If Part 1 of the Laser Marking Machine Integration Guide focused on the “foundation work” of laser integration—preparation, environmental conditions, and safety requirements—then Part 2 serves as the practical operation manual.
In this section, we will dive deeper into the key details of the marking process and address common challenges related to code reading and machine communication on production lines.
Step 5: The Marking Process
1. Cleaning the Laser Head
When the laser head faces upward, dust can accumulate on the lens.
How can this issue be solved?
Installing protective glass helps prevent particles and dust from falling onto the lens. This glass is installed at an angle to prevent the laser beam from reflecting back toward the galvanometer scanner (located inside the laser head).
Note:
The lens is equipped with optimized protective glass designed to prevent dust from entering.
2. Positioning the Parts for Marking
Ensure that the part remains stationary during the marking process.
The marking area must always remain in the same position to ensure consistent alignment and angle, which is essential for stable marking quality.
3. Workpiece Production and Handling
The way workpieces are handled generally depends on the production process. Common methods include:
Manual loading
Robotic loading
Conveyors or rotary tables
When configuring laser parameters, production speed must also be taken into account, especially the cycle time required for each workpiece.
4. Laser System Maintenance
To ensure stable operation of the laser machine, the control unit must be kept clean.
It is recommended to install additional filters to reduce dust accumulation. A protective cabinet can also be installed around the control unit to prevent external contamination.
As for the laser machine’s protective glass, it should be cleaned regularly. The cleaning frequency depends on the level of dust in the environment.
As a general recommendation, the following components should be cleaned once per month:
Laser protective glass
Ventilation grilles
Camera lenses (if installed)
Tip
When using robots, slower movement speeds can produce stronger marking results, because the laser beam has more time to interact with the surface.
The frequency setting affects the peak energy output of the laser, which changes the appearance of the marking.
The power setting determines whether the mark appears light or more pronounced.
Step 6: Code Reading on the Production Line
To achieve optimal marking readability, several factors must be controlled.
Lighting variations, especially external lighting, can interfere with the operation of code readers. Stable and appropriate lighting conditions are essential to avoid reading errors.
If the laser beam reflects back toward the camera, it may damage the lens or sensor. Therefore, the camera must be properly positioned, and protective measures should be implemented to minimize this risk.
In addition, smoke generated during laser marking can interfere with optical sensors and affect reading quality. Proper smoke extraction helps maintain accurate and reliable reading results.
Step 7: Machine Communication on the Production Line
The network must remain stable to ensure proper operation.
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards must be followed so that both the laser system and the workstation can operate normally.
Failure to comply with these standards may result in:
Laser system failures
Electrical integration issues
Malfunction of the entire workstation
These problems can ultimately disrupt production.
Tip
When robots are used in the system, integrators must ensure safe interaction between humans and robots by implementing appropriate protective measures to avoid potential risks during shared operation.
Installing a laser system on a production line depends on several key factors:
Stable operating conditions
Regular equipment maintenance
Proper management of laser parameters
Most importantly, choosing Feiying as an experienced laser partner to support the project throughout the entire process is essential for successful integration.
Click below to read related information:
Laser Marking Machine Integration Guide: Common Pitfalls to Avoid (Part 1)