Selection and Application of Aurora Series Thunder Laser Markers
Thunder Laser’s AURORA series laser marking machines mainly have 3 models: Q-switched laser marking machines, MOPA laser marking machines, and ultraviolet (UV) laser marking machines.
The laser types used in our company’s Q-switched laser marking machines and MOPA laser marking machines are fiber lasers. Q-switched and MOPA are named based on the laser working principle and technology. The UV marking machine uses a type of solid-state laser. Ultraviolet describes the working wavelength of the laser, not the type of laser emitting it.
The three types of laser marking machines differ in working principles, parameters, processable materials, and processing effects. If you want to understand the similarities and differences among the three laser marking machines in detail, or hope to find the most suitable one for your use, please read on!
Parameters
Standard Mechanical Parameters
Standard Laser Parameters
Power
The power of the Q-switched laser marking machine is adjustable from 10%-100%; the power of the MOPA laser marking machine is adjustable from 0-100%.
The power parameter of the UV laser marking machine is not adjustable.
Laser Wavelength
The laser wavelength of the Q-switched and MOPA laser marking machines is 1064nm, which will produce obvious thermal effects during processing. The laser wavelength of the UV laser marking machine is 355nm, which almost does not produce thermal effects during processing.
The frequency range of the 20W Q-switched laser marking machine is 20-60kHz; the frequency range of the 50W machine is 50-100kHz; the frequency range of the MOPA laser marking machine is 1-4000kHz. The frequency range of the UV laser marking machine is 20-150kHz.
Pulse Width
The pulse width parameter of the Q-switched laser marking machine is not adjustable. The adjustable pulse width range of the MOPA laser marking machine is 2-500ns. The adjustable Q pulse width range of the UV laser marking machine is 1-50μs.
Compared to the Q-switched laser marking machine, the MOPA laser marking machine has the advantages of a wider adjustable frequency range, adjustable pulse width, ability to provide peak power at adjustable frequencies, and ability to instantly reach peak power. This makes the MOPA laser marking machine produce finer processing quality and faster processing than the Q-switched laser marking machine.
Optional Configurations
Applicable Materials
Due to the different working principles and parameters of the three laser marking machines, the materials and effects they can process also differ.
Due to its specific laser wavelength and limited frequency and pulse width ranges, the Q-switched laser marking machine can mark brass, white copper, purple copper, phosphor bronze, 304 (food grade) stainless steel, mirror-finished stainless steel, carbon steel, pure iron, galvanized iron plates, zinc alloys, gold-plated zinc alloys, zinc, magnesium, nickel, aluminum, anodized aluminum, titanium, and other metals, as well as non-metallic materials like PBT, PET, epoxy resin, PU leather, and slate. However, it is not suitable for marking non-metallic materials like wood, PA66, PE, PP, and glass, and the marking color range is relatively limited. The Q-switched laser marking machine can also be used for removing coatings or paint from coated metals, painted ABS, etc.
The range of applicable materials for the MOPA laser marking machine is generally consistent with that of the Q-switched laser marking machine.
UV laser marking is a cold-light marking process that directly acts on the molecular structure of the material without heating it. This can avoid material ignition during processing and prevent heat damage to the material. Additionally, no dust or smoke is produced during the UV marking process. Therefore, the UV laser marking machine is suitable for marking most materials except for a few highly reflective metals, including metals, wood, and plastics. It is particularly suitable for materials susceptible to heat, such as glass and thermoplastics.
Marking Effects
The Q-switched laser marking machine has basic marking functions and can mark materials like ABS and aluminum, as well as some non-metallic materials. For metals like brass, 304 stainless steel, carbon steel, mirror-finished stainless steel, galvanized iron plates, and magnesium plates, it can achieve black and white marking effects. It can produce stable color marking on titanium plates, which has practical value. It can also produce color marking on stainless steel and nickel plates, but this is not highly recommended.
The MOPA laser marking machine can realize all the marking functions of the Q-switched laser marking machine. Additionally, the MOPA laser marking machine produces more vivid marking colors and can achieve black marking on anodized aluminum and stable color marking on stainless steel. Furthermore, the MOPA laser marking machine produces finer marking effects, with smoother marking and less background texture.
The UV laser marking machine performs well on plastic outer packaging for food, daily necessities, and electrical appliances, with marking effects comparable to inkjet printing but without the pollution caused by ink.
Application Scenarios
Marking Dates, Batches, and Traceability Codes
Crafts
Want to make money using a laser marking machine? Want to use a laser marking machine to create unique designs? You can’t miss the MOPA laser marking machine! The MOPA laser marking machine is suitable for various materials, produces fine marking quality, and offers flexible parameter combinations. It can even create beautiful, colorful oxide film coatings on stainless steel and other metals.
If you have a limited budget, you can choose the Q-switched laser marking machine. For crafts, the marking quality of the Q-switched laser marking machine is sufficiently exquisite. Although it cannot create stable, multi-colored oxide film coatings on stainless steel, the Q-switched laser marking machine can achieve color marking on titanium plates.
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