Laser marking is a method of processing materials using laser beams. Laser marking machines can be divided into ultraviolet laser marking machines and fiber laser marking machines according to different types of lasers.
1. Principle Difference
The UV laser marking machine uses an ultraviolet laser with a wavelength of 355nm, while the fiber laser marking machine uses an infrared laser with a wavelength of 1064nm. Lasers of different wavelengths have different characteristics, so the principles of UV laser marking machines and fiber laser marking machines are also different.
UV laser marking machine uses the photochemical effect of UV laser for processing. When ultraviolet laser irradiates the surface of the material, it will excite the electrons of the molecules on the surface of the material and put them in an excited state. The excited electrons will quickly return to the ground state and release energy. This energy causes chemical changes on the surface of the material, resulting in the formation of marks.
Fiber laser marking machine uses the thermal effect of infrared laser for processing. When the infrared laser shines on the surface of the material, it will melt or vaporize part of the surface of the material to form a mark.
2. Performance Differences
There are also certain differences in performance between UV laser marking machines and fiber laser marking machines.
UV laser marking machine
The light spot is smaller and the accuracy is higher. This is because UV light has a shorter wavelength and therefore a smaller focused spot. The accuracy of UV laser marking machines can reach micron level, so they are very suitable for fine processing.
The heat affected zone is extremely small, there will be no thermal effects, and there will be no problem of material burning. This is because UV laser penetration is weak and therefore does not generate a large amount of heat to the material.
Marking is fast and efficient. This is because the penetration power of UV laser is weak, so it can quickly mark the surface of the material.
The whole machine has stable performance, small size and low power consumption.
Fiber laser marking machine
The output power is higher and the processing speed is faster. This is because infrared light has a longer wavelength and therefore more penetrating power. The output power of fiber laser marking machines can reach several kilowatts, so it is very suitable for marking metal materials.
Wide range of applications. Fiber laser can penetrate various materials and is therefore suitable for marking various metallic and non-metallic materials.
It is non-contact processing, which does not damage the product or cause tool wear.
The marking quality is good, the laser beam is thin, the processing material consumption is very small, and the processing heat affected zone is small.
It has high processing efficiency, adopts computer control and is easy to realize automation.
3. Differences In Scope Of Application
UV laser marking machine is suitable for marking various non-metallic materials, including plastics, glass, ceramics, stone, rubber, electronic components, etc. UV laser marking machines are characterized by high precision, clear markings, and no pollution, so they are very suitable for marking high-end products.
Fiber laser marking machines are suitable for marking various metal materials, including steel, aluminum, copper, titanium, etc. Fiber laser marking machines are characterized by fast speed, high power, and wide application range, so they are very suitable for marking in industrial production.
4. Price Difference
The price of UV laser marking machines is generally higher than that of fiber laser marking machines. This is because the manufacturing process of UV lasers is more complex and therefore more expensive.
5. Summary
UV laser marking machines and fiber laser marking machines each have their own advantages and are suitable for different application scenarios. When users choose a laser marking machine, they should choose according to their actual needs.
Recommended Selection
If you need to perform fine processing on non-metallic materials, such as plastics, glass, ceramics, stone, etc., then UV laser marking machine is a better choice.
If rapid processing of metal materials is required, such as steel, aluminum, copper, titanium, etc., then fiber laser marking machine is a better choice.
UV laser marking machine
The UV laser marking machine uses solid-state laser as the laser, which has the characteristics of smaller spot, higher precision, and extremely small heat-affected zone. It is suitable for marking various non-metallic materials, especially for high-end products.
Fiber laser marking machine
The fiber laser marking machine uses optical fiber as the output medium of the laser, which has the characteristics of small size, light weight, high efficiency and high cost performance. It can process a variety of metal and non-metal materials, especially for marking high hardness, high melting point, and brittle materials.
Future Trends
With the continuous development of laser technology, both UV laser marking machines and fiber laser marking machines will develop towards higher precision, higher power and lower cost.
