Laser Marking Systems

howdy BV, we are using some etchers from Keyence. They are not the YAG style but we did test and spec them out. The MD-H9800 is a killer set up.It will mark on glass drill stock and bearings. And can be used for cutting. They are dust proof and have a small foot print. www.keyence.com . They seem to have the best "bang for the buck".

Dear Mr. BV; If the YAG power is less than 10W then you can switchover to CO2. Visit "Sinrad" ; experts in lasers. I got some working experience with both types of lasers in Semiconductor component marking. YAG lasers are very difficult maintain.

errr, uh,.......not true at all. You are making the assumption that the laser is being used for some gross ablation on a receptive type material.

The wavelengths are completely different; carbon dioxide laser beam (10,600 nm) & Nd:YAG laser beam (1064 nm). HUGE difference.

Very important is to know your materials & wavelengths. There are many materials which are not markable by CO2 laser due to the wavelength. Also, a lot can depend on the type of marking required and finesse level needed.

My own experience is that Nd:YAG offers greater finesse, mark materials spectrum and opportunity for mark variation. CO2 is cheaper, but has drawbacks.

My own two personal favorites for high quality and robust systems are Rofin Sinar (the old AB Lasers group for marking) and Electrox. Both have marking expertise for a wide variety of materials and high industrial robustness. Check all your materials before your switch source types. Good luck

Yes! Know your material first before attempting to choose any laser. So many new technologies out there! Rofin seems to be one of the best, but quite pricey. Try out Miyachi (or Miyachi-Unitek) or Keyence. Both offer fiber lasers, YAG, YvO4, etc.