Laser marking material compatibility

When you say a matrix, I assume you are trying to make a two-dimensional chart of which materials can be marked by which marking method. ¿Es cierto?

That is correct.

I"m a key accounts sales engineer selling to mainly large automotive and large OEM's like Parker, TRW a well as NASA. One of the products we are tremendiously successfull with is Trumpf laser welders and markers. Even the compitition says Trumpf "is" the leader in laser technologies. All UID or DOD conferances I've been to have Trumpf their as a presenter.

Take a look at their web site at http://www.us.trumpf.com/ and decide for yourself. Laser marking products are under the "laser technologies" drop down. There are a number of different materials that can be marked with lasers based of course on what you are looking for. Your best bet would to send material samples and your art work or description to Trumpf and they will test mark your material with the correct power and type laser then send you a choice of results. If for example you are just deep engraving you may use one laser. If you need plastic marked you will need another type such as a UV or cool laser to mark different types of plastic. As you see there are a number of ways to mark different materials. Trumpf though is the only company we have found that have the research facilities, resources and financial backing to offer all the above. I'd also highly suggest taking a trip to their facility if you are serious to review their findings on your test marks. Their people and facility are world class.

If you need help getting in contact let me know. I can connect you with everyone from sales, test engineers to the V.P. of Laser Technology. Good luck!

I used to work as an operator of a CO2 laser engraver, and I've been doing some studies on manufacturing processes in general. It predominantly depends on the power level of the laser. Higher power ones can cut through some metals easily. The laser I was using was a low power version, but I used it to engrave glass, wood and various plastics/acrylics.