How 8 Industries Use Laser Marking Systems
UV laser marking is a completely non-destructive method that alters the physical characteristics of a surface to create clean, clear, and indelible imagery. It’s an effective technique for many different materials, including certain metals, plastics, ceramics, glass, and more.
Additionally, UV laser marking accuracy and effectiveness make it suitable for highly regulated applications, such as medical device manufacturing, aerospace, and defense. And while the function of an industrial laser marking machine is relatively simple, there are actually many ways to implement them into your business. Read on to learn how these eight industries use laser marking systems to improve their performance and results.
PHARMACEUTICALS
The pharmaceutical industry benefits greatly from the use of laser marking machines, specifically regarding capsule marking and pill imprint coding. Due to government regulations, all medications sold to the general public must feature an identifying marking that provides information on drug type and dosage (some pill and capsule markings also denote trademarks and company logos or imagery). There are several different methods for creating these imprint codes, including debossing, embossing, printing, and engraving.
However, laser marking is perhaps the most effective and efficient method for labeling pills and capsules. This technique is non-destructive, making it highly suitable for marking sensitive medications. Plus, the process is much quicker than pressing drugs or other traditional marking methods. Lastly, UV laser marking is non-contact and extremely sanitary, eliminating instances of cross-contamination during production.
AUTOMOTIVE
Automotive manufacturing is a complex process that’s highly regulated and involves an exorbitant amount of components, equipment, and parts. UV laser marking machines are used in manufacturing to mark and identify various parts traveling along the assembly line. More importantly, laser marking is an invaluable method for safely labeling vehicle-related wires.
Why is marking automotive wires so essential to the industry? Mainly, it helps with cable management and makes maintenance work far easier for electricians. Additionally, it ensures better-assembled vehicles that are safer for the general public. Ultimately, UV laser marking machines make the manufacturing process simpler, faster, and more effective.
AEROSPACE
Just as with the automotive industry, laser marking machines help improve the success and efficiency of aerospace manufacturing. Furthermore, UV laser marking methods are often needed in this industry, as many aircraft components are made from unique and exotic materials that are resistant to other marking techniques.
The non-contact, non-destructive nature of UV laser marking ensures that airplane parts remain structurally sound and functional. Plus, this specific industry is heavily regulated (for a good reason!), so having a dependable, fast, and accurate method for labeling metals, plastics, and wires is paramount. Military defense manufacturers also use the same equipment as the aerospace businesses for many of the same reasons listed above.
JEWELRY MAKING
While UV laser marking is often implemented in specific, highly-industrial environments, it is beneficial in jewelry marking applications. For instance, certain metals react poorly to engraving and other marking techniques. Plus, engraving is a slow and sometimes imperfect process that’s impractical for large-scale jewelry-making operations. Since UV laser marking merely changes the properties of a given surface, it’s a very safe and efficient tool for lapidaries. Additionally, this method is suitable for accurately marking tiny objects, such as pet name tags, necklace charms, ring bands, and more.
MEDICAL DEVICE MANUFACTURING
UV laser marking is highly useful for many different applications, but perhaps none more than medical device manufacturing. Similar to other industries on this list, medical device manufacturers are under strict government regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of patients.
UV laser marking is non-contact and highly sterile, making it ideal for creating labels on implants, catheters, and other devices. And since little heat is required, medical devices won’t accidentally suffer damage during the marking process. As a bonus, the indelible marking produced by laser marking machines is durable in any environment, including inside the human body, as the imagery will never fade away.
ELECTRONICS
Plenty of engraving methods used within the electronics industry are effective, but none are as capable of labeling tiny components as UV laser marking machines. When microchips, circuit boards, resistors, and other smart electronic parts require markings, laser machines are used to produce accurate and clear results. You can even adjust the wavelength of your laser machine to mark microscopic objects successfully! And, as stated before, there’s no risk of the UV laser beam damaging delicate electronic materials.
WIRE AND CABLE
Wire and cable manufacturing is a very specific industry that, among other things, is responsible for processing many products at once. Properly labeling such a massive number of wires and cables during production requires comprehensive machinery. That’s where UV laser marking comes into play; these machines are built to process many cables and wires at a quick pace without sacrificing image quality. And, of course, UV laser marking is non-destructive, especially when interacting with sensitive insulation jackets and electrical components.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
UV laser marking machines are extremely useful during the food and beverage manufacturing process! Food and beverage processing plants often install laser marking machines on their assembly line. Their function is to create lot numbers, expiration codes, and other important markings on the product packaging.
These devices can label a wide array of materials, including plastic, ceramics, glass, and more. Plus, they work quickly and effectively, helping expedite the processing and manufacturing processes. UV laser marking machines are automated to further increase productivity.
As you can see, these various industries use laser marking systems in very different ways. Some utilize this technology for its efficiency and accuracy. Other businesses benefit from the non-destructive and sanitary manner of laser marking techniques. Overall, every industry that has regulated or specific manufacturing processes can benefit from installing laser marking systems in their facilities.
For some applications, such as jewelry making, a small device is all that is needed; however, large-scale operations in the medical device or pharmaceutical manufacturing sector may require more equipment. Regardless of your specific requirements, we at Tri-Star Technologies have the right laser marking machines and products. Please browse our selection today to find the perfect item for you and your business. You can also contact our friendly team for additional information on our processing equipment.
