
Uses and Types of Laser Marking Machine
2025-07-08Laser marking technology has become an indispensable precision processing method in modern manufacturing. It uses high-energy-density lasers to achieve permanent marking on the surface of materials, completely revolutionizing the limitations of traditional mechanical engraving and ink printing. This non-contact processing technology uses the physical and chemical reaction between photon energy and materials to achieve various types of markings from product traceability QR codes to exquisite brand logos at micron-level precision, providing modern manufacturing with efficient, environmentally friendly and highly flexible solutions. In this article, we will introduce the types and specific uses of laser marking machines in detail to help readers better understand this advanced technology.
Laser marking machine can be divided into seven types according to laser source, wavelength and processing characteristics. Each type shows unique advantages in material adaptability and processing effect:
I. Fiber Laser Marking Machine
Fiber laser marking machine is the most widely used type in the current market. It relies on fiber laser to generate laser and realizes marking operation through ultra-high-speed scanning galvanometer system. This type of laser marking machine has high electro-optical conversion efficiency, air cooling, compact size, high output beam quality, stable operation, long life, energy saving and environmental protection.
Fiber laser marking machine has many uses. It can engrave metal and some non-metallic materials, and is particularly suitable for applications with high requirements for depth, smoothness and fineness, such as stainless steel trims for mobile phones, clocks, molds, ICs and mobile phone keys. In addition, the bitmap marking function allows metal and plastic surfaces to be beautifully engraved with pictures, and the marking speed is several times higher than that of traditional first-generation lamp-pumped marking machines and second-generation semiconductor marking machines.
II. UV Laser Marking Machine
The UV laser marking machine uses UV laser technology and is a promising type. The UV laser marking machine is equipped with a deep UV laser, a high-speed scanning galvanometer system, etc. Since the UV laser marking machine has an extremely small focusing spot and the processing heat-affected zone is minimal, the UV laser marking system can perform ultra-fine marking and special material marking. The UV laser marking machine is the preferred product for customers who have higher requirements for marking effects. The text and patterns it prints are more detailed and clear, meeting the company's needs for high-quality marking. The power range of common UV lasers on the market is wide, including 3W, 5W, 10W and other specifications.
In terms of the use of UV laser marking machines, it is particularly suitable for the high-end market of ultra-fine processing, marking the surface of packaging bottles of cosmetics, medicines, foods and other polymer materials, with fine effects, clear and firm markings, better than inkjet coding and no pollution. In addition, it can also be used for marking and scribing flexible PCB boards, micro-hole and blind hole processing of silicon wafers, QR code marking of LCD glass, surface drilling of glassware, marking of metal surface coatings, marking of plastic buttons, electronic components, gifts, communication equipment, building materials, etc.
III. CO2 Laser Marking Machine
CO2 laser marking machine is another type of equipment with a wide range of uses. CO2 laser marker has occupied a place in the market with its excellent performance and long life. It is equipped with a high-performance CO2 laser, combined with a beam expansion and focusing optical system and a high-speed galvanometer scanner to ensure stable marking performance. CO2 laser uses CO2 gas as the working substance, the laser wavelength is 10.64μm, located in the mid-infrared frequency band, with high power and high electro-optical conversion rate.
CO2 laser marking machine can mark a variety of non-metallic materials and some metal products, such as bamboo products, wood, paper, ABS, PVC, epoxy resin, acrylic, leather, glass, architectural ceramics, rubber, etc. It is widely used in pharmaceutical packaging, food packaging, beverage packaging, plastics, textiles, leather, wood, handicrafts, electronic components, communications, clocks and watches, glasses, printing and other industries.
IV. Green Laser Marking Machine
The green laser marking machine is developed with the most advanced international wavelength of 532nm laser pumping technology (side pumping or end pumping). Customers can freely choose the pumping type according to the characteristics of their own products. This type of laser has a high electro-optical conversion rate, which can reach 30% or more than 45%, and the whole machine has low power consumption and good protection. The 532nm visible wavelength belongs to the category of cold light and has unique penetration for transparent materials.
This type of laser machine has a wide range of uses: marking a variety of metals such as stainless steel, copper alloy, etc. and a variety of non-metallic materials such as glass, gemstones, ceramics, electroplated buttons, gold-plated devices, etc., and marking of optical devices such as optical lenses, etc. or scales. It is also suitable for ceramic drilling, high-temperature PCB board direct molding, etc. It is irreplaceable in the field of glass engraving and can form three-dimensional patterns inside the crystal without damaging the surface. In recent years, it has achieved breakthroughs in the automotive glass industry, and can perform security coding markings in the middle of laminated glass to meet the regulatory requirements for vehicle traceability.
V. End-Pumped Laser Marking Machine
The full name of the end-face laser marking machine is the semiconductor end-face pumped laser marking machine. It uses a solid laser pumped by a semiconductor laser (Laser Diode, LD) as a pump source, and injects the laser crystal from the end face after fiber coupling. Make the pump beam enter the gain medium and overlap with the cavity mode space to the greatest extent, so as to obtain high-power and high-beam quality laser output.
In terms of the uses of end-pump laser marking machines, it is widely used in multiple industries with its advantages of high precision, strong stability and non-contact processing. In the electronics industry, it can be used for clear marking of precision components such as circuit boards, chips and connectors; in the hardware processing field, it can be used for permanent marking of screws, nuts and various metal accessories; in the plastics industry, it can achieve high-quality marking on the surface of plastic and rubber products; in the food packaging industry, it can be used for pollution-free and wear-resistant information marking on packaging bags, cans and bottles; in the automotive parts manufacturing, it is often used for efficient marking of key parts such as engine parts, brake pads and tires.
Different types of laser marking machines have their own characteristics and uses. Choosing the right laser marking equipment can not only improve production efficiency, but also ensure product quality and meet diverse market needs. With the advancement of technology, laser marking technology will continue to expand its application areas and bring more innovative possibilities to all walks of life. Its sustainable characteristics of no consumables and zero pollution are in line with the global low-carbon manufacturing trend and show lasting vitality in the wave of industrial digitalization.