Product category:
Laser marking systems
News Release from: Rofin-Baasel UK | Subject: Laser part marking systems
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 19 April 2005
Aerospace approves lasers for direct
part marking
A major UK aerospace company has produced a specification for direct part marking with lasers to improve traceability standards and to meet the objectives of the ATA SPEC 2000 directive.
A major UK aerospace company joins forces with the world's largest industrial laser manufacturer to produce a specification for Direct Part Marking with lasers In order to improve traceability standards and to meet the objectives of the ATA SPEC 2000 directive, aero engine manufacturers have for some time insisted that their suppliers mark products with a unique identifier
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 30 Apr 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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It will soon be a requirement that this identifier along with other information be marked in a machine-readable code (2D data matrix being the preferred format).
There are various technologies available to apply these marks (known as Direct Part Marking Identification or DPMI) but the most flexible is laser marking, allowing permanent marking of many different materials including metals, plastics, rubber and ceramics.
When one notable UK manufacturer acknowledged the need for laser technology in DPMI, it naturally turned to the leader in the field - Rofin-Baasel UK.
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Fast programming, flexible handling and optimized ergonomics are offered by a laser welding system that allows even complicated 3D geometries to be welded.
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As the world's principal manufacturer of industrial lasers with the largest installed base of laser marking equipment in the UK and worldwide, Rofin had the experience and resources to help.
The cooperation resulted in the publication of a specification for laser marking which will allow suppliers to take advantage of the latest technology.
Laser marking offers a number of advantages over other technologies: * Non-contact - applies no mechanical force to the part, so can be used on thin-section or delicate components.
Removes the need for expensive fixturing.
* Permanent - laser marks are visible throughout the life of the part.
* Computer controlled - variable data such as serial numbers and batch codes can easily be applied.
Every mark can be different with no loss of production speed.
* Flexible - can mark many different materials so could be used on various products.
* Consistent - the laser beam 'tool' cannot wear, so marks do not degrade even after many thousands of cycles.
* Low-maintenance - lasers require only occasional maintenance and use no consumables such as inks or chemicals.
When specifying a laser for DPMI it is important that the most suitable type is chosen for that application.
Rofin has nearly 30 years experience and manufactures all of the key laser technologies (Nd:YAG (both lamp- and diode-pumped), Nd:YVO4 (Vanadate) and CO2).
Some laser suppliers can only offer a limited range and may offer a less-than-ideal solution because they are tied to a particular technology.
A laser represents a significant investment that should be protected, so excellent pre- and after-sales support are vital.
Rofin-Baasel UK maintains a fully equipped applications lab for processing samples and has more service engineers on hand than any other supplier. Request a free brochure from Rofin-Baasel UK ...
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