Views: 28 Author: Leapion Publish Time: 04-29-2022 Origin: https://www.leapion.com/
Today， Leapion will introduce you the following 7 key points to help you understand whether dot peen or laser marking is best for your application.
When it comes to marking quality and contrast, laser marking provides better results. The resolution is fixed by the laser beam size which can be easily modified, allowing markings with lots of details.
On the other hand, dot peen systems have a low contrast. Barcode readers often need special lighting conditions to read data matrix codes made by dot peening.
Dot peen systems tend to be inconsistent due to the mechanical process involved. As such, they contribute to a higher scrap rate. Marking quality is more consistent with laser markers.
All machines require maintenance, but some require it more than others. For laser marking, maintenance is minimal because the marking process is a non-contact one. Lasers require no consumables and process surfaces with laser light, so there is no mechanical wear between the laser and the part.
Dot peen systems are constantly stressed by shocks and vibrations. For this reason, they require regular maintenance. If there is a lack of maintenance, the marking quality diminishes, and the scrap rate increases.
Dot peen systems are typically used to mark rigid materials such as metals or hard plastics. These materials are common in the automotive and aeronautics industries, and so are dot peen systems.
Laser markers offer endless possibilities in terms of optical configuration. This important parametrization makes them effective for various materials such as metals (aluminum, stainless steel, etc.), ceramics, wood, plastics, and so on. Lasers are thus used in a wider range of industries.
Dot peen systems are adequate for the writing of alphanumeric serial numbers or 2D barcodes, such as data matrix codes. However, they are not widely used for the writing of 1D barcodes. This is because 1D barcode readers need a higher level of writing contrast than 2D barcodes which cannot be achieved by dot peen marking.
Laser markers stand out with their ability to do different types of tracking codes and markings ranging from alphanumeric serial numbers to 2D barcodes. Laser marking can also be optimized to maintain a high readability rate after a range of surface treatments, including shotblasting, heat treating, powder coating, and e-coating. On the other hand, dot peen markings will most likely become unreadable if the production process involves post treatments.
Both dot peening and laser marking can be used for the deep marking of VIN numbers (also known as deep engraving), an important application in the automotive industry. For dot peen systems, the marking depth can be adjusted with the Z-axis of the stylus. For laser systems, the laser engraving process generates the energy required to dig deep into metals.
The main advantage of dot peen systems is their initial low price compared to other marking methods. Typical solutions start at around $6,000, which makes them easy to fit in initial budgets.
Due to the mechanic contact between the dot peen system and the material, the writing tip deteriorates and must be replaced regularly. This leads to significant recurrent costs and constant maintenance.
The great flexibility offered by laser markers comes with a higher price tag. A typical laser marking system starts at $35,000 and up depending on the laser type and power required for the application. ,
Laser markers do not require additional or recurrent purchases and are low in maintenance, so they provide a better return on investment in the long term.
In production lines, keeping up with cycle times is often a requirement. To ensure this, one thing you need to look at is the system’s marking speed.
Dot peen systems have a slow marking speed, making them less than ideal for many production lines. If time is not a concern however, they can do just fine.
In contrast, laser marking systems can meet the most challenging cycle times. This is because the laser’s power can be increased to process materials faster. For instance, a 100W laser works almost twice as fast as a 50W laser and can achieve high marking speeds.
If you are interested in learning more about how to meet cycle times for your production line, you should contact an expert.
When it comes to traceability, many manufacturers need to communicate the information to be marked from a centralized database to the marking system. Other manufacturers rely on standalone configurations that do not need to be connected to such a database.
All these options are made available through the system’s PLC and have little to do with the type of marking system. Laser markers and dot peen systems can both offer connectivity options. You just need to make sure that the communication protocol corresponds to your current installations (Ethernet/IP, PROFINET, RS-232, etc.).
Dot peen marking systems have been used for decades and remain an effective solution mainly because of their low purchase price and permanent markings. However, laser markers have become the go-to solution when a high performance is required, such as a superior density of information, or fast and easily readable markings.
No use of consumables and low level of maintenance needed
High speed marking with enhanced resolution
High-quality contrasts allowing all types of barcodes
Cost effective in the long run
If you are interested in the laser marking machines, contact a Leapion expert. We can guide you through our workstations, production line solutions and laser systems.
