials. In addition to that, the machine’s durability is excellent, necessitating little maintenance.

On top of that, picosecond technology is economical compared to femtosecond laser technology, which produces similar output. That’s why, for industrial manufacturing, companies consider it one of the best laser techniques available, capable of handling heavy industrial loads, mass production in a short period of time, and profit maximization to a large extent.

Plastic and Polymer Marking

Plastics and polymers are widely used materials in almost every industry. The packaging of food and beverages is mostly made of plastic, and medical applications such as implants, lenses, or sutures are made of polymers. Other industries, such as electronics, automobiles, etc., also use plastic and polymers as their major components.

As picosecond lasers produce low heat, a wide range of plastic and polymer materials, including thin plastic films, can be marked safely.  Furthermore, the high contrast marking ability of the picosecond laser makes the marking visible even in transparent materials.

Glass and Ceramic Marking

Materials such as glassware, decorative glass items, or ceramic components are fragile and heat sensitive. Marking these components requires the use of laser techniques that generate the least amount of heat. On this note, the application of picosecond laser marking machines is highly noticeable in the glass and ceramic industries.

Picosecond lasers are used to create logos, brand names, or customized patterns, text, or designs. The picosecond lasers penetrate deep layers, so the markings do not cause any sensation on the surface. Apart from marking, the picosecond lasers are strong enough to cut through glasses or create engravings.

Product Branding and Identification

Logos, brand names, or unique identification numbers are part of product branding and their identification. These details on the product packaging establish a brand identity as well as prevent counterfeiting. Whether the product is a smartphone, laptop, car, or drink bottle, companies invest a huge sum in their branding.

Hence, the application of picosecond marking machines is popular for creating branding and identification on products in all sectors.

Jewelry and Luxury Goods

Marking and engraving personalized designs or messages is a popular way for people to give special gifts to their loved ones. Picosecond lasers can penetrate deep into the surfaces of materials, even hard metals. Besides, picosecond laser technology is economical compared to other lasers that are capable of producing similar results.

So, the customization of the messages on the jewelry and other luxury goods such as bags, wallets, etc., are marked with picosecond laser marking technology. Additionally, the marking machine is used to add hallmarks and other significant information to the jewelry as a way to verify its authenticity.

Conclusion

To sum up, the use of a picosecond laser marking machine gives businesses an advantage by allowing them to produce large amounts of product in a short period of time while using less energy.

If you need a marking machine that can mark a variety of materials and can handle a heavy workload, the picosecond laser marking machine is a great option.