Laser Marking: How It Works & Its Benefits

Many products made via industrial fabrication and commercial machining must be labeled to comply with federal law and help businesses keep track of which part is which. But if the product is used for applications where physical integrity is critical, as with steering columns, the marking process carries a high risk, as any engraving could compromise a part's strength.

That's where laser marking comes into play. Laser marking allows manufacturers of off-road steering columns and more to label their products without damaging them.

Learn more about this critical manufacturing service from BSM North America, your Burnsville, Minnesota laser marking experts.

Laser Marking: How It Works

As Today's Machining World explains, there are many ways to do laser marking, and which method is used depends on a product's requirements.

For example, products that can't function if they are anything but smooth might benefit from the annealing method, which warms the metal up via laser until it changes hue.

Engraving with a laser, on the other hand, actually makes divots in the metal, and while these may be small, they're sometimes significant enough to make the part function differently. Regardless, these days laser marking tends to be accomplished by a highly specialized machine paired with a computer program.

That doesn't diminish the importance of the human role, as we covered in The Benefits of Skilled Machining and Fabrication Workers.

Laser Marking the Right Way Leads to Stronger Products

As we said earlier, there are laser marking methods that eliminate material. But these also have the unfortunate effect of sometimes changing or weakening the final product.

On the other hand, laser marking via the annealing method simply changes a material's color, leaving the product with a permanent label that doesn't fade away and still allows for optimal functioning.

Laser Marking Is Environmentally Friendly

Even the toughest vinyl labels can break down with wear and tear, and ink can fade. Not only do both these alternatives to laser marking thus get expensive, but they're major drags on the environment, as the need for new material never ceases.

And with sustainability demand at an all-time high more manufacturers are making an effort to find eco-friendly options to advance their products and performance. Incorporating machine-assisted manufacturing for greater efficiency, near-sourcing products to shorten the need for extra energy in transportation, and investing in sustainable chemistry are all helping to enhance sustainability practices' efficiency levels.

Laser marking, in contrast, is a sustainable choice because it's one-and-done; The singular process marks a product for life, negating the need for environmentally taxing labeling products.

Plus, it doesn't use belts, pins, filters, toxic ink, or other chemicals in the first place, reducing the need for excessive consumables.

The System Uses Minimal Parts

The machines and systems require fewer moving parts meaning the components are less likely to break. This results in a more reliable and efficient system that reduces the risk of failure and fosters more durability.

Easier Maintenance

Because it's a no-contact type of technique, there will be minimal mechanical wear between the workpiece and the marking system, ensuring that the downtime and maintenance of the system are minimal.

Increased Accuracy

The laser markings are incredibly versatile and are more effective at marking at faster speeds. This ensures you will be getting varying powers with one type of laser.

Laser marking can be used on many different surfaces to achieve the specified requirements you need.

BSM North America: For All Your Commercial Machining Needs

For over 30 years, BSM North America has been providing the highest-quality laser marking, custom steering columns, and more in Burnsville. Our talented team covers all your needs, and we offer streamlined services based on experience and precision you can count on.

Contact our Burnsville office online or give us a call at 952-890-8146 today.