Laser Marking FAQ

Start from the material and the result you want. Low power (20 W fiber / 3–5 W UV) suits fine detail, thin coatings and heat-sensitive parts. Mid power (30 W fiber / 60 W CO₂) is the common production band for general marking. Higher power (50–100 W) is for deeper engraving, faster cycle times and heavier duty cycles. More power does not always give a sharper mark — contrast and depth are tuned through speed, frequency and pulse parameters during sample testing.

The marking field is set by the F-Theta lens. Common options cover roughly 110 × 110 mm (fine detail, small parts), 175 × 175 mm (general production), 220 × 220 mm (nameplates, panels) and 300 × 300 mm (large workpieces). A wider field lowers spot size resolution and raises working distance, so choose the lens that matches your largest part — lenses can be swapped later when the job changes.

The scanner speed (stated in mm/s) is the maximum beam travel rate — not the parts-per-minute rate. Real cycle time also depends on mark area, number of passes, power density and how long the part takes to load. Fast, light marking of a small logo is very quick; deep engraving of a large area is slower and may need multiple passes. Sample testing gives you the real numbers on your part.

Fiber (1064 nm) is commonly used for metals; UV (355 nm) for fine detail on suitable plastics and glass; CO₂ (10.6 µm) for suitable wood, acrylic, leather and packaging. MOPA provides adjustable pulse control for effects such as colors on suitable stainless steel and titanium, or dark marks on selected anodized aluminum. Formulation and surface condition matter, so test representative parts before selecting a process. See the full comparison →

The marking software imports common vector formats (PLT, DXF, AI, EPS) and image files, and includes generators for text, serial numbers, barcodes, QR codes and DataMatrix. Variable data — sequential numbers, date/time, shifted codes and external data import — is supported for traceability runs.

Yes — a rotary axis attachment rotates the workpiece so text and codes wrap evenly around cylinders, such as pens, tubes, rings and round fittings. The rotary axis is configured as an optional accessory; your part diameter and wrap length determine the chuck or fixture needed.

The machine runs from a standard PC or integrated controller. Typical operators learn to load a file, focus the beam using the height gauge and run a job in a short session. The machine is pre-configured with your material parameters before dispatch; day-to-day use is loading the mark file and pressing start. Deeper tuning — power, speed, frequency, pulse width and scanning strategy — is available for engineers who need it.

Sealed fiber and CO₂ sources have no routine consumables. Wear items are optical — the protective window / protective glass on the output and (on some setups) the F-Theta lens — which should be inspected and cleaned, and replaced if damaged. A clean-room environment and a coverslip in good condition are the main factors in stable mark quality.

Machines are packed in reinforced wooden cases with foam cushioning and internal bracing, with the optical head and scanner protected for freight. Bench units and handheld units ship by express or sea freight depending on destination and volume. Keep the original packaging for any later relocation or return.

Yes — send samples of your material and your marking files. The test confirms the source, power and lens, and returns marked samples with the parameters used. Read about sample testing →