Laser marking systems have experienced strong growth in manufacturing processes in recent years, in part due to the level of automation and the marking flexibility they offer. 3D laser marking is the latest process that’s disrupting the industry, delivering multiple benefits to those at the forefront of this cutting edge technology. The benefits of 3D laser marking include enhanced speed, durability, flexibility, and more. Here, we’ll explore how 3D laser marking works, before looking at the unique advantages of 3D laser marking. What is 3D laser marking? 3D laser marking is an advanced laser technique that’s used to produce a deep, permanent etching or a 3D effect on a wide variety of materials. 3D laser marking dynamically adjusts the focal length of the laser to enable marking on curved, uneven, and multi-level surfaces, whereas 2D marking is limited to flat surfaces. A 3D laser marking system will use a different scan head to a 2D system, with fiber and CO2 lasers most compatible with a 3D system. How does a 3D laser marking system work? There are three main elements to a 3D laser marking system: 1. A fast galvanometer A fast galvanometer is necessary for 3D marking and for rapid focal length adjustment. For example, Cambridge Technology’s 3-axis scan head with integrated Z-axis can yield a range of up to ±400 mm from the nominal focal distance, delivering ultimate synchronization between X, Y and Z axis. 2. High-performance marking software A 3D laser marking system also requires high-performance software that has the ability to import a 3D CAD drawing of the workpiece and the desired pattern to be marked in 3D. Cambridge Technology’s ScanMaster Designer software is designed for complex jobs like 3D marking. Its highly sophisticated yet easy-to-use features enable users to display an allowable 3D marking field, before either wrapping or marking the pattern on the 3D CAD drawing of a workpiece seamlessly. 3. Properly matched laser source Lasers emit light at a specific wavelength that needs to be matched to the target material to ensure proper marking. CO2 laser wavelengths match well with organic materials, while fiber laser wavelengths match better with metals. The complete 3D laser marking system The combination of a 3-axis scan head and a highly graphical user interface software allows users to produce high-quality 3D marking with high speeds and durability. In addition to high performance, the ScanMaster Designer also offers higher accuracy calibration compared to traditional methods of scaling 2D calibration into a pyramidic algorithm. Other key features of a complete 3D laser marking system include: 3-axis control free of dongle Calibration accuracy 3D modeling Marking flexibility 8 benefits of 3D laser marking From speed and efficiency to versatility and precision, the benefits of laser marking are wide-ranging, and these are only heightened when working with a 3D system. Below are some of the key advantages of 3D laser marking. 1. Speed First on our list of 3D laser marking advantages is its ability to achieve precise results significantly faster than other laser solutions. 3D solutions can complete marking tasks at a higher speed while achieving deeper etchings than other methods. This type of laser marking also lends itself to seamless repeatability, as it can work across a variety of surfaces, meaning there’s less job set-up time compared to other kinds of etching, helping to keep your operations efficient. 2. Versatile applications 3D laser marking is perhaps the most versatile etching technique of all, effective in a wide range of applications. Surface materials that can be marked using a 3D laser system include: Polymers Bare metals Coated metals Anodized metals Plated metals Stone Wood Metals Leather Ceramics Composites Produce Packaged goods Industries that can benefit from this technique include: Manufacturing Medical equipment Electronics Automotive Aerospace Construction Jewelry Textiles Food With 3D laser marking, a single laser handles multiple processes, making it a fast, flexible and versatile option. Our laser marking solutions can be engineered to suit your business’ specific needs to ensure their compatibility with your existing software and systems for easy integration. This makes 3D laser marking the ultimate versatile option for organizations across all industries. 3. Efficiency With minimal downtime, enhanced operational efficiency is another of the key benefits of laser marking solutions. There’s no requirement to continually load consumables or to clean and maintain the equipment as you go, so you can keep your processes running smoothly, maximizing your output. 4. Enhanced Precision One of the advantages of laser marking in 3D is the enhanced level of precision it offers, regardless of the surface being worked on. 3D laser marking is the ideal option for intricate, high-precision applications that require incredibly fine detail. At Novanta Precision Manufacturing, our precision laser processing solutions, known for their exacting, micron accuracy, so our lasers are the preferred approach for industries where there is no margin for error. 5. Durability & longevity With a 3D laser marking system, deeper, more permanent marks can be etched into more complex materials for durability, longevity and traceability. Marks created in this way cannot be mimicked, helping to prevent counterfeiting too. 3D laser marks are designed to remain in place even in extreme conditions, such as high heat or exposure to chemicals - one of the most coveted benefits of 3D laser marking. 6. Lower costs The lower maintenance costs and lack of requirement for consumables associated with 3D laser marking make it a lower-cost solution than other etching methods. There’s no cost associated with ink or chemicals, and the maintenance required is more predictable, making 3D laser marking a more cost-effective solution, without compromising on quality. 7. Post-production marking 3D laser marking systems are able to apply codes and marks on curved surfaces. Manufacturers and processors can apply codes and marks at later stages of production to eliminate waste and miss-marked products. 8. Sustainability Another of the key benefits of laser marking for many organizations is its sustainability compared to other etching or engraving solutions. As it doesn’t require any consumables, 3D laser marking doesn’t lean on resources or release any toxic fumes, providing a more environmentally friendly option than other methods. Novanta Precision Manufacturing's laser 3D marking solutions Lightning™ II 3-axis scan head Elephant 3-axis scan head CO2 lasers Discover the benefits of laser marking with Novanta Precision Manufacturing 3D laser marking is far superior to other marking technologies. The lasers’ ability to mark any target surface, even on complex parts or surfaces, in a fast, durable manner is what makes this method increasingly popular among organizations across the globe. Ready to discover the advantages of 3D laser marking for your business? Contact us today to find out more about the benefits of laser marking technology or to get a quote.
